Metalrage.com Frontpage News

Necrophagia frontman to guest on Insidious debut

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:20:00 GMT

Necrophagia frontman Frank "Killjoy" Pucci has co-written and contributed guest vocals to a song called "Rituals of Bloodshed" which appears on the forthcoming debut album from Insidious (formerly Insidious Disease), the international metal project featuring members of Dimmu Borgir, Napalm Death, Old Man'S Child and Morgoth.

Currently unsigned, Insidious (see band photo below) recently spent time at a studio in Norway recording 12 songs with Terje Andersen (a.k.a. Cyrus) of Susperia in the producer's chair.

Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Conceived through Hate" and "Boundless".

Speaking to Blabbermouth.Net, the group's vocalist Marc Grewe (ex-Morgoth) described Insidious' musical direction as "very, very old-school," adding that "it is the best stuff I have recorded since [Morgoth's 1991 album] 'Cursed'."

Insidious is:

Marc "Groo" Grewe (ex-Morgoth) - Vocals
Sven Atle Kopperud (a.k.a. Silenoz) (Dimmu Borgir) - Guitar
Shane Embury (Napalm Death) - Bass
Tony Laureano (Dimmu Borgir, ex-Nile, Angelcorpse) - Drums
Jon �yvind Andersen (a.k.a. Jardar) (Old Man'S Child) - Guitar

Insidious' debut album is tentatively due before the end of the year.

Extreme: new album title revealed

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:19:00 GMT

Reactivated Massachusetts rockers Extreme will make their much-anticipated return to the stage this summer in support of "Saudades de Rock" (pronounced "sow-dodge"), their first studio album in thirteen years. The multi-platinum, Boston-bred band's 2008 "Take Us Alive" world tour gets underway on July 29 at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and will be anchored by a hometown gig two days later at the Bank of America Pavilion. In advance of the tour, Extreme will be a co-headliner on July 11 at the five-day Rocklahoma festival in Pryor, Ok.

The iconic rock foursome - vocalist Gary Cherone, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, bassist Pat Badger and new drummer Kevin Figueiredo - will be supported by King'S X on all North American dates. Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp will offer additional support on select dates.

Information on the new album "Saudades de Rock" - which was produced by Bettencourt at L.A.'s Nrg studios and is planned for release to coincide with the tour - is forthcoming. Fans can expect the same unwavering songcraft and diverse musical approach that made Extreme legendary. Simply put, Extreme's fifth studio offering - which boasts the infectious roar of "Star", the groove-laden, swagger of "King", a raw funk rock anthem called "Learn To Love", and the expressive ballad "Ghost" - just may be its finest hour yet.

As excited as the members of Extreme are by their latest musical accomplishment, they can't wait to take it to the stage. "As much as we enjoy recording, for me, I've always loved playing live for the fans," Cherone says. "We can't wait to get out there and play this music."

"We wanted to record as much of the new album as possible live in the studio," Bettencourt adds. "And because of it, these songs will translate easily to the stage. We're really looking forward to getting out on tour, putting on a show. That's really where the band shines."

"We always knew Extreme was special," the guitarist says of the completion of Extreme's long-awaited fifth album. "We always knew it was a matter of time."

The Grammy-nominated Extreme have released four studio albums to date, plus a greatest-hits set. Selling over 10 million records worldwide on the strength of multiple world tours, the group achieved a #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 in 1991 with "More Than Words". Culled from their 1990 multi-platinum album, "Extreme Ii: Pornograffitti", the disc also produced the Top 5 hit "Hole Hearted".

Although these two acoustic hits brought the band great mainstream success, they overshadowed the band's trademark sound: a mix of hard rock funk in the spirit and style of their predecessors in Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Queen and Van Halen. Fueled by Bettencourt's signature guitar flights and Cherone's resonant vocals, the band's socially conscious lyrics set them apart from their peers. In 1992, the band was asked by Queen's Brian May to perform at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert. As the world watched, the band earned considerable credibility within and beyond the hard rock fraternity.

Here are Extreme's confirmed 2008 tour dates:

Jul. 11 - Pryor, Ok - Rocklahoma
Jul. 29 - Poughkeepsie, Ny - The Chance
Jul. 31 - Boston, Ma - Boa Pavilion*
Aug. 01 - Long Island, Ny - Brookhaven Amphitheater**
Aug. 02 - Baltimore, Md - Ram's Head*
Aug. 04 - New York, Ny - The Fillmore East at Irving Plaza*
Aug. 05 - Lancaster, Pa - Chameleon Club
Aug. 06 - Cleveland, Oh - House of Blues*
Aug. 08 - Detroit, Mi - Harpo's
Aug. 09 - Chicago, Il - House of Blues*
Aug. 10 - Cincinnati, Oh - Union Center Blvd Bash
Aug. 12 - Charlotte, Nc - [to be announced]
Aug. 13 - Atlanta, Ga - Center Stage*
Aug. 15 - Orlando, Fl - House of Blues*
Aug. 16 - Ft Lauderdale, Fl - Revolution
Aug. 18 - New Orleans, La - House of Blues*
Aug. 19 - Houston, Tx - Meridian
Aug. 20 - Dallas, Tx - House of Blues*
Aug. 22 - Phoenix, Az - The Marquee*
Aug. 23 - Las Vegas, Nv - House of Blues*
Aug. 25 - San Francisco, Ca - Fillmore*
Aug. 26 - Los Angeles, Ca - House of Blues*

* With Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp
** With Living Colour

Nightwish: Montreal, Toronto dates added to fall tour

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:19:00 GMT

Nightwish has added two shows in Canada (Montreal and Toronto) to its fall 2008 tour with Sonata Arctica.

The group's fall schedule is now shaping up as follows:

Aug. 29 - Philadelphia, Pa @ The Trocadero
Aug. 30 - Worcester, Ma @ The Palladium
Sep. 01 - Montreal, Que @ Metropolis
Sep. 02 - Toronto, Ont @ Sound Academy
Sep. 04 - Cleveland, Oh @ Agora Theater
Sep. 05 - Detroit, Mi @ Harpos
Sep. 09 - Seattle, Wa @ Showbox SoDo
Sep. 10 - Portland, Or @ Roseland Theater
Sep. 12 - San Francisco, Ca @ The Fillmore
Sep. 13 - Los Angeles, Ca @ The Wiltern
Sep. 14 - Phoenix, Az @ Marquee Theater
Sep. 16 - Dallas, Tx @ Palladium Ballroom
Sep. 17 - Austin, Tx @ La Zona Rosa
Sep. 19 - Houston, Tx @ The Meridian
Sep. 20 - New Orleans, La @ House of BLues
Sep. 21 - St Petersburg, Fl @ Jannus Landing
Sep. 23 - Knoxville, Tn @ The Valarium
Sep. 24 - Charlotte, Nc @ Tremont Music Hall
Sep. 26 - Baltimore, Md @ Rams Head Live!
Sep. 27 - New York, Ny @ Nokia Theater

Tickets for the Montreal and Toronto dates are on sale now exclusively through EnterTheVault.com until June 10, at which point they will be made available through all normal ticketing systems.

"The Islander", the new single from Nightwish, will be released on May 21 and will include the following tracks:

01. The Islander
02. Escapist (instrumental version)
03. Meadows Of Heaven (orchestral version)

Additionally, it will include the videos for "The Islander" and "Bye Bye Beautiful".

Check out the "The Islander" single artwork at this location.

The video for "The Islander" was shot last autumn in Rovaniemi, Finland and was directed by Stobe Harju.

Professionally filmed video footage of Nightwish performing the song "Bye Bye Beautiful" in Sydney, Australia on February 1, 2008 can be viewed below.

After All to enter studio next month

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:18:00 GMT

Belgian thrashers After All have issued the following update:

"Early June, After All start recording their seventh full-album at the Hype Studio in Mechelen, Belgium with longtime live engineer Dee J. Mixing and mastering duties will be handled by Dan Swan� (Edge Of Sanity, Hail Of Bullets, Novembers Doom) at the legendary Unisound Studio in �rebro, Sweden.

"After All extended their recording deal with Hamburg-based Dockyard 1 Records. The new album will be licensed to Locomotive Records for the U.S. market. The release is set for late 2008.

"Just a couple of weeks after the confirmation of their appearance at Graspop, After All are now also confirmed for Leperfest, another major festival in Belgium. Other bands on the bill include Warbringer, Sworn Enemy and a lot more. Check out the whole list of recently confirmed shows.

"The limited vinyl release of After All's 'This Violent Decline' (Killer Metal Records) is now available through our webshop. Pick up your limited copy in black vinyl and your extra limited copy in yellow vinyl."

After All released its latest CD, "This Violent Decline", in the U.S. on August 28, 2007 via Locomotive/Dockyard 1/Ryko Distribution. The album was released in Europe in the fall of 2006 via Dockyard 1. The follow-up to 2005's "The Vermin Breed" was recorded by Dee J. at Hype Studio in Mechelen, Belgium and was mixed by Fredrik Nordstr�m (In Flames, Arch Enemy, Soilwork) at Studio Fredman in G�teborg, Sweden. Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Hatesphere) took care of the mastering at Antfarm Studio in Aabyhoj, Denmark.

"This Violent Decline" contains 11 tracks, including a re-recorded version of "Blind Euphoria" (from the 1992 EP "Dusk"). As a bonus track, the album features a video clip for the track "Frozen Skin". Samples are available on After All's MySpace page.

After All's "Frozen Skin" video:

Glenn Hughes: Oslo footage posted online

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:18:00 GMT

Fan-filmed video footage of legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath) performing on May 10, 2008 at Smuget in Oslo Norway can be viewed below (courtesy of "MacWhale").

Glenn Hughes' new solo album, "First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (F.U.N.K.)", has just been released via Frontiers Records.

Produced by Glenn in Los Angeles, after countless hours spent writing in his home studio, "F.U.N.K." is another magnificent statement from the "Voice of Rock." "It is a roots album, it is a true account of my musical heritage but also fearless and multi-dimensional," said Hughes.

Once again all drums on the record were played by none other than the great Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, while Luis Maldonado took care of the majority of the guitars (Jj Marsh and George Nastos only appear on two songs each) and Anders Olinder is on keyboards (with Ed Roth guesting on three songs).

Doro, Raven, Bonfire confirmed for Spain's Hammer Of The Gods festival

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:18:00 GMT

Doro, Raven and Bonfire are among the confirmed bands for the Hammer Of The Gods 2008 festival, set to take place July 26 at Pabellones Multiusos La Peraleda in Toledo, Spain.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Doro
Dream Evil
Bonfire
Raven
Centinela
Dulcamara
Nocturnia

Check out a poster for the event at this location.

Turisas: two shows cancelled

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:17:00 GMT

Finnish folk/metal overlords Turisas have issued the following update:

"We know that this comes a bit late, but tonight's [May 11] show [at The Cell Block in Phoenix, Arizona] has been cancelled, as well as the one on May 13 [at The Launchpad in Albuquerque, New Mexico]. Sorry for the late information, we only got confirmation yesterday ourselves.

"On the other note, the tour has been really great and the audience reception awesome. Thanks for everybody who have showed up, and you who still haven't, make sure to do something about it quick.

"Oh yeah, no thanks at all to the asshole who stole Olli's [V�nsk�, violin] vest from near the backstage door at the Avalon, Santa Clara. Hope you're having fun with the sweat-and-paint-soaken glam costume!"

Capital Chaos has posted video footage of Turisas performing at The Boardwalk in Orangevale, California on May 7, 2008. Watch the clip below.

Turisas is currently touring North America as part of Paganfest 2008, which also features fellow Finns Ensiferum, Tyr and Eluveitie. This Metal Maniacs-sponsored trek, which kicked off on April 25, is in support of the group's critically acclaimed new album, "The Varangian Way". The disc was re-released on April 29 and this special tour edition package features a bonus DVD jam-packed with live performance footage.

"The Varangian Way" bonus DVD content:

01. Rasputin (video clip)
02. Battle Metal (live) (recorded at Rock Hard Festival 2007)
03. To Holmgard And Beyond (live)
04. In The Court Of Jarisleif (live)
05. Battle Metal (live) (filmed live at Download Festival
06. Battle Metal (live) (recorded at With Full Force 2007)

Central to "The Varangian Way" is the group's concept of a journey through the East European river route through the lands of modern day East Europe. The Northmen who traveled this path in the 9th-11th centuries were called Varangians. Key to the album's concept is a search for self and identity, both of which are explored by the protagonist in "The Varangian Way"'s eight songs. Truly a display of the band's dedication to the conceptual elements of the album, Turisas made sure to include cultural influences from the lands the Varangians would have traveled through.

Eulogy continuing work on new demo

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:17:00 GMT

Founding member/guitarist Jarrett Pritchard of Tampa's reactivated death metal outfit Eulogy has issued the following update:

"Rob [Barrett, Eulogy/Cannibal Corpse guitarist] and I sat down yesterday and did all of his trax for the demo... Mike [Pogionne, Eulogy/Monstrosity bassist] came down last week and did bass. It all went incredibly well. So soon we will be doing vox. Jason [Avery, vocals] has recovered relatively well from the accident. The doctors have said he is Ok to scream....when I was learning of the rest he needed It became semi-funny remembering Nick Holmes from Paradise Lost talking in an interview about popping his eye out from screaming... In our case, this was a real possibility. But he has been cleared for strenuous activity. Any of you who have ever seen him live knows that he is relativly strenuous.

"Saw Dimmu and Behemoth and lots of friends at Jannus Landing last week...Good show. One of the better I have seen in a long while.

"In about a month (I forget the exact date) Cannibal Corpse is releasing a documentary DVD. It spans their entire career and should be pretty great. A whole bunch of us were included in it. Both Jason and I were interviewed and as far as I know included in it. So needless to say we are excited about seeing our grills on camera in a retrospective of some important death metal history.

"As this demo thing draws to a close, my main concern next is festivals. If you're doing one...get in touch."

Eulogy's current lineup:

Jarrett Pritchard - Guitar
Jason Avery - Vocals
Rob Barrett - Guitar
Tony Laureano - Drums
Mike Pogionne - Bass

For more information, visit the Eulogy MySpace page.

Reunited At The Gates plays first show in 12 years: photos available

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:17:00 GMT

Reactivated Swedish metallers At The Gates played their first show since announcing their reunion on May 8, 2008 at the Namba Hatch in Osaka, Japan. Check out pictures from Alan Ralph at this location. The concert was the first date of the Extreme The Dojo 20 Japanese tour featuring At The Gates, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mayhem, Pig Destroyer and Into Eternity.

At The Gates summer 2008 reunion lineup:

Adrian Erlandsson - Drums
Martin Larsson - Guitar
Anders Bj�rler - Guitar
Tomas Lindberg - Vocals
Jonas Bj�rler - Bass

In an October 2007 interview with Blabbermouth.Net, At The Gates guitarist Anders Bj�rler stated about the band's reunion plans, "We have been talking about a reunion for years, but there've never been any concrete plans until now. Me and Jonas [Bj�rler, bass] have The Haunted as our main priority musically. Adrian [Erlandsson] was very busy in the past with Cradle Of Filth. Tomas [Lindberg, vocals] does Disfear and The Great Deceiver, etc.

"I guess I realized this spring (2007), that if we were to pull this off at all it had to be planned way ahead - at least a year prior to the reunion becoming a reality. Since we have alot of other obligations with our other main bands, families, work/studies it was really important to plan this early to avoid any discomfort or stress on our end (as well as the people we work with in our other bands). The summer of 2008 is ideal. Especially for me and Jonas, since we are currently in the writing stage of the new The Haunted album, which probably means we will record it before next summer. Adrian is no longer with Cradle Of Filth which means he is not tied up with extensive touring as he was in the past. This leaves summer 2008 pretty much open for a couple of At The Gates shows."

A recently unearthed live show from At The Gates forms part of a limited-edition version of their classic 1995 album "Slaughter of the Soul", which was released on March 10 in Europe and March 25 in North America.

Issued as a two-disc set containing the original album, six bonus songs and the 35-minute "The Making of Slaughter of the Soul" documentary, the release now boasts a full live set filmed live in Krakow, Poland on December 30, 1995 when the band toured with Unleashed.

Professionally shot with high quality sound, the footage only recently came to light and shows the band in their prime, on the first of their many tours for the album. Check out a clip of the track "Cold" below.

Thanatoschizo: debut album to be re-released in North America

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:16:00 GMT

Portuguese avantgard maniacs Thanatoschizo will have their debut album, "Schizo Level", re-released once again on the American continent this week through the Mexican label Sun Empire Productions. The Lp will be made available in a digipack package, featuring a different front cover and a golden highlighted logo.

"Schizo Level" was originally released in 2001 through Portugal's Misdeed Records and it garnered attention due to its combination of "schizoid black metal, saxs, trumpets and ethereal doom passages," according to a press release.

Thanatoschizo's fourth album, "Zoom Code", was released in March via My Kingdom Music (Recital Records in Portugal). The CD was produced by Luis Barros (Tarantula) and was mastered by Tommy Newton (Conception, Helloween). It features guest appearances by Svein Egil Hatlevik (Zweizz, Fleurety, ex-D�dheimsgard) and Timb Harris of Estradasphere/Secret Chiefs 3.

Four studio-report videos can be viewed at the band's YouTube channel.

Dead Mens Dreams: 'The Dead Are Dreaming' due next month

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:16:00 GMT

Dead Mens Dreams, the Orlando/West Palm Beach Florida-based hard rock band featuring 5 Billion Dead singer Strain, Response Negative drummer Jim McCourt and Stillkept guitarist Claudzilla, will release its debut album, "The Dead Are Dreaming", on June 21 via Solstis Records. A preview of a new song off the CD called "Black Hearts Beat" can be heard via the ReverbNation TuneWidget below.

"The Dead Are Dreaming" was recorded at Erik Rutan's Mana Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was produced by Brian Elliot (Cellador, Absence, Soilent Green), and mastered by Michael Fuller at Fuller Sound (Death, Ankla, Nonpoint).

For more information, visit www.deadmensdreams.com.

Abomino Aetas to release debut in July

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:16:00 GMT

Stavanger, Norway-based black metallers Abomino Aetas will release their debut album, "Sower of Death", in July via Godreah Records. According to a press release, "Abomino Aetas are kindred spirits of the icy olden founders Mayhem, Burzum and Thorns. The epic atmospheres simmering on the album bleed from a bleak primitivism born from the jaws of hell. This is Norwegian black metal in its purest form without becoming a mere reflection of the past. Instead, the music breathes new life into a scene currently awakening from a long slumber. Abomino Aetas are part of the new third wave of Norwegian black metal alongside Taake, Beastcraft, Koldbrann and Kaosritual."

"Sower of Death" (cover artwork) track listing:

01. Sodomizing Satan
02. Penetrating the Darkness
03. Black Angel
04. Katt
05. Enslaved by God
06. Towards Cosmos
07. Sower of Death
08. Light of Venus
09. Nocturnal Legion
10. Black Hole
11. Stille Begravelse

Otep forced to reschedule dates

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:15:00 GMT

Otep frontwoman Otep Shamaya has issued the following update:

"This tour has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. To be able to connect with so many people (strangers who know nothing, but understand everything) through Art is an event so profound that there are no words to truly articulate and express the experience.

"Most people know that the band and I give 2,000 percent of ourselves on stage and though the medical professionals have warned me to 'take it easy up there' or I risk serious damage to my throat, it is not something I am aware of while lost in the experience of spiritual intercourse.

"Truth be told, I know only two speeds - All or Nothing.

"Well, there's good news and tragic news. The tragic news is: due to the inflammation and reappearance of the throat polyps, we are forced to reschedule the remaining dates on this tour. The band and I are devastated by the news, but it's either reschedule now or risk losing the ability to sing altogether. I am so sorry but there is no other way.

"The good news is, the doctors think we have caught it early enough and with a bit of rest, I should be good as new again. Indeed, it worked after the last tour with Hellyeah, I took some time off, the polyp all but disappeared and we were able to go back out on the road again. I am told the same thing should happen but I am also following up with a specialist to see what else, with regards to prevention, can be done.

"Our management and agents are working hard to reschedule these shows this summer, so though a bit of a delay, won't be too much longer.

"On behalf of the band and myself (and the dreaded polyp), I offer my apologies and my appreciation for your understanding, belief, and support.

"I am because you are."

Otep's new album, "The_Ascension", sold 10,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in November to debut at position No. 81 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Produced by Dave Fortman (Mudvayne, Evanescence), "The_Ascension" sees the band challenging itself to avoid clichés and classifications and finding a new landscape of sound and vision. "We said 'genre limits and music fads be damned, let's write music that is important to us and that motivates us," explained Otep frontwoman Otep Shamaya. "I wanted to write songs we believe in and let nothing stop us from building the album we want to make."

Arthemis: 'Black Society' track listing, artwork revealed

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:15:00 GMT

Italian heavy/power metal band Arthemis will release its new album, "Black Society", in July via Scarlet Records (June 28 in Japan via Soundholic). According to a press release, the group "combines the darker side of hard rock with prog/power influences and a modern touch of top-quality heavy/thrash metal."

"Black Society" track listing:

01. Fright Train
02. Angels In Black
03. Electri-Fire
04. Medal Of Honour
05. Escape
06. Black Society
07. Mechanical Plague
08. Let It Roll
09. Zombie Eater
10. Mr. Evil

The track "Fright Train" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

A video clip for the song "Angels in Black" will be made available to coincide with the album release.

Check out the cover artwork at StayMetal.net.

Since the group's inception in 1994, Arthemis has released four well-received albums and has played shows with such celebrated names such as Slayer, Yngwie Malmsteen, Hammerfall, Within Temptation and Cradle Of Filth, among others.

For more information, visit www.arthemisweb.com.

Souldrainer parts ways with Mascot Records, seeks new label home

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:15:00 GMT

�stersund, Sweden-based death metallers Souldrainer have issued the following update:

"It was a while ago now? We have been busting our asses with new material and today we recorded seven new butt-kicking songs. We have left Mascot Records and now we are searching for a new label that will satisfy our needs. These songs are made as demo versions and will be used in the search for a label. Listening to the results from today's efforts we can only say it's really awesome how the recording turned out. It's been worth waiting for! Wow! It sounds like we are moving towards a heavier sound (like we weren't heavy enough before, huh?), more aggressive but yet in a Souldrainer-stylish way. Of course we still have the majestic foundation. Add a touch of evil on that and you are getting close to the new sound. Man, it's impossible to describe the new material with words, you gotta hear it - and you will!"

Souldrainer released its debut album, "Reborn", on May 18 via Holland's Holland's Mascot Records. The CD was recorded by Souldrainer and Marcus Edvardsson at Manic Motion Studio and was mixed and mastered by Marcus Edvardsson. The layout and artwork was handled by Daniel Dlimi. Three songs from the album are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Souldrainer performing live ? December 2007:

Pica Fierce wins 'Norwegian Wacken Metal Battle'

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:14:00 GMT

Norwegian thrash/death metal band Pica Fierce won the "Norwegian Wacken Metal Battle" final this past Friday night (May 9). The competition was held in Trondheim and featured five of the most promising bands in the Norwegian metal scene today. The winner's prize is a slot at this year's Wacken Open Air festival which is being held July 31 - August 2 in Wacken, Germany.

Pica Fierce's self-titled debut album, was mixed at Fascination Street Studios (Opeth, Katatonia, Pain Of Salvation etc.) in Sweden. The Lp was released in Norway last November

For more information, visit the band's MySpace page.

Metallica's 'Mission' beta site goes live (and then it goes dead)

info@metalrage.com (Mindsaver) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:14:00 GMT

The "beta" version of Metallica's new web site, MissionMetallica.com, has officially launched, showcasing the kind of "making-of-the-album" features usually found these days on a DVD accompanying a CD release. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich told a Los Angeles radio station on Monday (May 5), "We thought, instead of doing the usual DVDs and all that, why don't we just do it on the Internet and people can kind of tune in every day, watch clips, contests, get updates for what's going on with the record and kind of watch the last couple of months of song titles, album titles, final mixes...So it's kind of a little bit of a countdown type of thing. It should be fun."

[Update: The "beta" site has since been shut down, but the trailer and the teaser clip that were posted on the site have been released via YouTube and can be viewed below.]

MissionMetallica.com was originally scheduled to launch tomorrow (May 12). Ulrich also told the station, "Knock on wood, this week should be our last week in the studio," adding that the group expects to get its ninth album out in September.

Metallica will top the bill for the annual "Weenie Roast" festival sponsored by Los Angeles radio station Kroq-Fm. The show, scheduled for May 17 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, California, will also feature sets from The Offspring, The Raconteurs, Rise Against, Pennywise, The Bravery, Seether, Scars On Broadway and more.

Ulrich said that fans can expect to hear new material "about five minutes after we finish playing it - thanks to the Internet," although he did not say how soon the band will begin playing some new songs live.

Adagio continuing work on new album

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:40:00 GMT

French neo-classical metallers Adagio are continuing work on their new album, "Archangels in Black", the first CD to feature the band's latest addition, Finnish singer Christian Palin.

Commented the band: "Bass, guitars, drums and vocals lines are recorded. Stéphan [Forte; guitar] is executing a gorgeous work on the orchestrations and guitar solos should be done next week. At the same time, Kevin [Codfert] is recording his keyboards solos and pianos parts in his studio. Both of them will begin the mix very soon (next week).

"The name of the European label will be announced in the upcoming weeks and a French headline tour is already in talks for November 2008.

"And last but not least, on June 10th, the band will start shooting the first Adagio clip for the song 'Fear Circus', one of the major songs of the upcoming 'Archangels in Black' album."

Palin is a member of the Swedish/Finnish combo Essence Of Sorrow and Random Eyes. The latter group recently landed the Finnish album chart at position No. 18 with its latest effort, "Invisible".

God Dethroned, Officium Triste to perform at Holland's Eggfest

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:40:00 GMT

God Dethroned and Officium Triste are among the confirmed bands for the Eggfest, set to take place June 7 in Eibergen, The Netherlands. According to a Rusty Cage Records press release, "up to 1200 visitors are welcome to see various metal acts inside an open air theater with a big dome where everybody is able to rest, drink and eat. We will keep this market small, so you can expect many shoppers with a minimum of competition."

Eggfest 2008 billing is as follows:

God Dethroned
Officium Triste
Heidevolk
Kludde
Gilo
Dr Doom
Project 13-5

For more information, go to www.myspace.com/eggfest.

Sludge: 'Lava' to receive U.S. release

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:39:00 GMT

"Lava", the new album from Swiss doom metallers Sludge, which was released in some parts of Europe at the beginning of the month, will see its release in the U.S. and Germany this coming week, to be followed by Italy later in the month. Dates for its release in Greece, Hungary and Australia are still to be announced.

Sludge will perform live at the official launch party for "Lava" on May 16 at Le Romandie in the band's hometown of Lausanne, Switzerland.

The album is released on the Mighty Music label and features two new members, Ulik on bass and Odin (Houston Swing Engine, Unfold) on vocals.

Formed by Samael guitarist Makro, Sludge had been streaming various tracks from the new album on their MySpace page for a limited period, but due to the response they have been receiving from fans, the bandmembers have decided to extend the streaming for a few more weeks, and have now uploaded the three most popular tracks including the title cut "Lava".

The video below is the official video for the track "60 mm" from "Lava".

Mistweaver recording new album with King Diamond guitarist

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:39:00 GMT

Spanish medieval melodic death metal band Mistweaver has entered Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden with producer Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) to begin recording its fourth album, "Tales from the Grave". The group is currently looking for a suitable label to release the CD, which is tentatively expected before the end of the year.

Mistweaver's third album, "Age of Darkness", was released in 2005 via Golden Lake Productions.

Mistweaver is:

Raul Puente Tobalina - Guitar, Vocals
Eduardo Alonso Santos - Guitar
David de Pedro Mediavilla - Bass
Eduardo Navazo - Keyboards
Simon Cordero - Drums

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/mistweaverband.

Divine Heresy: first footage with new touring singer available

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:36:00 GMT

Fan-filmed video footage of Divine Heresy's first concert with vocalist Jake Veredika, former lead singer of the Maryland-based metal band Periphery, which took place this past Friday (May 9) at the The Fillmore in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can be viewed below (courtesy of "DeaDlyCorpsE528").

As Blabbermouth.Net reported yesterday, Jake Veredika has been recruited as the temporary replacement for former Divine Heresy singer Tommy Cummings, who was dismissed from the group last month.

Veredika came into Assembly Line Studios (Raven, Deceased, Project: Failing Flesh) in Vienna, Virginia this past Wednesday (May 7) to record a demo version of Divine Heresy's "Savior Self" to submit to the group for its consideration. He completed the recording around 3:00 p.m., the demo was e-mailed off, and by 6:00 p.m. he had the gig! Kevin 131 of Assembly Line Studios tells Blabbermouth.Net, "We have known Jake for awhile... he records here from time to time. He shows up with a Divine Heresy demo and gets in a session with Ben [McCall; engineer] in the afternoon. Three hours later, he gets a thumbs-up for the tour! It feels like a 'Ripper' Owens/'Rock Star' moment around here. Ha! We wish Jake the best of luck on the rest of the Divine Heresy tour. Glad to be a part of the process for ya."

While a possibility exists that Veredika will join Divine Heresy as the permanent replacement for Cummings, guitarist Dino Cazares (ex-Fear Factory) told Blabbermouth.Net that the band won't make that decision until after its current "Tyranny And Bloodshred 2008" North American tour with Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity and Firewind wraps at the end of May.

Tommy Cummings' videotaped statement regarding his departure from Divine Heresy and the response from the remaining members of the group can be found at this location.

Divine Heresy's debut album, "Bleed the Fifth", has sold more than 20,000 copies in the United States since its August 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD was released in Japan with an exclusive bonus track, "Purity Defiled".

Epica singer Simone Simons to make her return to live stage this week

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:36:00 GMT

Dutch symphonic metallers Epica, whose lead singer, Simone Simons, was recently infected with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa), also known as the hospital bacteria, have issued the following update:

"Good news: Simone will perform with Epica again! First show will be this upcoming Thursday [May 15] at Bibelot in Dordrecht (only 30 tickets left). The show at Tivoli in Utrecht (capacity 1,000) on the next day [May 16] is a very special one. As 'The Phantom Agony' [Epica's debut album] [was] released five years ago, this gig will contain all 'The Phantom Agony' songs. 800 tickets have been sold for this one already. See you all next weekend!!!"

Epica utilized the services of singer-songwriter and vocal coach Amanda Somerville as the stand-in vocalist for the band's just-completed North American tour with Symphony X while Simons continued her recovery in Holland.

Epica will take part in a special concert dubbed "Classical Conspiracy" on June 14 at the Miskolc International Opera Festival in Hungary. The band will perform classical pieces from Mozart, Dvorak, Verdi, Orff, Prokofiev, Grieg, Vivaldi as well as symphonic versions of its own songs.

Fan-filmed video footage of Epica performing the song "Sensorium" on January 11, 2008 at the Patronaat in Haarlem, the Netherlands can be viewed below (courtesy of "letthemetalflow").

Witchbreed completes pre-production with Waldemar Sorychta; video available

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:35:00 GMT

Witchbreed, the female-fronted Portuguese metal band formed by bassist Ares (ex-Moonspell, Deepskin) and guitarist Dikk (ex-Deepskin), has completed the pre-production for its debut album, "Heretic Rapture", at Medusa Lab Studios with German producer Waldemar Sorychta (Lacuna Coil, The Gathering, Samael, Tiamat, Moonspell).

Footage from the sessions can be viewed in three parts below.

A diary covering the pre-production process can be found on the band's official MySpace blog.

Witchbreed will record its first CD during May and June for a tentative fall release via Ascendance Records.

"Heretic Rapture" will feature the following track listing (not final order):

01. Intro
02. Exiled
03. Rebel Blood
04. Brotherhood of Fang and Claw
05. Thy Eclipse
06. Equinox
07. Witchbreed
08. Fire Throne
09. Eden's End
10. Symphony for the Fallen
11. Ruby Light of the West
12. WitchSkelion
13. Outro

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/witchbreed.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Byzantine frontman to record thrash metal covers album

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:35:00 GMT

Byzantine vocalist/rhythm guitarist Chris "Oj" Ojeda has entered the studio to begin recording his solo project, which is a cover album of late '80s and early '90s thrash metal songs that inspired him and his bandmates to form Byzantine. "As of right now I have eight songs started and should have them finished on a very tentative schedule within the next two months," Ojeda says.

The cover album, which will be recorded under the band name Black Cap Miner, is being tracked by longtime Byzantine producer/engineer Charles A. Fisher and mixed by Drew Mazurek. Ojeda is handling the rhythm section and vocals himself and will be featuring various lead guitarists to handle the lead guitar work. The guitarists will be revealed at a later time.

"This is gonna be a blast!" Chris says. "These are songs that I have dug for over 15 years and to have some of my good touring friends ripping it up on these songs with me will be a hoot! There will be some shredders on here for sure!"

The songs slated to be recorded are as follows:

Megadeth - "The Conjuring"
Nuclear Assault - "Brainwashed"
Annihilator - "Allison Hell"
M.O.D. - "True Colors"
Testament - "Greenhouse Effect"
Wrathchild America - "Climbing the Walls"
Exhorder - "Legions of Death"
Kreator - "People of the Lie"

You can check Black Cap Miner's progress online at this location.

Testament, Opeth, Dark Tranquillity confirmed for Turkey's Uni-Rock festival

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:35:00 GMT

Testament, Opeth and Dark Tranquillity are among the confirmed bands for the Uni-Rock festival, set to take place June 20-22 at at Parkorman in Istanbul, Turkey.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Testament
Opeth
Dark Tranquillity
Orphaned Land
Pentagram
Catafalque
Malt
Moribund Oblivion
Soul Sacrifice
Affliction
False In Truth
Black Tooth
Unleash
Insistence
Heretic Soul

For more information, visit www.unirockfest.com.

Light Yourself On Fire signs with Seventh Rule Recordings

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:35:00 GMT

Seventh Rule Recordings has announced the signing of Tampa, Florida's Light Yourself On Fire. The group, which consists of four veterans of Tampa's metal and hardcore scenes, hailing from such bands as Reversal Of Man, Scrog and Brutality, will release its new album, "Intimacy", in the fall. The CD was recorded by Mark Nikolich (Torche, Kylesa) at Atomic Audio Recording in Tampa, Florida, and was mastered by Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer, Nile) at Visceral Sound.

Light Yourself On Fire describes the origin of its visceral, aggressive sound as "hardcore kids growing up in the death metal capital and being influenced by early '90s noise," naming Obituary, Swans and Christian Death as influences.

The band's full-length debut was released in 2007 on CD by Kiss Of Death Records and on cassette by Robotic Empire.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/lightyourselfonfire.

Divine Heresy enlists former Periphery singer for 'Tyranny And Bloodshred' tour

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:34:00 GMT

Divine Heresy has tapped Jake Veredika, former lead singer of the Maryland-based metal band Periphery, as the temporary replacement for Tommy Cummings, who was dismissed from the group last month.

Veredika played his first show with Divine Heresy last night (Friday, May 9) at the The Fillmore in Philadelphia after only a couple of days' rehearsal, and according to guitarist Dino Cazares (ex-Fear Factory), is working out "great" so far.

While a possibility exists that Veredika will join Divine Heresy as the permanent replacement for Cummings, Cazares told Blabbermouth.Net that the band won't make that decision until after its current "Tyranny And Bloodshred 2008" North American tour with Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity and Firewind wraps at the end of May.

Video footage of Veredika performing live with Periphery at Sonar in Baltimore, Maryland in December 2006 can be viewed below.

Tommy Cummings' videotaped statement regarding his departure from Divine Heresy and the response from the remaining members of the group can be found at this location.

Divine Heresy's debut album, "Bleed the Fifth", has sold more than 20,000 copies in the United States since its August 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD was released in Japan with an exclusive bonus track, "Purity Defiled".

Cerebral Fix parts ways with bassist Frank Healy

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:33:00 GMT

Reunited British punk/thrash crossover band Cerebral Fix has announced the departure of the group's bassist, Frank Healy. "He's been busy with Benediction and other stuff," the group explains in a statement. "We got an e-mail from him yesterday morning informing us that he is leaving the Fix with immediate effect. We'll start looking for a new bass player when we're ready. At the moment, we're just chuffed with writing and rehearsing new tunes which will hopefully be unleashed sometime in the near future."

Metal Mind Productions released "Products of Disgust" by Cerebral Fix, a complete discography of this English thrash/death metal band, last September in Europe (November in the U.S. via Mvd). "Products of Disgust" consists of four CDs, all with bonus tracks (demo, live and previously unreleased tracks), plus a 32-page booklet with a complete band history. The set also includes four new tracks, recorded exclusively for this box. Each CD was made available on golden disc, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology.

Sentenced: 1993 demo recordings to be released on seven-inch vinyl

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:33:00 GMT

Heavy metal musician and journalist Chris "Professor" Black, perhaps best known as the frontman of Superchrist and as a longtime contributor to Metal Maniacs, has confirmed the first two releases for his new label, appropriately named Planet Metal.

"Real life kicked me out long ago, and now I couldn't get back in even if I wanted to," he explains. "Making music is my life, and releasing records is a natural way of keeping busy between gigs. The future may bring some literary publishing into the mix, but for now, the focus is on bringing killer metal recordings to the worldwide underground. Planet Metal releases won't be available from iTunes or at Best Buy. You'll need to rely on your local shops and underground distros instead!"

One of Planet Metal's first releases will be a 7" featuring Sentenced's "Glow of 1000 Suns" and "Amok Run", two scorching demo tracks which date to 1993 and have remained unknown outside of the tape-trading circuit.

Also scheduled is the debut album from Wastelander, entitled Wardrive". Wastelander hails from Infernal City, Michigan and plays post-apocalyptic black metal, a guaranteed new favorite for fans of Venom, Amebix, Abigail and Nifelheim.

Both the Sentenced 7" and Wastelander CD will be available in June.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/planetmetal.

Ravage unleashes 'Freedom Fighter'

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:33:00 GMT

Boston, Massachusetts-based metal band Ravage has posted a new song, "Freedom Fighter", on its MySpace page. The track is the title cut of the group's forthcoming EP, which is scheduled for release on June 5 via the band's own label, Swwr Productions.

"Freedom Fighter" will be Ravage's first EP since 2003's "Curse of Heaven". Artwork for the CD was created by Matt Anderson.

The "Freedom Fighter" track will also be featured on the band's new full-length offering, "The End of Tomorrow", due late 2008 on an as-yet-undetermined label.

Ravage will play live on Friday, May 16 at The Goodtimes Emporium in Sommerville, Massachusetts along with the Iron Maiden tribute band Beast Over Boston.

Poisonblack: new album track listing revealed

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:32:00 GMT

Poisonblack, the Finnish band featuring former Sentenced frontman Ville Laihiala, has finalized the track listing for its third album. "A Dead Heavy Day", which is scheduled for release in August. The CD was recorded at Soundmix Studio in Poisonblack's hometown of Oulu with Kari V�h�kuopus and was mixed by Aksu Hanttu at Grooveland Studio in Lahti.

"A Dead Heavy Day" track listing:

01. Intro
02. Diane
03. Left Behind
04. Bear The Cross
05. A Dead Heavy Day
06. Me Myself And I
07. X
08. Human-Compost
09. The Days Between
10. Hatelove
11. Low Life
12. Only You Can Tear Me Apart

The song "Left Behind" is available for streaming on Poisonblack's MySpace page.

Commented Poisonblack drummer Tarmo Kanerva: "'Left Behind' is the very first track we wrote and rehearsed for 'A Dead Heavy Day'. We already included it in our live set for a while and found out that it's a very cool song that is fun to play live. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!"

"A Dead Heavy Day" will be released through Century Media Records in Europe on the following dates:

* Finland: Wednesday, August 27
* Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy: * Friday, August 29
* UK, France, Greece, Denmark, Norway, Rest Of Europe: Monday, September 1
* Spain, Portugal: Tuesday, September 2
* Sweden, Hungary: Wednesday, September 3

Kanerva previously stated about the new material, "On one hand, there is going to be some really melodic songs, and on the other hand, the heavy stuff is heavier than anything we have ever done before. Still, you won't need to be afraid of dramatic changes. It'll be the typical Poisonblack sound."

Poisonblack in 2006 entered the Finnish national album chart with its sophomore CD, "Lust Stained Despair", at position No. 2. The group's video the song "Rush" can be viewed below. Also available at YouTube.com is a video clip of Poisonblack mainman Ville Laihiala performing the band's song "Pain Becomes Me" acoustically. Check it out at this location.

Ari Koivunen: new album title, artwork revealed

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:32:00 GMT

The winner of the Finnish national Tv talent competition "Idols", 23-year-old heavy metal singer Ari Koivunen, has set "Becoming" as the title of his second solo album, which is scheduled for release in Finland on June 11 via Sony Bmg (June 9 via digital music outlets). Check out the cover artwork by Thomas Ewerhard at this location.

"Give Me A Reason", the first single from "Becoming", entered the Finnish chart at position No. 3. The song, which is currently available for streaming on Ari's MySpace page, was written by Nino Laurenne of Thunderstone and Pasi Heikkil�, who were also in charge of producing Ari's sophomore album at Sonic Pump Studios.

Commented Laurenne: "Ari's album was mastered last Wednesday at Chartmakers with Svante Forsb�ck and I have to tell that this was maybe the hardest session I've ever done. The amount of working hours were countless! We worked eight weeks in the row with my friend and colleague Pasi Heikkil� and we had around four days off during the whole session. Every day 8-14 hours, which is too much when you need your ears all the time. It's hard to say why it was that hard, but sometimes things just don't go that easily and the very tight deadline doesn't help you at all. But I'm very happy with the result and it seems that there's something we did right since the first single 'Give Me A Reason' went straight to the Finnish single chart in the position 3 and the song is the most second downloaded song in Finland at the moment!!! Looking forward to see how the album will go."

"Fuel for the Fire" was certified double-platinum in Finland, where it has sold more than 75,000 copies to date.

A special edition of "Fuel for the Fire" was issued in Finland on November 21, featuring a live DVD and acoustic versions of two album songs ("Hear My Call" and "Angels Are Calling") as a bonus. The live DVD contains material from Ari's concerts in Helsinki last summer and as well as interview footage.

Koivunen performed a "medley" of his songs "Fuel For The Fire" and "Hear My Call" at the Emma Gaala (Finnish Grammy equivalent) on March 8 at Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki.

Scar Symmetry: new song posted online

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:32:00 GMT

Swedish metallers Scar Symmetry have posted a new track, "Morphogenesis", on their MySpace page. The song comes off the group's third CD, "Holographic Universe", due on June 20 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"Holographic Universe" track listing:

01. Morphogenesis (3:54)
02. Timewave Zero (5:13)
03. Quantumleaper (4:09)
04. Artificial Sun Projection (4:00)
05. The Missing Coordinates (4:37)
06. Ghost Prototype I (Measurement of Thought) (4:35)
07. Fear Catalyst (5:03)
08. Trapezoid (4:17)
09. Prism and Gate (3:46)
10. Holographic Universe (9:05)
11. The Three-Dimensional Shadow (3:57)
12. Ghost Prototype Ii (Deus Ex Machina) (6:03)

Check out the cover artwork at this location.

Behind-the-scenes footage of the recording sessions for "Holographic Universe" can be viewed below.

Endwell signs with Mediaskare

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:31:00 GMT

Mediaskare has announced the signing of the Queens, New York-based hardcore act Endwell. The first release from the band through Mediaskare will be a five-song EP titled "Revenge Is A Healthy Motive", which will be available exclusively via iTunes and specialty shops on May 27 and at the band's live shows beginning May 25. The tracks "Mike Tyson" and "Sympathy For All Sufferers" from the EP are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Endwell stated about its new deal with Mediaskare: "We couldn't be happier with the choice weve made! We originally met Baron in L.A. when we were recording our last album and have kept in touch with him since...we got an all-around great feeling for the label while we were on tour with our boys in As Blood Runs Black and there is no one we would rather be family with! Once we had these songs written and had started thinking of labels to shop to, we knew we needed a solid label with a dedication to hardcore and underground music... 'cuz, face it, we've changed. When you're playing a style of music for a few years and then a main songwriter decided to leave, it gives you many options to explore. Basically we just wanted to make a record that was hard emotionally and musically. We wanted to write an album that we could enjoy and that made us feel like we did when we started playing hardcore when we were little kids. When we wrote 'Homeland', it was as if that was our job, we got the call that we were going to be in the studio with a big-time producer in four weeks, and bang! We had a mission to accomplish and we were in Danny's garage seven days a week for almost four full weeks just writing as many riffs and melodies as we could. There was really no 'passion' behind it except for the fact that we had just gotten signed and we knew we had to write an album. All in all, it was an amazing experience we wouldn?t trade for the world. But shortly after 'Homeland' came out, we were sick of it, nobody wanted to play the songs, they just didn't have enough balls so the whole thing became stale. This time around we had months... and some of us had actual jobs and we wrote because it was fun, not because someone was waving an advance and a deadline in our faces. We would get together jam out all get in the same mindset and the riffs and songs just came out... so we want to thank Baron and Mediaskare for taking us under his wing and standing behind our passion 110%."

Endwell is preparing to hit the road beginning May 25 as a part of the "Mosh Lives Tour" with Emmure, On Broken Wings, Recon, and After The Burial. Following that, they will team up with Means for a tour through Canada. Also recently confirmed is a trek with labelmates The Ghost Inside and friends Stray From The Path.

All Shall Perish: pre-production diary part 1 available

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:31:00 GMT

After touring 10 out of 12 months in 2007, Oakland, California-based death metal band All Shall Perish has finally begun recording the follow-up to "The Price of Existence", set to be released worldwide later in the year on Nuclear Blast Records. The sessions are once again taking place at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland with producer Zack Ohren.

A five-minute video clip containing footage from the pre-production sessions for the new CD can be viewed below.

"The Price of Existence", which came out in August 2006, marked the debut of new lead singer Hernan "Eddie" Hermida and new lead guitarist Chris Storey.

Sabaton: new song posted online

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:31:00 GMT

Swedish metallers Sabaton have posted a new track, "Cliffs of Gallipoli", on their MySpace page. The song comes off the group's new album, "The Art of War", due on May 30 via Black Lodge Records. The follow-up to 2006's "Attero Dominatus" was recorded at Abyss Studios with producer Peter T�gtgren and will be made available in three formats: normal CD, gatefold Lp and a limited-editon CD that comes in a DVD package that also will include the exclusive book "The Art of War".

"The Art of War" track listing:

01. Sun Tzu Says
02. Ghost Division
03. The Art Of War
04. 40:1
05. Unbreakable
06. The nature of Warfare
07. Cliffs of Gallipoli
08. Talvisota
09. Panzerkampf
10. Union (Slopes of St. Benedict)
11. The Price of a Mile
12. Firestorm
13. A Secret

Check out the cover artwork by Jobert Mello at this location.

Sabaton performing "Cliffs of Gallipoli" live on Turkey's Dream Tv on April 30, 2008:

Metallica: 'Master of Puppets' vinyl reissue due in June

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:30:00 GMT

Metallica has posted the following message on its web site:

"As promised, June will see the re-release of 'Master of Puppets' [1986] on vinyl . . . the retro summer continues! Following on the heels of 'Kill 'Em All' [1983] and 'Ride The Lightning' [1984], we dusted off the masters and 'Master of Puppets' will come out in the same formats, a single disc at 33 rpm and a deluxe two-disc version on 180-gram vinyl spinning at 45 rpm.

Look for 'Master' on vinyl to hit the Metallica.com store and your friendly local record shop on June 17th, 2008 in North America and damn close to that date in the rest of the world. You know the drill . . . we'll keep you posted here! And for those still following along, yes, '?And Justice for All' [1988] is up next . . . probably sometime in August."

Hydrogyn: 'Deadly Passions' release date update

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:30:00 GMT

Ashland, Kentucky-based rockers Hydrogyn will release their new album, "Deadly Passions", on the following dates:

June 10 - United States
June 23 - Europe
June 19 - Rest Of The World

Hydrogyn has posted a couple of audio teasers from "Deadly Passions" on its MySpace page. Also available at the same location is the CD's cover artwork.

Hydrogyn is currently finalizing tour dates that will start in June and take the band all the way to the Christmas holiday break. The group is going to be doing a lot of U.S. dates this year that will be split up by a run in Europe that is scheduled to start in September in Greece. After the European tour, the band is back to the States to finish up the year and then pick back up in January of 2009.

Hydrogyn recently inked a deal with Demolition Records's UK-based label Dr2. This signing comes on the heels of the band's success with its Billboard-charting "Bombshell" release in 2006, "Strip'em Blind Live" CD success in 2007, coupled with the group's relentless touring in Europe over 2007.

The three-album deal will start with release of "Deadly Passions". The new CD was recorded in Huntington, West Virginia's Smash Hits Studio and includes a cover of Alanis Morissette's mega-smash "You Oughta Know".

Hydrogyn's current recording lineup consists of Julie Westlake on vocals, Chris Sammons on bass and vocals, Josh Kitchen on drums, Jeff Westlake on guitar, and Andy Caudill on keyboards.

"Deadly Passions" track listing:

01. Rejection
02. On And On
03. Your Life
04. Deadly Passion
05. You Oughta Know (Alanis Morissette cover)
06. Over U
07. Candles Light Your Face
08. Seroquil
09. Silent Animation
10. Shadow

Hydrogyn performing live in France, November 2007:

The Devin Townsend Band/Terror Syndrome members launch Ten Ways From Sunday

info@metalrage.com (BoEk) — Sun, 11 May 2008 19:30:00 GMT

The Devin Townsend Band/Terror Syndrome drummer Ryan van Poederooyen has issued the following update:

"I'm the new drummer for a band called Ten Ways From Sunday, which also has Dave [Young, guitar] and Mike [Young, bass] from the Devin Townsend Band and Terror Syndrome in the band. Mike and Dave are the primary songwriters in the band and they also started the band many years ago.The singer Eric Severinson is an awesome vocalist with a great voice and good melodies, in my opinion. I've been in the band the past nine months but I've decided to announce it now knowing that this is a solid project that I'm comitted to along with the other bands I play in. The music is progressive rock, not metal. I'd say musically it's like Porcupine Tree meets old Incubus ('S.C.I.E.N.C.E.' days) meets Pink Floyd, among many other influences. Vocally, it's not your typical prog rock vocals (high-pitched singing, etc.). Eric sounds more rock-oriented mixed with the technical approach that progressive singers take musically. As for the drumming... let's say I have fun! He, he. I definitely get to explore a different technical approach to drumming with a lot more dynamics than what a metal band has to offer. All I have to worry about is drumming in this band, not writing the music, producing or writing lyrics like I do in Terror Syndrome.... just drumming. It's a really cool and fun band for me to play in.

"You can check out some garage demos the band did in a day at the official MySpace page.

"We are playing our first live show as a band on May 10th, 2008 here in Vancouver at The Red Room. We'll be on at 9:30pm, so come check it out if you can!

"We're planning on recording a full length album starting sometime this year."