PINK FLOYD has begun legal action against music label EMI Group Ltd. over the way royalty payments are calculated in the digital era.
The group's lawyer, Robert Howe, told the High Court that the band was disputing the way royalties for online sales are worked out.
He said the group also wants a ruling on whether EMI can sell tracks "unbundled" from their original albums.
Howe said the band's contract prohibits selling tracks "otherwise than in the original configuration of the Pink Floyd albums." EMI claims the rule applies only to physical albums, not the Internet .
Pink Floyd signed with EMI in 1967 and became one of its most lucrative acts.
Tuesday's hearing was the start of what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle.
Further updates to follow.
According to The Press Association, PINK FLOYD have won a ruling at the High Court which will bar record company EMI selling single downloads from their concept albums.
The band was apparently successful over a challenge on the level of royalties paid by the record company but this part of the judgment was held in secret.
Chancellor Sir Andrew Morritt accepted arguments by the group that EMI was bound by a contract forbidding it to sell its records other than as complete albums without written consent.
John Simpson of Australia's South-East Advertiser reports: A Morningside quadriplegic blinded in a freak accident at an AC/DC concert says he intends to sue the event's organizers.
Terry Watson, 32, was watching the sold-out show on February 27 from a special raised podium for wheelchairs when a mate accidentally hit the control stick on his motorized chair, sending him hurtling off the platform and on to the floor of the arena one meter below.
At the moment of impact, the end of a metal prod strapped to Watson's hand speared into his right eye, penetrating his brain.
According to a posting on the RUSH fan site RushIsABand.com, "Rush - The Documentary" — the long-awaited RUSH documentary produced by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn of Toronto, Ontario, Canada's Banger Films Inc. — will receive a red-carpet premier at the Tribeca Film Festival in in New York City on Saturday, April 24. All three members of RUSH — singer/bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart — will be on hand for the event.
Dunn and McFadyen were interviewed last year by Classic Rock magazine's Jerry Ewing about the first-ever feature film documentary on Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart.
"Geddy had been in [Dunn and McFadyen's previous documentary] 'Metal: A Headbanger's Journey' and we were thinking about other bands we could work with," explained McFadyen. "We felt that RUSH had always been overlooked by the critics so we met them on tour and they liked what we said. We started working on it, then IRON MAIDEN came about so we took a break to do that and raised the financing for the RUSH film. We've started on it now and done a load of interviews so now we're editing with a load of archival footage."
"We've been lucky. Not only have we had access to [RUSH management] SRO's archives but also Geddy, Alex and Neil's own personal archives," enthuses director Dunn. "I was just at Geddy's house this week. Going through his personal collection of memorabilia. I dug up some gems I don't think RUSH fans have ever seen so we're hoping to offer something new."
As RUSH fans themselves, Dunn admitted this made him feel like a kid let loose in a candy store.
"Well, Geddy's definitely the premier band archivist," Dunn said. "He has a massive collection of photographs and clippings. We even got our hands on Neil's handwritten lyric sheets from back when they were making 'Fly By Night', '2112' and 'A Farewell To Kings', and I don't think they've ever been seen before."
MusicWeek reports that IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson's Friday-night "Rock Show", which airs on digital radio station BBC 6 Music, will go off the air as part of BBC's overhaul of its digital services.
Dickinson has presented a show for 6 Music since its launch in 2002.
The show goes out on Fridays from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday nights and aims to takes the listener on "a guitartastic journey." It will reportedly finish at the end of April.
A 6 Music spokeswoman says, "6 Music is currently reviewing the way it reflects the rock/heavy metal genres across the network and has decided to decommission the 'Friday Night Rock Show'. The network, however, remains committed to reflecting both genres throughout the schedule as part of its core music offering. We would very much like to thank Bruce Dickinson for the hard work and commitment he has shown to 6 Music over the past eight years."
Bruce's Friday-night "Rock Show" features the IRON MAIDEN singer introducing the best metal and hard tunes to hit the airwaves, and providing a worthy successor to the "Tommy Vance Rock Show".
Bruce has interviewed the biggest names in the rock world today, including Lemmy from MOTÖRHEAD, all four members of METALLICA and former IRON MAIDEN singer Blaze Bayley.
Legendary guitarist Slash (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER) has announced the lineup for his solo touring band:
* Slash - Guitar
* Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE) - Vocals, Guitar
* Bobby Schneck (WEEZER, GREEN DAY) - Rhythm Guitar
* Dave Henning (DOUG PINNICK, BIG WRECK) - Bass
* Brent Fitz (ALICE COOPER, VINCE NEIL) - Drums
Slash's touring band will appear at Ohio's Rock On The Range festival in May, with more dates to be announced soon.
Slash will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Monday, April 12 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with Slash by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).
For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.
"By The Sword", the first single from Slash's first true solo album, simply entitled "Slash", will be released as a digital single on March 28. Check out the single artwork below. The track was co-written by and features a guest appearance by Andrew Stockdale of the Australian retro-rock combo WOLFMOTHER.
The security measures are set to be as heavy as the music when rockers Metallica take to the stage in Bogota's Simon Bolivar park this evening.
Some 1,500 police will be employed to stand guard at the site during Metallica's concert, as well as four tanks and several police trucks, reported El Espectador.
Authorities will also be closing the streets around the park and preventing the entry of under-14s, pregnant women, those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and those carrying weapons.
The Los Angeles rock behemoths have arrived in the Colombian capital, along with 70 tons of speakers, lights and screens - everything necessary for a spectacular show.
The show will form part of Metallica's world tour to promote their new album "Death Magnetic," and promises to be one of the best shows of the year in Colombia's concert calendar.
Support will come from fellow rockers Mastodon, who in an interview with website Shock, said it was a privilege to perform with the legendary heavy metal band.
Entry to the site for ticket holders will begin at 2 PM - good news for those who have been camping outside the arena since Tuesday.
British heavy metal legends SAXON have issued the following update:
"Sadly we are forced to announce that Nibbs [Carter, bass] won't be able to join us on the upcoming tour!
"Due to health problems of his wife, we all decided that it will be the best for all if he stays with his wife and family to make sure that she will get well soon.
"We still want to do the tour and looking really forward to meeting all the SAXON fans out there — it wouldn't be fair to you to postpone the tour again.
"Gladly our friend Yenz Leonhardt (KINGDOM COME, LACRIMOSA, etc.) will jump in for this part of the tour and try to replace Nibbs part as best he can, although Nibbs is irreplaceable to us.
"Thanks for your understanding and keep on rockin'."
THE CULT will perform its classic album "Love" in its entirety during its tour of Australia and New Zealand in May.
"The band is redefining the live album experience with the 'Love Live Tour'; nothing is comparable to witnessing THE CULT fully engaged in the live creation of arguably their seminal album," stated THE CULT manager Tom Vitorino. "For fans, this will be the greatest tour yet, and for those just discovering THE CULT, this staging will envelop them in a pure performance experience,"
The dates are as follows:
May 03 - The Trust Stadium Arena - Waitakere, New Zealand
May 05 - The Tivoli - Brisbane, Australia
May 06 - Big Top Luna Park - Sydney, Australia
May 08 - Palais Theatre - Melbourne, Australia
May 10 - Thebarton Theatre - Adelaide, Australia
May 12 - Metro City - Perth, Australia
THE CULT recently 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.
THE CULT in 2008 parted ways with Roadrunner Records, the label that released the group's latest album, "Born into This". That CD sold 12,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 70 on The Billboard 200 chart. It was recorded in London with producer Youth (VERVE, PRIMAL SCREAM).
THE CULT's current touring lineup includes principals Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy alongside bassist Chris Wyse, drummer John Tempesta (ex-WHITE ZOMBIE, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, HELMET) and rhythm guitarist Mike Dimkich.
Powerhouse American vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, ex-JUDAS PRIEST , ICED EARTH) has scheduled the following European solo tour dates:
Sep. 08 - [to be announced] - Larvik, Norway
Sep. 09 - John Dee - Oslo, Norway
Sep. 10 - Byscenen - Haugesund, Norway
Sep. 11 - Folkets Hus - Ålvik, Norway
Sep. 12 - Sticky Fingers - Gothenburg, Sweden
Sep. 14 - Colos-Saal - Aschaffenburg, Germany
Sep. 15 - Ballroom - Hamburg, Germany
Sep. 16 - K17 - Berlin, Germany
Sep. 17 - Krushfest - Jaslo, Poland
Sep. 18 - Stodola - Warsaw, Poland
Sep. 19 - [to be announced] - Poland
Sep. 21 - Exit Music Hall - Prague, Czech Republic
Sep. 22 - Faval Music - Brno, Czech Republic
Sep. 23 - Randal Klub -Bratislava, Slovakia
Sep. 24 - Viper Room- Vienna, Austria
Sep. 25 - [to be announced] - Zagreb, Croatia
Sep. 26 - Matrioska Club - Modena Italy
Owens last summer wrapped up a short European tour as the support act for HEAVEN & HELL.
Tim's backing band for the trek consisted of the following musicians:
Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORHCESTRA) - Guitar
John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM) - Guitar
David Ellefson (MEGADETH, F5) - Bass
Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO) - Drums
"Play My Game", the first solo album from Owens, landed at position No. 66 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
"Play My Game" was released via SPV/Steamhammer. The offering consists of around a dozen brand-new tracks that Owens composed himself or together with renowned friends, such as Bob Kulick, Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA), Mike Callahan (ex-EARSHOT) and John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM).
Legendary British/American heavy metal trio RAVEN will play a very limited number of North American dates in support of its new album, "Walk Through Fire".
The details are as follows:
Sep. 10 - Sonar - Baltimore, MD
Sep. 11 - Gill's - Virginia Beach, VA
Sep. 12 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Sep. 16 - Wreck Room - Toronto, ON
Sep. 17 - Peabodys - Cleveland, OH
Sep. 18 - The Abbey Pub - Chicago, ILL
Sep. 19 - Blondies - Detroit, MI
Oct. 01 - El Corazon - Seattle, WA
Oct. 02 - Red Room - Vancouver , BC
Oct. 03 - Peters Room - Portland, OR
Oct. 22 - Trees - Dallas, TX
Oct. 23 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX
Oct. 24 - Scout Bar - San Antonio, TX
Tickets go on sale today at EnterTheVault.com exclusively until April 3, at which point they will be made available through all normal ticketing systems.
Expect more RAVEN dates in 2011.
"Walk Through Fire" will be released in the U.S. on March 30 (one day earlier in Europe through SPV/Steamhammer) via Metal Blade Records. The CD, which came out in Japan in March 2009 via King Records, was recorded at the Assembly Line Studios with engineer/mixer Kevin 131 (PROJECT: FAILING FLESH, DECEASED, DYSRYTHMIA, GARDEN OF SHADOWS).
RAVEN's first album since 2000's "One for All" contains 14 new songs and two live bonus tracks.
"Walk Through Fire" track listing:
01. Intro
02. Against the Grain
03. Breaking You Down
04. Under Your Radar
05. Walk Through Fire
06. Bulldozer
07. Long Day's Journey
08. Trainwreck
09. Grip
10. Running Around In Circles
11. Hard Road
12. Armageddon (The Beginning)
13. Attitude
14. Space Station #5 (MONTROSE cover)
15. Live at The Inferno **
16. Rock Until You Drop **
** Bonus Live Tracks
TWISTED SISTER , ANVIL and STATUS QUO are among the confirmed bands for this year's Bospop festival, set to take place July 10-11, 2010 at Evenemententerrein Weert Noord, in Weert, The Netherlands.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
July 10:
JOHN FOGERTY
CROSBY, STILLS & NASH
SAYBIA
THE CRANBERRIES
HEATHER NOVA
DE DIJK
SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY, CUBY + BLIZZARDS
THE HOAX
JASON RICCI & NEW BLOOD
GUY FORSYTH & BAND EN FREESTROKE
July 11:
TOTO
STATUS QUO
TWISTED SISTER
RAY MANZAREK AND ROBBIE KRIEGER OF THE DOORS
ANVIL
NICOLE FERMIE
Tickets go on sale on March 20.
For more information, visit www.bospop.nl.
Following their eagerly awaited return to the live stage at the almost-sold-out Gramercy Theatre in New York City, reformed heavy metal legends ACCEPT will be heading to Europe to perform special shows in carefully handpicked venues in various European capitals.
ACCEPT has chosen to play these publicity concerts in small, intimate settings to get close to its longtime fans.
After a decade-long absence, ACCEPT wants to make this a special "thank you" to its European fans, who will be able to attend specially arranged meet-and-greet sessions at each of these shows. In addition, the band will be available for autograph sessions, photo opportunities and interviews during this short trek.
Confirmed dates so far are as follows:
May 08 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theater
May 11 - Vilnius, Lithuania - Forum Palace
May 14 - Moscow, Russia - B1 Maximum
May 15 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Lensoveta Theater
May 18 - Helsinki, Finland - Virgin Oil Co.
May 20 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser Slussen
May 26 - London, UK - Islington O2 Academy *
* Not officially confirmed by the band
The remaining dates and locations will be announced within the next few days.
Rumors surrounding these shows have started to pop up all over the Internet due to the exceptionally high anticipation around the world to hear and see the new ACCEPT lineup — featuring the band's latest addition, vocalist Mark Tornillo (ex-TT QUICK) — perform.
In an effort to keep the arrangements a surprise for the fans, ACCEPT has had a difficult time lining up these concerts. Only one or two shows per country will be finalized and not all nations will be included as ACCEPT has a very limited amount of time available before it focuses on promoting its upcoming comeback album.
Following the CD's release and the intimate European "fan-focused" shows, preparations for a full-fledged world tour will start this summer.
"We can't wait to go out and play again," said bassist Peter Baltes. "Just because [former ACCEPT singer] Udo Dirkschneider isn't available to take part in the reunion doesn't mean we'll have to sit idle any longer. We feel Mark is the perfect fit. Mark is an experienced veteran singer who is aware of the ACCEPT legacy and his voice fits the sound of ACCEPT perfectly.
"Wolf [Hoffmann, guitar] and I have always been the songwriting team — most of the classic ACCEPT tunes were written that way; together with Deaffy, a.k.a. Gaby Hoffmann, as a lyricist."
ACCEPT recently completed recording its new album, tentatively titled "Blood Of Nations", at Backstage Studio in Derbyshire, England with acclaimed British producer and SABBAT guitarist Andy Sneap (MEGADETH , EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE). The CD — which will mark the recording debut of Tornillo — will include around 14 tracks and be released before the summer via an as-yet-undetermined record label. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "The Abyss", "Shades Of Death", "Blood Of Nations", "Pandemic" and "Teutonic Terror".
BLABBERMOUTH.NET in December uploaded exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the recording sessions for the new ACCEPT album. The six-and-a-half-minute clip, which includes interview footage with Sneap and members of the band, as well as audio samples of the group's new material, can be viewed below.
Regarding Tornillo's addition to ACCEPT, Hoffmann previously said, "It all happened in minutes. Peter and I were working on some tunes in a studio in New Jersey. Somebody suggested we give this guy Mark a call to see if he would join us on vocals. So when he arrived we started jamming on some old ACCEPT tunes — just for fun. As soon as Mark started singing we looked at each other and realized the impossible just happened: we found a new voice for ACCEPT! The timing could not have been better! Now or never... We are re-energized and excited..."
TT QUICK was a popular club band during the 1980s in the New York and New Jersey area and was known for the guitar work of David Dipietro and the powerful vocals of Mark Tornillo. Dipietro's skills were especially singled out as he had given lessons to both Zakk Wylde of the OZZY OSBOURNE band and SKID ROW's Dave Sabo.
TT QUICK disbanded and later reunited sporadically and released a few more albums, including a live CD from one of their reunion gigs ("Thrown Together Live") and a studio effort, "Ink", which came out in 2000.
ACCEPT 2010 is:
Wolf Hoffmann: Guitar
Peter Baltes: Bass
Herman Frank: Guitar
Mark Tornillo: Vocals
Stefan Schwarzmann: Drums
Former HANOI ROCKS guitarist Andy McCoy will take part in an acoustic performance on April 3 at Vastavirta Club in Tampere, Finland. The show is called "Andy McCoy Acoustically And Exclusively".
In other news, McCoy's art exhibition will be held the last week of May at Cable Factory in Helsinki, Finland. In addition to Andy's paintings, the exhibition will include Oskar Ohlson's photos of Andy taken over the last 20 years.
A February 2010 video message from Andy McCoy can be viewed below. In the four-minute clip, McCoy talks about his upcoming plans, including the aforemention art exhibition, his side project GREASE HELMET (which features members of AMORPHIS) and a new solo album.
McCoy previously stated about his upcoming solo CD, "It will be released under the name Andy McCoy." He added, "There's already heavy interest from the labels. We are looking at the way to release it simultaneously worldwide."
Regarding the musical direction of the album, Andy stated, "I am really trying to get back to my roots with the new material."
McCoy's decadent autobiography, "Sheriff McCoy: Legend of Hanoi Rocks", is now available in English for the first time in a deluxe hardcover edition through North American publisher Bazillion Points.
A national icon in his native Finland, McCoy has been called the Finnish Keith Richards — except Richards only fell out of a coconut tree; Andy McCoy fell from a fourth-story balcony and lived to tell the tale. His over-the-top image and streetwise bending of punk, glam, and old-fashioned rock 'n' roll inspired a generation of platinum-selling bands — rock authors Slash of GUNS N' ROSES and Nikki Sixx of MÖTLEY CRÜE have already admitted their musical and stylistic debts. Now the real McCoy speaks from the heart on subjects including rock stardom, true love, his arsenal of vintage guitars, and surviving every imaginable variety of intoxication.
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER will celebrate their 30th anniversary at this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 5-7, 2010 in Wacken, Germany. The band will perform its seventh and most successful album, "Tunes Of War" (1996), in its entirety at the event and will be accompanied by "illustrious guests," such as the 20-headed BAUL MULUY PIPES & DRUMS BAND from Hamburg, German metal queen Doro Pesch, BLIND GUARDIAN lead singer Hansi Kürsch and the metal a capella ensemble VAN CANTO. There will also be a special elaborate stage set with an extraordinary pyro show.
Wacken Open Air will mark the first and final time GRAVE DIGGER will play the entire "Tunes Of War" album live. The band will also perform some of its other "greatest hits," such as "Ballad Of A Hangman", "Heavy Metal Breakdown" and "Excalibur" at the end of its set.
GRAVE DIGGER will enter Principal studio in Senden, Germany in May with producers Resetti Brothers to begin recording its new album for a late 2010 release.
GRAVE DIGGER's latest album, "Ballads Of A Hangman", was released on January 9, 2009 via Austria's Napalm Records.
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER have been confirmed for this year's Sweden Rock Festival festival, set to take place June 9-12, 2010 in Sölvesborg in southern Sweden.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
AEROSMITH (US)
ALDO NOVA (CAN)
ALESTORM (UK)
ANVIL (CAN)
BACHMAN & TURNER (CAN)
BEHEMOTH (PL)
BIGELF (US)
BILLY IDOL (UK)
CINDERELLA (US)
D-A-D (DK)
DANZIG (US)
F.K.Ü. (S)
FATES WARNING (US)
GARY MOORE (UK)
GRAVE DIGGER (D)
GUNS N' ROSES (US)
JORN (N)
MAGNUM (UK)
MASTODON (US)
MOTHER'S FINEST (US)
NAZARETH (UK)
OPETH (S)
POINT BLANK (US)
RICK SPRINGFIELD (AUS/US)
RATT (US)
RAVEN (UK/US)
SABATON (S)
SAGA (CAN)
SLAYER (US)
STEEL PANTHER (US)
STEELWING (S)
STRATOVARIUS (FIN)
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES (US)
THE QUIREBOYS (UK)
U.D.O. (D)
UNISONIC (D)
W.A.S.P. (US)
WATAIN (S)
WINGER (US)
Y&T (US)
Last year's festival was attended by 35,200 people, but in 2010 the maximum number of visitors will be limited to 33,000.
For more information, visit www.swedenrock.com.
Joe Matera of Ultimate-Guitar.com recently conducted an interview with guitarist Bill Kelliher of Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: Is there a lot of pressure on the band with album number five to out do its predecessor both commercially and creatively?
Kelliher: For me, I think it is all over if you don't top your last record. To have a healthy band and be a healthy artist, as you really need to keep out doing yourself on every record otherwise. You don't want to plateau, so you have to keep interesting ideas coming. And so far we've done that. It seems that with every record we've done, even as far back as "Remission" [2002], when that record came out people were saying, "How are they going to top that?" Looking back now that record was good, but that was when MASTODON was just a baby and growing. We're only ten years old now so I think the sky's the limit with ideas. I think we still have a lot of good ideas in us and a lot of fire under our asses. We have a lot good things going for us so we definitely want to keep the band alive and keep charging forward. I mean, I'm almost 40 years old so I don't feel like starting all over again with a new band and starting from scratch. You know, it's a long way
to the top if you want to rock and roll .
Ultimate-Guitar.com: The group recently has just scored the music for a new upcoming movie called "Jonah Hex". How did that go?
Kelliher: It was great. After touring and touring, we had September of 2009 off, where I had all my wisdom teeth pulled out, which itself took a week and then we went straight to Los Angeles and spent a week there coming up with ideas. We watched the film in segments and wrote stuff there and ad-libbed some stuff. But we gave them more than enough material to use. So after we worked in the studio doing that, we then came home, Troy [Sanders] got married and other things had to be taken care of, and then went back on tour. When we are back home again in March, we may be a couple more small snippets for us to fill in and that's about it. It'll be done.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: The music industry is a tough business. What are some of the most important lessons you've learned since having gone pro on an international scale?
Kelliher: It is good to always be friends with your front-of-house guy. Don't ever piss him off! Or your monitor guy, too. Don't throw stuff at your monitor guy as he can push the stop button real quick and you can feedback in your in-ear pretty quick, if you know what I mean. Generally, be nice to everyone on your way up because on your way down they're going to be there and will remember what you dick you were.
Ultimate-Guitar.com: MASTODON has toured the world over and done countless tours with many other bands, many of whom are your heroes. Who are the heroes that you still would like to meet?
Kelliher: There are so many still I haven't met yet, I'd like to really meet Jimmy Page some day. But I've met some many of my idols so far, like Dave Grohl who is such a great guy and we've actually jammed together a little bit. Also, King Buzzo [Buzz Osborne] from the MELVINS is another of my heroes and I loved jamming with him. it would be great to write some music with him some day.
British doomsters ORANGE GOBLIN have announced that, due to various circumstances, there will be no new album from the band for the foreseeable future.
Commented the group: "With everybody's commitments to work, family and other things, we have decided that it is best that we do not commit to any deadline for the next album as we wouldn't want to rush and deliver a record that we are not 100% happy with. Songwriting will continue as and when we can, but we honestly couldn't say when we will be ready to go into the studio to record again. It will definitely NOT be in 2010. Please rest assured that it will happen, but sometimes it is better to stop and think of what is best for ORANGE GOBLIN as a band!"
ORANGE GOBLIN's Ben Ward recently left RAVENS CREED because he could "no longer give the band the time and energy that it deserves."
Members of ORANGE GOBLIN will once again be spinning discs at their "Metal Disco" at this year's Roadburn festival, which will take place April 15-18 in Tilburg, Holland.
In other news, ORANGE GOBLIN will be featured on a new Metal Hammer compilation album paying homage to the masters of heavy metal , BLACK SABBATH. ORANGE GOBLIN will contribute its yet-to-be recorded cover of "Symptom Of The Universe". Other acts that will be featured include APOCALYPTICA, PRONG, ELECTRIC WIZARD and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY.
ORANGE GOBLIN's latest CD, "Healing through Fire", was released in May 2007 through Sanctuary Records. The album was initially released as a CD with a bonus DVD featuring live footage from the band's headline show at London's Mean Fiddler in December 2006.
Austin, Texas' THE SWORD entered the studio in February with producer Matt Bayles (MASTODON, ISIS, MINUS THE BEAR) to begin recording its third album for a late 2010 release via Kemado Records. Frontman J.D. Cronise tells AOL's Noisecreep that the as-yet-untitled record will have a broader hard rock sound but stresses that the band's aim isn't to broaden its appeal outside of the heavy metal market. "If more people listen that's great, but we're not doing it for that reason," he says. "We are just more interested in expanding our sound for ourselves. If we wanted to expand our audience we should just remake the second album over again, rather than challenge people with something new."
Cronise adds, "It's really a concept record. The songs revolve around a concept we came up with or spin off from it. It's not the kind of fantasy concept though, it's more sci-fi."
THE SWORD recently recorded a cover version of THIN LIZZY's "Cold Sweat" for a split seven-inchsingle that will be released through Volcom Entertainment's Vinyl Club. On the flip side will be YEAR LONG DISASTER covering THE SWORD's "Maiden, Mother & Crone" with Rob from KARMA TO BURN on drums.
For more information, go to this location.
THE SWORD has also scheduled a one-off show at Stubb's in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, March 16 as the support act for MOTÖRHEAD. Also slated to appear is YEAR LONG DISASTER.
THE SWORD's last album, "Gods of the Earth", was released on April 1, 2008 via Kemado Records.
PLACE OF SKULLS, the Knoxville, Tennessee-based band featuring former PENTAGRAM guitarist Victor Griffin, has finished recording its fourth album, "As A Dog Returns", at Lakeside Studios in the group's hometown. The band states, "We're still putting the final touches on production and then mastering."
"As A Dog Returns" will have a total running time of approximately 55 minutes and will feature artwork by Evolution Printing & Design of Manassas, Virginia.
The track listing for the CD is as follows (tentative order):
01. Timeless Hearts
02. Breath Of Life
03. Though He Slay Me
04. Psalm
05. Dayspring
06. He's God
07. The Maker
08. Desperation
09. As A Dog Returns
PLACE OF SKULLS' third full-length album, "The Black Is Never Far", was released in 2006 via Exile On Mainstream Records. The CD was recorded at Lakeside Studios with producers Travis Wyrick and Mike Dearing, and featured Griffin alongside Dennis Cornelius of REVELATION and OVERSOUL fame and drummer extraordinaire Tim Tomaselli. Longtime friend and original PLACE OF SKULLS/DEATH ROW bassist Lee Abney also made a guest appearance.
AMON AMARTH, COHEED & CAMBRIA, GARCIA PLAYS KYUSS, HATEBREED, THE 69 EYES, BRIAN "HEAD" WELCH, ADEPT, RAUNCHY, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and ANTICHRIST have been confirmed for this year's Metaltown festival, set to take place June 18-19, 2010 at Frihamnem in Gothenburg, Sweden
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
ADEPT (S)
AMON AMARTH (S)
ANTICHRIST (S)
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME (US)
BLEEDING THROUGH (US)
BRIAN "HEAD" WELCH (US)
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE (UK)
COHEED & CAMBRIA (US)
CYNIC (US)
DARK TRANQUILLITY (S)
DREAM EVIL (S)
FINNTROLL (FIN)
GARCIA PLAYS KYUSS (US)
HATEBREED (US)
IN FLAMES (S)
KREATOR (GER)
NILE (US)
RAMMSTEIN (GER)
RAUBTIER (S)
RAUNCHY (DK)
SABATON (S)
SONIC SYNDICATE (S)
THE 69 EYES (FI)
More acts will be announced soon.
For more information, visit www.metaltown.se.
Finnish battle metallers TURISAS have entered Sound Supreme studio in Hämeenlinna, Finland to begin recording their third album for a late 2010 release via Century Media Records.
Commented TURISAS vocalist, songwriter and producer Mathias "Warlord" Nygård: "After a nine-month break from touring to be able to fully focus on songwriting, we've finally moved forward and have now started recording. It's going to be a long project, and keep us busy all the way until the break of summer, but believe me, the wait will be all worth it.
"With three years between albums, there's been enough of time to find a fresh angle and new ideas not to repeat ourselves or albums we've done in the past. The songs rock big time, but the epic elements aren't going anywhere — it's going to sound larger than ever before. The leap forward is going to be just as big as between 'Battle Metal' [2004] and 'The Varangian Way' [2007]."
Nygård and TURISAS were honored with the 2009 Culture Award by the Regional Council of Häme province. Since 1991, the award has been handed out annually to a person living and working in Häme region as a way to honor his/her achievements in the field of culture. The award was received by Mathias and guitarist Jussi Wickström on November 23, 2009. The Council mentioned that Nygård and the band represent "new kind of creativity in Häme" and that they "create new international culture by using old tradition."
CHELSEA GIRLS, which is heralded as the first-ever female all-star-super-cover-band, featuring Corey Parks (NASHVILLE PUSSY), Samantha Maloney (HOLE, MÖTLEY CRÜE), Allison Robertson (THE DONNAS), and former Playboy model/DJ Tuesdae, has released the following statement:
"It's with sadness in my heart that I [Tuesdae] announce CHELSEA GIRLS are now on hiatus. We haven't broken up, but have halted business due to various circumstances...
"Allison had to leave the band because she simply didn't have time to work on projects with CHELSEA GIRLS... THE DONNAS are writing a new album and most of her time goes to that. I love THE DONNAS and hope the new album SLAYS!
"Another factor is Corey's busy schedule as a fashion designer and stylist (and mom). Corey Parks is launching a killer new line called White Widow and it's breathtaking! All leather and rock n' roll...the tightest shit you've ever seen!
"Sam and I have been working on other projects too... Sam remixes tunes and has several high-profile drum gigs. I'm getting ready to debut HUNTRESS April 5 at Les Deux and I've been playing with Dave Navarro in our new acoustic metal act UNDER THE COVERS. We have a show at Les Deux Monday, March 15, too.
"Yeah, it sucks that we couldn't keep it together, but to be successful, you sometimes have to choose ONE thing and make that your only focus. CHELSEA GIRLS are just too fucking talented to pick one goal right now. And sometimes you can't follow your heart, you need to lead with it.
"It ain't over, but it's on hold. For real."
CHELSEA GIRLS' name references an Andy Warhol flick and a premise — the greatest anthems from the likes of AC/DC, JUDAS PRIEST, BLONDIE and even some MADONNA. In the spirit of CAMP FREDDY, they used to bring in special guests, including actress/model Carmen Electra , who was said to be the unofficial fifth member as the band's emcee.
Swedish glam-rock band CRASHDIET has inked a deal with Frontiers Records for the European release (excluding Scandinavia) of its third album, "Generation Wild". The 10-song CD, which will be made available in Sweden on April 14 through Gain/Sony Music, was helmed by RamPac, the production and songwriting team formed by Johan Ramström and Patrik Magnusson, in Gröndal, Sweden and was mixed by Tobias Lindell.
"Generation Wild" track listing:
01. Armageddon
02. So Alive
03. Generation Wild
04. Rebel
05. Save Her
06. Down With The Dust
07. Native Nature
08. Chemical
09. Bound To Fall
10. Beautiful Pain
SEPULTURA , SODOM, CROWBAR and DECAPITATED are among the confirmed bands for the Royal Metal Fest 2010, set to take place April 15-17, 2010 at Voxhall in Århus, Denmark.
The festival billing is as follows:
SEPULTURA
SODOM
CROWBAR
DECAPITATED
BELPHEGOR
ONSLAUGHT
VREID
THE OCEAN
BURNING SKIES
IN-QUEST
ARMED FOR APOCALYPSE
THE KANDIDATE
DAWN OF DEMISE
HAMLET
DIE
KOLBORN
DISINTEGRATED
BULLET TRAIN BLAST
For more information, go to this location.
"Invocation", the new album from German thrashers DEW-SCENTED, will be released in North America on May 25 via Prosthetic Records. Recorded by Jörg Uken at Soundlodge studios (GOD DETHRONED, SINISTER, DESPONDENCY) in Rhauderfehn, Germany, the CD marks the first appearance of drummer Marc-Andree Dieken (ex-OBSCENITY), and guitar team Michael Borchers and Martin Walczak, alongside long-term members, vocalist Leif Jensen and bassist Alexander Pahl.
"Invocation" will feature cover artwork by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.com.
Commented Jensen: "DEW-SCENTED are honored to announce that our new album, 'Invocation', will be released via Prosthetic Records in North America! The label's dedicated staff, their outstandingly classy and pretty open-minded musical taste for all things extreme as well as the quality work delivered for cool bands like LAMB OF GOD , GOJIRA, SKELETONWITCH, ALL THAT REMAINS and BENEATH THE MASSACRE make us happy and proud to be teaming up with them as new partner for our upcoming releases! We look forward to unleashing 'Invocation' upon the thrashing masses in North America soon!"
Formed in 1992, DEW-SCENTED has released seven previous full-lengths on labels such as Nuclear Blast, Grind Syndicate and Steamhammer/SPV. The band has toured with a who's who of extreme music, including CANNIBAL CORPSE, NAPALM DEATH, BEHEMOTH, KREATOR, SODOM and OVERKILL.
"Invocation" will be released in Europe on Metal Blade Records.
DEW-SCENTED is:
Leif Jensen - Vocals
Michael Borchers - Lead Guitars
Alexander Pahl - Bass
Martin Walczak - Rhythm Guitars
Marc-Andree Dieken – Drums
DEW-SCENTED's last album, "Incinerate", was released in North America in April 2007 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was mixed by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY) and features guest appearances by Jeff Waters (ANNIHILATOR), Gus G. (FIREWIND) and Mille Petrozza (KREATOR).
For a list of upcoming DEW-SCENTED shows, visit www.dew-scented.net.
Raleigh, North Carolina traditional metallers WIDOW will reissue their debut album, "Midnight Strikes", via Divebomb Records on April 13. The remastered LP will also feature the rare "No Stone Unturned" demo and a full concert video from 2004.
The full track listing is as follows:
"Midnight Strikes" (2003)
01. The Pleasure of Exorcism
02. Witch Way
03. Angel Sin
04. Nightchild
05. Inside the Sign
06. No Stone Unturned
07. Empire of Thorns
08. Reunion
"No Stone Unturned" (2002)
01. Angel Sin
02. Reunion
03. No Stone Unturned
04. Empire of Thorns
05. Inside the Sign
Enhanced video (live at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh on March 26, 2004):
01. Nightchild
02. Witch Way
03. No Stone Unturned
04. Angel Sin
05. Reunion
06. The Pleasure Of Exorcism
Dutch hard-rock band MENNEN will play its final show on April 17 at MC De Bosuil in Weert, Holland. This will be a special evening and will include special guest appearances by several musicians. The group will also be joined by a big choir, giving some of the songs a special dimension.
MENNEN will appear in the most successful lineup:
Joss Mennen - Vocals
Eric Van De Kerkhof - Guitar
Alex Jansen - Bass
Fon Janssen - Drums
MENNEN was founded 17 years ago after Joss left the melodic rock band ZINATRA. Through the years MENNEN has released five studio albums and two live recordings. Their latest CD, "Planet Black", produced by Erwin Musper (VAN HALEN, SCORPIONS), was supported by an appearance at the legendary Wacken Open Air festival in Germany . Other highlights included headlining tours in the south of Europe and appearances in the USA.
For more information, visit www.mennen.net.
40 WATT SUN, the new project led by Patrick Walker, the singer , guitarist and songwriter of the legendary British doomers WARNING, will release its debut album, "The Inside Room", in June/July via Cyclone Empire Records. The band's sound "is characterized by a melodic, down-tempo song-writing style, sparse arrangements and introspective lyrical themes," according to a press release.
40 WATT SUN's lineup is rounded out by drummer Christian Leitch (guitarist and songwriter of THE RIVER) and bass player William Spong.
40 WATT SUN will perform at the Doom Shall Rise VII festival in Göppingen, South Germany the weekend of April 9-10, 2010.
Spanish "doom thrashers" RHINO have set "Weight Of Coronation" as the title of their third album, tentatively due this summer through an as-yet-undisclosed label. The CD will be recorded in March at Koba studios in Bilbao with producer Xanpe and will once again feature artwork by renowed artist Rafa Garrés, who previously worked with the band on its second album, "Dead Throne Monarch".
According to a press release, RHINO's forthcoming LP will be its "heaviest without a doubt, but sure will follow the path marked by their two previous records, 'Breed The Chosen One' (2007, 7th Gate) and the above-mentioned 'Dead Throne Monarch' (2008, Arctic Music)."
For more information, visit www.hornoftherhino.com.
TAROT — the Finnish group led by NIGHTWISH /ex-SINERGY bassist Marco Hietala — has scheduled the following dates in the band's home country:
Mar. 31 - Klubi - Tampere, FIN
Apr. 01 - Bar Kino - Pori, FIN
Apr. 02 - Klubi - Turku, FIN
Apr. 03 - Rytmikorjaamo - Seinäjoki, FIN
Apr. 04 - Teatria - Oulu, FIN
Apr. 07 - Tavastia, Helsinki, FIN
Apr. 08 - Sibelius-klubi - Lahti, FIN
Apr. 09 - Osmantupa - Eura, FIN
Apr. 10 - Bar Q - Imatra, FIN
Apr. 15 - Henry's Pub - Kuopio, FIN
Apr. 16 - Kellari - Joensuu, FIN
Apr. 17 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, FIN
TAROT will release its ninth studio album, "Gravity Of Light", on April 23 via Nuclear Blast Records (excluding Finland). A tour will follow, including a stop in Moscow, Russia as well as a number of summer festival appearances.
Check out the "Gravity Of Light" artwork below.
TAROT has been confirmed for this year's ProgPower USA XI festival, set to take place September 8-11 in Atlanta, Georgia.
"Undead Indeed", the latest DVD from TAROT, topped the Music DVD chart in Finland in its first week of release.
The two-DVD and two-CD versions of "Undead Indeed" were made available in Finland on June 11, 2008.
"Undead Indeed" was filmed/recorded on August 17, 2007 at club Rupla in Kuopio, Finland with director Harri Mielonen.
Atlanta, Georgia's "psych metal" band ZOROASTER has entered Living Room Studios (MASTODON, THE BLACK LIPS) in the band's hometown to begin recording its new album, "Matador", for a July release via E1 Music. The CD is being produced by Sanford Parker (PELICAN, THE GATES OF SLUMBER) and will be mastered by Collin Jordan (BLACK MOTH SUPER RAINBOW, NACHTMYSTIUM) at The Boiler Room in Chicago, Illinois.
The drums and bass for "Matador" are being laid to tape at Atlanta's Glow in the Dark Studios. Housed in the former location of the renowned Cheshire Sound Studios — the first dual 24 track facility in the Southeast — the recording complex has been home to projects featuring Prince, THE GEORGIA SATELLITES, Steve Walsh and more.
Commented ZOROASTER guitarist/vocalist Will Fiore dished, "As a whole, these are the strongest songs we've ever put together and they really encompass everything we've done until now as a band. There are some really heavy, slow creepers and some of the faster, more driving songs.
"The new material ranges from really aggressive to more melodic and trippy.
"It's going to be a pretty straight-forward rock album and I think it's what we wanted to create with both 'Dog Magic' and 'Voice of Saturn' rolled into one," offers drummer Dan Scanlan. "There will be a lot of shorter tracks that are very straightforward and hard-hitting — it's a lot less of a droning record than what people are expecting.
"The album title 'Matador' sums up the feel of the album perfectly. It's an 'epic' sort of title; strong and powerful, but graceful."
ZOROASTER will debut a number of new songs at its upcoming SXSW (South By Southwest) live performances, which kick off on Wednesday, March 17 as part of the Action! PR SXSW Showcase (@ Mohawk: 912 Red River St., Austin, TX). The all-ages event will be open to the public as well as SXSW badge and wristband holders.
ZOROASTER, the Atlanta-based group who has been called "one of the U.S.'s most promising metal bands" while drawing stark comparisons to GODFLESH, SLEEP and the MELVINS, formed in Atlanta in 2003 out of the need for "sedation by high volumes and low frequencies."
In addition to Fiore and Scanlan, ZOROASTER features bassist/vocalist Brent Anderson.
NEVERBORNE, originally hailing from South Africa but now residing in Surrey, U.K., has issued the following update:
"NEVERBORNE have [been] quiet of late on the gig front and for good reason too. We are tirelessly working on our new album, which is going extremely well. The band is focused and creativity is at a high.
"We are all really excited about the new material and are working hard to make sure is will be nothing short of epic! Currently seven tracks are complete, and we are booked in to hit the legendary Thin Ice Studios again mid-year to work with Karl Groom [DRAGONFORCE, HAMMERFALL] once again."
NEVERBORNE's debut EP, "In Absence Of Fear", was released last November via Glasstone Records. The CD was produced at Surrey's Thin Ice Studios by Karl Groom.
According to a press release, NEVERBORNE writes "adrenaline-soaked metal that combines melody and brutality, harmony and chaos, hope and despair."
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/officialneverborne.
Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of the New Jersey-based aggressive hard rock outfit RETURN TO EARTH featuring the talents of Ron Scalzo, Brett Aveni, and Chris Pennie (COHEED & CAMBRIA, ex-THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN). The band's already completed second album, "Automata", is scheduled for release this summer.
RETURN TO EARTH comments: "After self-releasing our first album, 'Captains of Industry' [2007], and discovering a heavier, more intense sound during the recording sessions for 'Automata', the three of us agreed that the scope of the band's vision would benefit from the support of a bigger, like-minded record label — one that had similar musical influences and an appreciation for our DIY, 'studio-geek' mentality. Also, a label we felt we could trust and depend upon to promote our songs properly. Metal Blade was always at the top of our very short wish list of potential partners, and so we were thrilled to discover that Brian Slagel and Metal Blade were as enamored with us as we were with them. Signing with Metal Blade is an affirmation of our hard work, and we are psyched to have them in our corner for the release of 'Automata'!"
Brian Slagel adds: "I have been a big fan of Chris Pennie for a long time and we all at Metal Blade are very excited to work with Chris and the rest of RETURN TO EARTH."
RETURN TO EARTH's music is highlighted by the awe-inspiring precision of Pennie's backbeat, Aveni's catchy rock hooks, and Scalzo's sing-and-scream, harmony-heavy vocals. Scalzo states, "We're all passionate about music, and have a shared affinity for classic metal & modern-day rock with lush production. We're three guys with three different perspectives — but you can hear all those influences in our own tunes, loud & clear."
As with all great bands, when RETURN TO EARTH make music together, the disparate influences and personalities coalesce into a single vision. Scalzo explains, "Most of all, we each draw inspiration from the other guys' strengths — whether a riff, a rhythm line, or a vocal hook — it doesn't take much to ignite our respective fires, and that usually culminates in something heavy, different, and ultimately, inspirational. We're all really proud of this record."
For more information, visit www.returntoearthmusic.com.
TRIPTYKON, the group founded by former HELLHAMMER/CELTIC FROST singer and guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior, will play its first concerts in Japan as part of the Extreme The Dojo Vol. 25 tour in June. The band will co-headline the shows with NILE. The special guest for these concerts will be the German group OBSCURA.
The Extreme The Dojo Vol. 25 dates are as follows:
June 02 - Osaka, JPN @ Club Quattro
June 03 - Nagoya, JPN @ Club Quattro
June 04 - Tokyo, JPN @ O-East
Commented Tom: "In 2008, Japan was the setting for some of CELTIC FROST's most extraordinary concerts ever. I am thus truly delighted to return and grateful that we will get a chance to perform TRIPTYKON's mass of darkness there so early on in the band's career."
In other news, TRIPTYKON has been confirmed to headline the Jalometalli festival in Oulu, Finland, on August 14.
"Eparistera Daimones" — the debut album by TRIPTYKON, will be released as deluxe mediabook CD edition (including a 28-page booklet and extensive liner notes) as well as gatefold double LP via Century Media Records under exclusive license from Prowling Death Records Ltd. on the following dates:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy: March 19
Spain, U.S.: Tuesday, March 23
Sweden, Finland, Hungary: March 24
U.K., Benelux, France, Greece, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Rest Of Europe: March 22
Short audio samples of all nine songs that will appear on "Eparistera Daimones" are available for streaming on Amazon.com.
"Eparistera Daimones" is not only musically a leviathan. Remarkably, the album will also feature the epic artwork by renowned Swiss artist H.R. Giger and New York-based surrealist Vincent Castiglia.
In an exceptionally rare gesture, H.R. Giger has granted TRIPTYKON the use of his dramatic painting "Vlad Tepes" (work no. 412, 200 x 140 cm, acrylic on paper on wood, 1978). It is the artist's first authorized appearance on an album cover in 17 years, and the second time he collaborates with Warrior (following CELTIC FROST's "To Mega Therion" album in 1985).
Vincent Castiglia contributes "Triptykon", a specially created portrait of the members of the group, painted in the artist's own blood (86 x 86 cm, blood/iron oxide on archival paper, 2009). As Castiglia aptly put it, the amalgamation of works by H.R. Giger, Vincent Castiglia, and TRIPTYKON on "Eparistera Daimones" forms a creative triptych in itself.
"Eparistera Daimones" will also feature detailed credits, full lyrics and extensive liner notes to all songs.
The CD will feature the following nine songs, at a playing time of around 70 minutes:
01. Goetia
02. Abyss Within My Soul
03. In Shrouds Decayed
04. Shrine
05. A Thousand Lies
06. Descendant
07. Myopic Empire
08. My Pain
09. The Prolonging
TRIPTYKON consists of V. Santura (guitar, vocals), Norman Lonhard (drums, percussion), Vanja Slajh (bass), and Tom Gabriel Warrior (voice, guitars). The group has unambiguously stated that it pursues the continuation and further development of the path Warrior began in HELLHAMMER and CELTIC FROST.
For further information, visit www.triptykon.net.
Norwegian band VREID has issued the following update:
"This weekend we were gathered in the good old Fjøsen ( our rehearsal place from the ULCUS and WINDIR days). It was a great atmosphere to rehearse there again, and especially with all the stuff we are working with at the moment, everything from new lineup, new album and the upcoming special shows.
New material: First of all, we are working on the new material.
"Over the last 10 months, I [bassist Hváll] have been working on riffs and ideas for a new album. This has now ended up in 10 working tracks.
"Over the last few months, Sture and Steingrim have been working together with me on the guitar and drum arrangements. This weekend was the first time we started playing the stuff together, and I have to admit that I am 'over the moon' about how the songs are turning out.
"It is too early to describe what direction the album is taking, but for me the main thing is that the material sounds very fresh and that it fills us all with such enthusiasm.
"We now have a few working sessions coming up before we start recording the drums. Sture and Strom will work closely together to develop the guitar arrangements, and I am confident that their work collaboration will bring our music to new heights.
Shows with special guest: Furthermore, we have been rehearsing on a special live set.
"We will do three selected shows this spring where we will be joined by a special guest for a few extra songs. The special guest is Vegard Bakken, brother of Terje Valfar Bakken. This will be full VREID concerts plus that we will play a couple of WINDIR songs with Vegard doing the vocals on these songs.
"This is something we have considered for quite some time. The loss of our brother and closest friend back in 2004 is something that has had a major impact on our lives, and is always affecting us both as persons and musicians. We have strong relationship with Vegard, and the music and spirit of WINDIR is something that unify us. We all grew up together and there is a bond between us, Vegard and Terje that never will be broken.
"During the last six years we have done more than 200 shows around the world with VREID, and met so many people with a passionate relationship to VREID and WINDIR. This, of course, has inspired us a lot. So bringing Vegard in and doing a few songs together is something we are sure will please a lot of people, but most importantly, it is very satisfactory for ourselves.
"Rehearsing on these songs again this weekend just felt bloody great, and we do feel excited by incorporating a few WINDIR classics in our VREID set for these shows."
The dates are as follows:
Apr. 29 - W2, De Bosch, Netherlands
Apr. 30 - Ragnarök festival, Kreuth, Germany
May 01 - Fiesta Pagana, Schmerikon, Switzerland
VREID's fourth album, "Milorg", was released in North America on October 27, 2009 via Indie Recordings (with distribution and marketing duties handled by The End Records).
An e-card for "Milorg" is available at this location. The e-card features audio samples of all the cuts that appear on the CD .
"Milorg" was released in Norway on January 5, 2009 via Indie Recordings (January 19 in the rest of Europe). The cover artwork was designed by PC Groove.
VREID is the Norwegian band formed by former WINDIR members Hváll (bass), Steingrim (drums) and Sture (vocals, guitar).
FIREBIRD, the British power trio led by CARCASS/ex-NAPALM DEATH guitarist Bill Steer, is currently mastering its new album, tentatively titled "Double Diamond", for a summer 2010 release. The CD features ten songs recorded at Graveland studios in 's-Graveland, Holland during January.
FIREBIRD last fall parted ways with bassist Smok Smoczkiewicz "due to personal reasons." Following his departure, Australia's Tom Sutton was drafted in to play bass with the group for a landmark appearance at Loud Park festival in Tokyo. A week later FIREBIRD performed on the main stage at Damnation Festival in Leeds, this time with Terry Waker handling bass duties. The year was rounded off with a Swedish tour, featuring initially Tom Sutton on bass and then Greyum May, formerly of THE BLACK HAND.
FIREBIRD's fifth album, "Grand Union", was released in the U.S. on June 23, 2009 via Rise Above Records' new North American distribution deal with Metal Blade. The CD, which came out in Europe on April 20, 2009, was recorded and mixed over a two-week period in May 2008 at Berno studios in Malmö, Sweden where FIREBIRD's second album, 2001's "Deluxe", was conceived.
Check out songs from the album on the band's MySpace page.
LEAFBLADE, the Liverpool, England-based side project of Danny Cavanagh from ANATHEMA, has announced the addition of Portuguese drummer Daniel Cardoso (HEAD CONTROL SYSTEM, DEL) to the group's ranks. The band states, "[Daniel] has just been over to the studio in southern England to record his parts for our second album, which is shortly complete!"
Check out a clip from the new album recordings below. Also available is a photo of the new LEAFBLADE lineup.
LEAFBLADE released its debut album, "Beyond, Beyond", in September 2009 through Angelic Recordings.
According to a press release, "The band has implemented a sound mixing a variety of genres, maybe especially leaning towards the Celtic, folk and spiritual themes in their music . Or, as they like to say it, LEAFBLADE is music from the forest of the heart.
LEAFBLADE has already numerous tours under the belt, with the likes of ANATHEMA and ANTIMATTER.
Angelic Recordings is a co-operation between Danny Cavanagh and Aftermath Music.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/leafblade.
Finnish dark metal masters BEFORE THE DAWN will celebrate their 10th anniversary with the release of a brand new EP. Entitled "Decade Of Darkness", the seven-song effort will hit the stores in Finland and the rest of Scandinavia via Stay Heavy Records on March 31. The rest of Europe will receive effort in September via Cyclone Empire in a special package that will include a bonus DVD, "Live At Summer Breeze 2009".
"Decade Of Darkness" track listing:
01. Decade Of Darkness
02. End Of Days
03. Insomnia
04. Painless (Japan bonus track)
05. Painless (live)
06. Deadsong (live)
07. Deadsong (symphony version)
BEFORE THE DAWN's fifth album, "Soundscape of Silence", was released in Scandinavia in October 2008 via Stay Heavy Records.
BEFORE THE DAWN is:
Tuomas Saukkonen (BLACK SUN AEON) - Vocals, Guitar
Lars Eikind (WINDS, JACK IN THE BOX ) - Vocals, Bass
Juho Räihä (GLORIA MORTI, RIVERSIDE SYNDICATE) - Guitar
Atte Palokangas - Drums
Dutch death metallers SINISTER will enter Soundlodge studios in Rhauderfehn, Germany with producer Jörg Uken (GOD DETHRONED, OBSCENITY) on October 15 to begin recording their new album, tentatively titled "Legacy of Ashes". An early 2011 release is expected via Massacre Records. The band states, "Expect the most brutal and fast SINISTER album ever."
SINISTER had the audio version of its August 24, 2006 concert at the Stodola Club in Warsaw, Poland released on CD on September 21, 2009 in Europe (via Metal Mind Productions) and December 1, 2009 in the USA (through MVD). The digipack edition was limited to 1,000 copies. Entitled "Prophecies Denied", the material was previously released in December 2006 as SINISTER's the first-ever live DVD, also featuring an interview with the band's frontman Aad Kloosterwaard and guitarist Alex Paul as well as a documentary, "Angels of the Apocalypse", plus rare footage.
SINISTER's latest album, "The Silent Howling", was released in August 2008 via Massacre Records. The CD was also recorded at Soundlodge.
Audio samples are available on the band's MySpace page.
SINISTER's current lineup includes Aad Kloosterwaard (vocals), Alex Paul (guitar), Bas van den Bogaard (bass) and Edwin Van Den Eeden (drums).
Chile's death metal legends PENTAGRAM have completed their first studio recording in over 20 years. During their European tour in the summer of 2009, the band recorded the track "Demented" — which was written in the '80s but didn't make it onto either of PENTAGRAM's groundbreaking demos — at HVR Studios in the U.K. with producer/engineer Dan Biggin at the helm. The vocals were recorded in Santiago, Chile in December when the band gathered in their hometown to support VENOM in front of 2,000 raging old-school metallers. The track is currently being mixed and should surface on a split seven-inch single (for the "Imperial Anthems" series) later in the year. More details will be announced soon.
In other news, PENTAGRAM has begun writing new material for its first-ever full-length album. Bandleader Anton Reisenegger (guitar/vocals) comments: "When we started writing, the idea was obviously to preserve the spirit of our '80s material, but, to be honest, we didn't have to try very hard. It all started flowing naturally, and it was all there: the dark vibe, the weird time changes, the 'spider' riffs... We are having a great time writing new music , but it's going to take some time to complete an album's worth of material due to the logistical difficulties. But we don't want to rush things anyway, and this way we can make sure what we put out really lives up to the legend that PENTAGRAM represents for so many people."
PENTAGRAM intends to return to Europe this year again for another string of festivals and selected club shows.
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