Latest Metal News
Sacred Reich Announces European Tour Dates
Arizona thrashers, SACRED REICH, have announced the confirmed dates for their European Summer Tour 2009, which currently include the following:
5/30 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Dynamo
5/31 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Rock Hard Festival
6/20 - Clisson, France - Hellfest
6/25 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
6/26 - Balingen, Germany - Bang Your Head Festival
6/28 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
Annihilator's "Set The World On Fire" Reissue
On "Set The World On Fire," Annihilator's third studio album from 1993, the band leaves some of the thrashier elements from their two first albums behind by focusing more on melodies. With the three octave range of Aaron Randal's voice and the sheer complexity of Jeff Waters' riffs they manage to create some of the most beautiful melodies.
Metal Mind Productions presents the re-release of "Set The World On Fire." The new edition of the album includes two bonus tracks plus an additional CD with a promotional video for "Set the World on Fire," video material featuring Jeff Waters speaking about the process of writing and recording "Set the World on Fire," touring, making of the "Set the World on Fire" video and more. The bonus CD also includes additional video and audio material: live clips, interviews, home video recordings and some live Annihilator videos from 1989. This digipak edition is limited to 2000 copies, digitally remastered using a 24-Bit process, and released on a golden disc.
The release date is set up for January 19th in Europe and March 10th in the USA (via MVD).
Annihilator's "Set The World On Fire" (remastered + bonus tracks) tracklisting is as follows: More...
Terror Announces First Tour Dates For 2009
TERROR recently wrapped a trek in support of their new album, "The Damned, The Shamed." The tour, dubbed "Choose Or Lose, Vote Or Die" saw the band co-headlining alongside AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK.
Terror scheduled some upcoming gigs in the northeast with MAXIMUM PENALTY and other special guests. More...
Soulfly Announces More European Tour Dates
Soulfly have issued the following update regarding their upcoming European tour:
"As promised, we are now announcing the rest of the dates for the second leg of Soulfly's European Conquer Tour with Incite. With the addition of these dates in East Europe and Scandinavia, the tour is now scheduled to take up two full months and will see Soulfly playing 57 shows in 27 countries. Head to the shows page for ticket information; more ticket links are going to be posted as we receive them from promoters." More...
Dreaming Dead Announces CD Release Show
To coincide with the release of their Ibex Moon Records debut, "Within One," Dreaming Dead will perform at Hollywood's Knitting Factory on Sunday, January 25th. Joining Dreaming Dead will be Gigan, Book Of The Black Earth, Psyopus and Cattle Decapitation. Tickets are available to metalheads of all ages in advance for $12. There will be two stages and the show will start at 6:00 PM.
By Night Issues New Album Update
Swedish metallers, BY NIGHT, have issued the following update regarding the writing progress on their new album:
"We are working hard to get finished with all the songs for the next record... We have 5 new songs and at least ideas for 5 more so we are really close to get it together..."
"The songs seems to be the most heavy and aggressive we have done so far, no compromise or false identity from By night... [Studio] time will soon be booked and a new album will be released until this year is over."
Crucified Barbara Announces European Tour Dates
Swedish metallers, Crucified Barbara, have announced the following tour dates:
02/08 – Mosebacke, Stockholm (CD RELEASE PARTY)02/27 - Glam Slam Växjö - w/ Hardcore Superstar, Babylon Bombs, Gemini5
03/06 - Wictoria Karlskoga - w/ Vains of Jenna
03/07 - Sigurdsgatan 25 - Västerås, Sweden - w/ Vains of Jenna
03/13 - S2 - Borlänge, Sweden - w/ Vains of Jenna
03/14 - Pipeline - Sundsvall, Sweden w/ Vains of Jenna
03/19 - Debaser - Malmö, Sweden w/ Vains of Jenna
03/20 - Sticky Fingers - Gothenburg, Sweden w/ Vains of Jenna
03/21 - Rockbaren – Karlstad, Sweden
03/26 - Jailbreak – Rome, Italy
03/27 - Sottotetto – Bologna, Italy
03/28 - Sidarta – Prato, Italy
03/29 - Thunderroad – Pavia, Italy
In Vain Reveals New Album, "Mantra" Details
Norway's In Vain have issued the following update on their new album:
"After much work during Christmas we are 98% done and only small corrections remain. Our new album will be entitled 'Mantra' and it will feature 7 songs with a playing time of more or less an hour. As previously mentioned, we will also include a video of the recording and other stuff. More news on artwork, mastering and last but not least, music will hopefully be available in not too long. We have worked quite a lot on this album and hope you will enjoy it." More...
Threat Signal Issues Recording Update
Vocalist Jon Howard of Canadian melodic death metallers, Threat Signal, has issued the following recording update:
"Right now I'm sitting in my home studio comping/editing the rhythm guitar tracks we recently recorded... Raymond Hererra and B-Real where nice enough to get us into their studio (Temple Studios) in Chatsworth California to track the guitars for the album earlier in December. We tried many different amps and cabinets to get the most bad ass tone we could. We ended up using Diezel, VHT and Marshall heads, through Randal and Marshall cabs with 8 different mics. Jeremy Blair the Engineer at Temple Studios helped us out a TON with getting the perfect tone. That dude is the shit" More...
Dark The Suns Offers Free Single Online
Finnish melodic metal band Dark the Suns is offering a free download of their new single "Rimed With Frost." The song can be downloaded at the band's official website. The song comes from the band's upcoming album "All Ends in Silence" which will be released in Spring of 2009.
Rammstein Issues Recording Update
German industrial metal band Rammstein has issued the following recording update for their upcoming album:
The first part of the recordings was finished on December 21st, 2008 after 7 weeks of intensive work. Drums, guitars, and bass, as well as most of the vocal tracks, have now been recorded. Musicians and producers have bid their adieux for the holidays. And so, until the next chapter, we wish everyone involved – and all the Rammstein fans out there! – a very Merry Christmas and a long and lively New Year.
Rosetta, The Handshake Murders Booking Tour
Rosetta and The Handshake Murders are mapping out a late-May tour in the Northeast. If you can help with any of the following dates, send a message to them via their MySpace page.
Here's the tour's routing so far:
5/22 Baltimore PA
5/23 Lancaster PA
5/24 Cleveland/Parama Heights/Akron OH
5/25 Pittsburgh PA
5/26 Doylestown PA
5/28 Philadelphia PA
5/29 New York City NY
5/30 Boston/Portland ME/Burlington VT
5/31 Syracuse NY
Ossein Offers Double Album For Free Download
Experimental black metal and acoustic act Ossein is offering the double album 'Fuhrer' as a free download at the band's official MySpace Page. The band issued the following statement about the album:
"I'd just like to thank everyone who's taken the time to download our recently released Double LP 'FÜHRER.' It's come close (to our count) 500 downloads so far, without any real promotion, so I'm feeling pretty gratified with the interest.
"FÜHRER is a record about the God in Man, oppressed by Men playing God. Our brains react differently when exposed to various sound frequencies, which alter our mood, opinions, and consciousness. While some tracks on this recording are accessible & song based, many are heavily instrumental and may require patience for some listeners. Our goal is to inflict a variety of emotions, ideas, periods of self-reflection, and ultimately altered states in our listeners.
"While some tracks are abrasive and dark, others offer more soothing soundscapes. While tracks like 'Maize In Afternoon Light' paint a picture of divinity after death, others like 'Once Metropolis' expose an uneasy view of future civilization and isolation in physical planes. Some show a more human approach, stripped down to acoustic instruments and voice, telling stories of failed leadership, philosophy, and the search for divinity. As a recording, we draw influence from Johnny Cash and Joanna Newsom, to Merzbow and Coil alike. We're hoping to expand the business a little with this one, we've got a PR agency and we're ready to start pushing."
This Ending's "Parasites" MP3 Online For Download
Metal Blade Records has posted a new MP3 of This Ending's song "Parasites." The song is off the band's upcoming new album "Dead Harvest," which will be available everywhere on February 3rd. You can download "Parasites" here.
Slagmaur Signs To Osmose Productions
Osmose productions has signed Norwegian Black Metallers Slagmaur for a two album deal that will see the re-release of two of the band's earlier albums: "Svin" and "Skrekk Lich Kunstler."
Commenting on the signing, Patricia Thomas, the UK-based manager of the notoriously reclusive band, who come from a remote part of Norway and who prefer to remain detached from the Black Metal scene, confirmed that the band had been approached by several labels in respect of their back catalogue: "The band have always been adamant that they themselves retain complete control over every aspect of their output. Osmose was able to appreciate the benefits of allowing SLAGMAUR to continue working in a way that has proved to be very successful so far, and both band and label felt comfortable with each other".
"Osmose added: "This is a very unique and original band, both in terms of music and personalities. SLAGMAUR is one of the darkest Black Metal bands to emerge from Norway for some considerable time, and their whole attitude and approach to their music makes them very interesting to work with to say the least!" More...
Taake Posts New Video For "Unenneske"
Taake has posted their latest music video, for the song "Umenneske" from the band's new self-titled album. You can watch the video below. More...
Vomitory Begins Recording Of New Album
Vomitory has issues the following recording update:
Today starts the recording of Vomitory's 7th album, entitled "Carnage Euphoria." Ten songs of relentless death metal will be immortalized at Leon Music Studios in Karlstad/Sweden, with studio owner Rikard Löfgren in the engineer/producer seat. A studio diary is up and running at the official Vomitory forum. No registration is required.
Seance Streaming New Album Online
Swedish death metal act Seance is streaming their entire new album "Awakening of the Gods" through Terrorizer Magazine's website from January 5th to January 11th. The cover art can be viewed below and the album track listing will be as follows:
1. Wasted
2. They
3. Your Time Has Come
4. Invocation
5. Flight Of The Wicked
6. Murder
7. Choose Your Eternity
8. Forever Haunted
9. Revel In Death
10. Prisoner 666
11. Burn Me More...
Fan Captured Nonpoint Video Streaming Online
A fan captured video of part of Nonpoint's live show at the House of Blues in Orlando has been posted online. The video can be viewed below. More...
Behemoth's Nergal Talks About Writing Process
Behemoth is in the final stages of the songwriting process for their upcoming, yet untitled album. The record is tentatively expected sometime in the fall via Metal Blade (US), Nuclear Blast (Europe). Nergal and Co. are planning to enter the studio in the middle of February. The band’s mainman has issued a following report:
“As I write this, we have seven songs that are completely written and arranged though there’s still leads missing in some of them. It all sounds tight as fuck and very fresh! There are two more songs under working so after New Year break we should start working on it. I want this album to be very consistent, intense and catchy at the same time. Judging by what what’s been composed so far, that’s exactly where we are with this new material.“
“Last year was a very productive year for all of us…we’ve toured US, Australia and New Zealand, covered most of prestigious festivals in Europe and invaded virgin markets in Asia: Japan, China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand. It was also the first time since ages that I managed to take two months off from any band activity. I traveled a lot, recharged my batteries and decompressed myself. I’ve been collecting ideas, riffs and pieces of lyrics throughout the whole 2008 but it was in October where I seriously kicked my ass and started full on work on the album. It went pretty rough in the very first stages but the more stuff was written the smoother it went.”
“I must confess that I’m way more excited about this record than I was for “The Apostasy”. It’s probably the whole label situation that we had to deal back then, Inferno’s injury that caused crazy deadlines that completely drained the energy out of my system… I even started treating that album as unwanted child. Weird, because from time perspective it’s a great one. This time though everything was planned much in advanced. I found time to live my life, get some energy back, get inspired and so on…when we met in October it was obvious that all of us were really hungry for making new music. It’s definitely 100% Behemoth. I would risk saying that we do have our own style but it’s still improving, evolving in different directions every time we approach new project. Most of the songs are the really fast, technical and intense, at the same time there’s a lot of diversity. There’s even a very slow, massive song that’s probably the most epic tracks in Behemoth’s history. Everything sounds more serious and…dangerous (I love that word, ha ha). There’s probably more sinister vibe in our music this time too. I’m completely stoked and I just can’t wait until we enter the studio!”
A new photo album has been added to the band's MySpace, featuring shots from the rehearsal session.
DragonForce at NAMM Signing Sessions
DragonForce has just released the following announcement concerning their NAMM signing sessions:
DragonForce members will be signing at Winter NAMM 2009 in Anaheim, California at the following times:
Friday 16th January, 2009
Samson Technologies (Booth 5940, Hall B)
2pm - 3pm
Herman Li & Sam Totman
Saturday 17th January, 2009
Ibanez / Tama (Booth 4634, Hall C)
12pm - 1pm
Herman Li, Sam Totman, Dave Mackintosh
Fallen Martyr Parts w/ Drummer Lovie Lee
Fallen Martyr has announced that they've parted ways with drummer Lovie Lee, who will need further surgery and recovery time. Here's an update from the band:
"We regret to inform that Fallen Martyr has parted ways with Lovie Lee, while still on good terms with lovie, situations have forced the departure. Lovie's surgery on his shoulder set him back, and still hasn't recovered and soon will need surgery on his wrist. So please take a second to wish Lovie all the best and a full recovery so he can continue to play drums and tear it the fuck up! We are still on great terms with lovie, hes a bro and will always be.
"However, the search for a new drummer is at hand, and the next chapter of this band will begin. We are recording several songs for our drummer search using 'Drum Kit From Hell.' If you aren't familiar with this program, well you wont be able to tell that its a fake drum kit lol.
"We will be mapping out and writing the drum parts, and so far its amazing, any drummer that is up for an audition will need to learn the drums that will be on the songs posted within the month or so. We are so excited to share you all our new unique sound and we know you all will not be disappointed :) its an in your face taste of thrashy death metal with a melodic edge, with a symphonic back round... Basically its epic :P
"So please stay with us, we promise when we return we will be better, more powerful, and stronger than ever, we promise that we will get on the road and deliver tunes to your door step, just help us make it happen :) until then keep in touch everyone and keep it metal!"
Stream Of Passion Issues Recording Update
Stream of Passion has issued the following update about the recording process of their upcoming album:
With the drums recorded in record-breaking time it was up to the guitar players to enter the Split Second Sound Studio in Tilburg and lay down the huge wall of distorted (and sometimes not so distorted) sound. With 2 guitar players it's always a matter of getting everything in sync and in the same key. So during the entire pre-production we fiddled around with the details until every note was correct and played in such a way that it became tight as a really, really tight thing. ;)
First day started off with carrying all the equipment in, which included a multitude of guitars and 3 guitar amp heads. And this was just an addition to all the stuff that was already there, as Jochem owns a freight load of different amps and guitars. The next couple of hours were filled with connecting everything and testing it, moving the mics, searching for that right sound. With a Diezel, a Peavey 5150 and a Mesa Stiletto we had all the sounds we needed. More...
Goreaphobia Finishes Recording New Album
Ibex Moon Records has issued the following statement about "Mortal Repulsion," the upcoming album from Goreaphobia:
Reunited death/thrash legends Goreaphobia have just completed the recording of Mortal Repulsion, the debut album for Ibex Moon Records, and have sent it for mastering. The band has also re-recorded some old classics for inclusion as bonus tracks. The new album features guitarist Alex Bouks, bassist/vocalist Chris Gamble, guitarist John McEntee (Incantation), and drummer Jim Roe (ex-Incantation).
Says Bouks about the album, "A lot of people had been asking when the record will be done for a long time, but we needed to do things right and not rush the album. This is the first time I have ever worked with a group of musicians I respect and that have worked together as a band. Everyone has been involved with the writing process. The only way I can describe Mortal Repulsion is 'extremely dark, atmospheric, aggressive, and heavy.' I am very happy about what we have created together. This is the record we were always meant to make - pure death metal in its darkest form. We look forward to playing live for all the fans in the next coming months." More...
Samael Releases Track List And Streams New Song
Samael has announced that their new album "Above" will be released on March 6th, 2009. The track listing will be as follows:
Under One Flag
Virtual War
Polygames
Earth Country
Illumination
Black Hole
In There
Dark Side
God's Snake
On The Top Of It All
The song "Illumination" can be heard on the band's MySpace page and the album cover art can be viewed below. More...
Dendura Parts Ways With Bassist
Dendura bassist Jason Stevens released the following open letter about his decision to leave the band:
"To all my friends and fans of Dendura,
Dendura is on an exciting and difficult journey; a journey where soul searching is required and utmost dedication is expected. For those of you that do not know yet, My wife was recently diagnosed with cancer and it would be impossible for me to give Dendura the dedication that they need from a bass player right now and it would be even more unfair to my wife and family to be touring and be gone while she fights cancer alone. My journey with Dendura has ended on good and friendly terms. I wish my friends Aziza, Steve, Paul and Justin the very best. As well as my friend Mike please take good care of them on the road. I am where I am needed the most. And I thank all of the fans of Dendura for their support and understanding, I will miss you all."
Dendura also issued the following statement about Jason leaving:
"This is sad news for all of us and we wish the best for Jason and his family. As some of you know, we are currently finishing up recording our album w/ Grammy producer Neil Kernon. Upon our cd's release, we will be going out on the road to tour in support of this album. All bassist inquiries, email Mike Markle: isobassist@yahoo.com"
Forgotten Tales To Release New Album in 2009
Quebec power metal act Forgotten Tales has issued the following statement about releasing new material in 2009:
"Hi fans... Forgotten Tales and all its team wishes you a happy new year.
"Composition of the 3rd album has been slowed a bit but we are confident that all will be ready later in 2009.
"Thanks again for your great patience."
My Darkest Hate Looking For New Bassist
German death metal band My Darkest Hate has issued the following statement about needed a new bassist:
Ok - it seems like Spinal Tap. MDH Bassplayer No. 4 Andreas Siegl decided to move to Marseille / France, so actually we're looking for a new one! Meanwhile Oliver Schort will join us live - thanks to him! Anyway - the new album is coming 2009! 5 Songs are finished yet. We wish you a great new year!!!
Soul Made Visible Signs To MEI Records
MEI Records has issued the following statement about signing the band Soul Made Visible:
MEI Records expands its lineup in 2009 with the addition of Long Island's Soul Made Visible. MEI will be re-releasing "Innocence Lost", the band's first full length album.
"Soul Made Visible is proud to be joining MEI Records," said vocalist Bryan Cullen, " They're an up-and-coming label that's already developing a strong base of diverse and exciting new bands and we feel they understand our focus and artistic vision. MEI shares our belief in how a label and a band should work together to achieve success for everyone involved."
Formed in 2002, Soul Made Visible has proven to be a solid force in modern metal, earning sponsorships from Jagermeister and Spector Guitars and booking supporting spots for for major acts such as Disturbed, Filter, Soulfly, and Throwdown.
Soul Made Visible is currently in rotation on Music Choice and playing shows throughout New England.
The Project Hate Replaces Drummer
Swedish death metal outfit The Project Hate has issued the following band update and statement about replacing their drummer:
We have told you over at our forums that we have a huge update coming your way. We didn’t lie. We never lie. Christ is the liar, not us. So let’s start today’s report then since alot of stuff’s been happening in the Hate camp over the last weeks.
First of all, drummer Mojjo is no longer with us. No, no, he’s not dead - he’s just not with The Hate anymore. We thank him for the great work he did on “In Hora Mortis Nostræ” and wish him luck with his other projects and bands. Conflicting schedules led us to this and we didn’t wanna postpone this recording more than necessary so we let him go and there’s no bad blood whatsoever involved. Again, thanx for the great work, kid.
So, we have a new drummer. A fantastic guy who stepped in on very short notice (3 weeks), determined to learn all the songs and put them down for this coming blasphemous assault. More...
