Floridian black metallers KULT OV AZAZEL have entered the studio to begin re-recording the tracks for their upcoming split releases with VROLOK and HORN OF VALERE. The split with HORN OF VALERE, titled "Through War or Suicide", will feature a new song from the upcoming album, titled "Through War or Suicide", along with a cover of SODOM's "Blasphemer". The split with VROLOK, titled "Feast of Sacrilegious Impurity", will consist of the same two songs plus three bonus live video tracks.
Raleigh, North Carolina-based melodic metallers WIDOW have finished recording their new album, "On Fire", due in early 2005 via Tribunal Records. The band have also filmed a DVD documenting the recording of the album and featuring live performances with new vocalist Lili and drummer Marc Anthony.
Michigan-based black metallers SUMMON have finished recording their their sixth album, "Fallen", at Flatline Audio Studios (formerly Hellion Studios) in Denver, Colorado with producer Dave Otero (CEPHALIC CARNAGE, SERBERUS). The follow-up to 2002's "And the Blood Runs Black" is "ungodly — the best thing that has been recorded so far," stated bassist/vocalist Chas Schoals.
ANCIENT's Aphazel and ex-ANCIENT singer Deadly Kristin have signed a contract with the Greek label Sleaszy Rider for the release of DREAMLIKE HORROR's first album, "Delightful Suicides". The CD will include the five (re-arranged) tracks from the unreleased 2000 promo and five brand new tracks, which are in process of being composed/recorded. A March 15, 2005 release is expected. Furthermore Sleaszy Rider is going to re-release ANCIENT's "Det Glemte Riket" on February 15, 2005 as well as ANCIENT's first demo, "Eerily Howling Winds", recorded in 1993. The CD will also contain five bonus/unreleased tracks from the beginning of the band's career under the title "Eerily Howling Winds - The Antediluvian Tapes".
Finnish goth-metallers THE 69 EYES were forced to cancel shows in Finland and Sweden after drummer Jussi 69 was rushed to the hospital in Porvoo and later taken by ambulance to Helsinki," according to a posting on the group's web site. "[Jussi's] appendix perforated and was later removed. Mr. 69 is now recovering but will on the sick leave for a couple of weeks. THE 69 EYES has postponed this weekend's and Stockholm's shows but will continue the tour from Savonlinna on Friday, December 3." As previously reported, THE 69 EYES' new album, "Devils" (Virgin/EMI), entered the Finnish album chart at No. 1. upon its release late last month. The follow-up to 2002's "Paris Kills", "Devils" was produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa (H.I.M., MOONSPELL, SENTENCED) and Johnny Lee Michaels and was preceded by a single containing the album's title cut. THE 69 EYES recently shot a video for the album's title track in Sweden with the Baranga Brothers, who have previously worked with THE RASMUS, among others.
Wroth Emitter presents debut album of Moscow-based progressive death metal band DEIMOS, "Never Be Awaken". Melodism together with heavy mid-temp ryffs, sudden temp and rythm changes, growling and clear vocals - all these make the music of group quite original and attractive for the fans of different styles of heavy music. Tracklist:
1. Never Be Awaken 2. Guardian 3. Last Light Flashes 4. In Winter 5. Run Through 6. The Great Flower Of Northern Lands 7. The Top 8. Golden Horde
Line-up: Leonid Gezalyan - guitar Alexandr GlazkovÀëåêñàíäð Ãëàçêîâ - guitar Tadeush Senich - vocal Roman Drozd - bass Vladislav Manshin - drums
Guest musicians: A. Norloguyanova - vocal O. Kornilova - keyboard S. Pan'kovskiy - bass
Chicago doomsters NOVEMBERS DOOM have completed the mixing process for their new album, "The Pale Haunt Departure", with Swedish producer/musician Dan Swano (BLOODBATH, EDGE OF SANITY, NIGHTINGALE). "Dan worked many long days and nights to make sure we were 100 percent happy with the final product, offering several versions of each song," the band write on their web site. "We could not be more pleased with this entire process. Dan is one of the hardest-working people in metal, and he treated NOVEMBERS DOOM as if it were one of his own projects. We have a great deal of respect for him, and our eternal gratitude for making this as perfect as it is. Swano fans won't be disappointed either, as there is a guest appearance on the CD from him. "The recordings will now be shipped to James Murphy (DEATH, OBITUARY, TESTAMENT) for mastering. With some of the great CD's we've heard James do, this should be an absolutely amazing sounding CD, and we're looking forward to everyone hearing it!" An early 2005 release through The End Records is expected.
WITHIN TEMPTATION's "The Silent Force" has entered the Dutch album chart at position No. 1. The first single off the album, "Stand My Ground" , currently occupies position No. 13 on the Dutch single chart. "The Silent Force" was mixed at Toytown Studios in Sweden and was produced by Daniel Gibson, who co-wrote four songs with the band, including "Stand My Ground". Additional songwriting credit on "Stand My Ground" comes from Han'some, who, like Gibson, is represented by EMI Music Publishing. WITHIN TEMPTATION's "Mother Earth" album, which was originally released in 2000 and then re-issued in 2002 to rave reviews, reportedly sold 350,000 copies in Europe and reached triple platinum status in Holland.
Holland's THE GATHERING have issued the following update on their current and upcoming activities:
"The band will be touring 'till December, after which they will take some time off for Anneke [van Giersbergen, vocals] to give birth to her first child. Meanwhile during rehearsals and at home the band will carry on writing songs.
"Anneke is still doing fine, while she's on tour and pregnant at the same time. Because a tour means hard work, she needs to be careful with the energy she's got and she needs her rest from time to time. She is dedicated to finishing this tour just as energetic as the way they started it.
Israeli death metallers SALEM have posted two video clips from their "Live Demise" DVD at their official web site. Check out the songs "A Moment of Silence" and "Creating Our Sins" at http://www.salemband.com/videos.html.
"Live Demise" features a full-length concert filmed on July 9, 2003 in Tel Aviv (presented in 5.1, 2.0 and DTS mixes), seven promotional videos ("Act of War", "Al Taster", "Broken yet United", "Fear of the Future", "Ha'ayara Bo'eret", "Masquerade in Claustrophobia" and "Slave"), "making of" footage of both "Collective Demise" and "Live Demise", various outtakes, and a 12-page, full-color booklet.
SALEM's most recent CD, "Collective Demise", was released in September 2002 via Germany's KMG/System Shock Records.
THE WILDHEARTS have announced that the DVD, intended to feature a live show, a documentary and a complete promo video archive, will now no longer go ahead. GUT Records have pulled out of the venture. No official reason has been offered as yet.
Due to the limited time left to arrange alternative finances the project will have to be shelved.
"Thank you so much for your videos, DVDs and MP3s, intended to be used on the documentary," the group write in a statement, "The band intend to continue to look for financers to fund the documentary.
According to EndlessWar.net, Finland's NORTHER have set "Solution 7" as the title of their new EP. The CD will contain five songs, including an as-yet-disclosed cover. Recording sessions for the disc will begin on December 24 at Astia Studios in Lappeenranta, Finland.
NORTHER's third full-length album, "Death Unlimited", was released earlier this year through Spinefarm Records.
As previously reported, NORTHER's Petri Lindroos has been named a permanent member of the Finnish folk-influenced melodic death metal band ENSIFERUM. Lindroos will handle the vocals and guitar in the group
Finnish melodic death/thrash metallers MORS PRINCIPIUM EST have completed work on their sophomore album, entitled "The Unborn", at Tico Tico studio (SONATA ARCTICA, SENTENCED, FOR MY PAIN…, ALTARIA) in Kemi, Finland. Mastering will take place at Finnvox studios in December 2004. The cover art for the album is being handled by Mattias Norèn (' ).
Commented guitarist Jori Haukio: "The overall sound of the album became really massive compared to our debut album, 'Inhumanity', and the production is very futuristic and top-notch because we had time to record a lot of extra stuff in our own studio. To mention few bands that the album might sound like, I would go with a mix of AT THE GATES, CARCASS, and EVANESCENCE for some parts. Even blast beat is heard from time to time, and Ville's vocal parts turned out to be something else, his voice has really developed to more serious deathmetal growling."
"The Unborn" track listing:
01. Pure 02. The Harmony Remains 03. Parasites of Paradise 04. Two Steps Away 05. Altered State of Consciousness 06. Spirit-Conception 07. The Unborn 08. Fragile Flesh 09. Pressure 10. The Glass Womb
"The Unborn" is scheduled for a spring 2005 release through France's Listenable Records.
Danish metallers BEYOND TWILIGHT have issued the following update regarding the recording sessions for their new album:
"Thank you for being so patient about the new BEYOND TWILIGHT disc. The recordings are finished. We're now in a position where all that is left to do is mix at Jailhouse Studio in December.
"It is also time that we reveal who the new singer is, but before that we want to share some information with you about our choice and the kind of process we went through in order to find the perfect match for the band. We needed someone with a powerful voice, a lot of range, a theatrical attitude, and a personality that fits with the rest of the band. Finn [keyboardist/main composer] has been through over 280 tapes, CDs and auditions. Everything from semi-professionals to rockstars have made offers and been through the mill.
"As many of you know, the initial choice as the vocalist for BEYOND TWILIGHT's new album was Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X). Unfortunately, due to several factors already explained on our websites, this never worked out.
"While the rumour mills were conjuring up possible replacements we went about contacting various well-known singers. We used a lot of money on having singers going in and out of studios and at this stage we decided to go for a well-known vocalist in New York. Everything seemed to be more or less settled. But that didn't work out either.
"However, BEYOND TWILIGHT had an eye out for American singer Kelly Sundown Carpenter. Kelly is the vocalist in Texas power/progressive metal band OUTWORLD, fan of BEYOND TWILIGHT and had been communicating with Finn for a while. Time was short, but Finn insisted on giving him a chance, and when we opened the door for Kelly in the last minute, he sent us a demo, which totally blew us all away.
"For us there were no doubts — Kelly has got it all. His range is amazing (be it deep growls, incredible high-pitch singing or soft and tender parts, it's all there!), the theatrical aspect comes across extremely well, his ability to mesh himself into the songs is spot-on, and his entire positive attitude and energy is exactly what we were looking for in BEYOND TWILIGHT.
"Kelly flew to Denmark in October 2004 and stayed here for 15 days recording the vocals for the album together with Finn Zierler who has been engineering and producing the vocals. The outcome is fantastic!
"BEYOND TWILIGHT has also shot a video for one of the new songs in Copenhagen. The video is extremely dark and gloomy — totally befitting the concept of BEYOND TWILIGHT. Besides portraying the band, the video also features British model Morrigan Hel (who has been showcased in various videos, magazines and on album covers such as CRADLE OF FILTH's 'From the Cradle to Enslave').
"The title of the new album will be 'Section X'. Once you read the lyrics and get into the concept, you'll understand why Finn chose this title :-)
"The release date will be sometime in the spring… In the meantime, check out the new pictures of the band in the line-up section of the BEYOND TWILIGHT/Intromental site."
WORLD BELOW, the new band consisting of CARNAL FORGE/CENTINEX guitarist Jonas Kjellgren, CARNAL FORGE/ex-IN THY DREAMS drummer Stefan Westerberg, and ex-SIDEBURNERS bassist/vocalist Mikael Danielsson, will enter Jonas' Black Lounge studios in January to record their as-yet-untitled sophomore album. Dreamtide Music Management are said to be in the final stages of securing a new record deal for the group, who were previously signed to Doom Symphony Records, a division of Italy's Underground Symphony.
WORLD BELOW's debut album, "Sacrifices to the Moon", was released last August through Doom Symphony. The group's music is being described as a mixture of "CANDLEMASS and early BLACK SABBATH." "Sacrifices to the Moon" was recorded early last year at Black Lounge studios.
Atlanta, GA-based progressive metallers HALCYON WAY are currently in the studio working on their full-length debut, entitled "A Manifesto For Domination". The group, who performed at the ProgPower V festival and were featured on the ProgPower V sampler CD, recently released the "Deliver The Suffering" EP. The band's sound can be described as "IN FLAMES meets DIO and DREAM THEATER." The EP can be purchased for $5 by e-mailing halcyonwayband@aol.com.
Norwegian extreme metal band MINDGRINDER, featuring ex-SOURCE OF TIDE drummer/keyboardist Cosmocrator (on bass/vocals), have entered Akkerhaugen Lydstudio (EMPEROR, ZYKLON, WINDIR) in Norway to record their sophomore album, tentatively due in early 2005 via Nocturnal Art Productions. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "The Rebellion", "Concept of Honesty", "Obligation to Prevail" and "Warhead".
Commented Cosmocrator: "The material is extreme, brutal and intense, based on the strongest material from the first album, but taking it even further in all ways. The expression is way more dynamic, raw and complete this time!"
MINDGRINDER issued their debut album, "MindTech", in April through Nocturnal Art Productions. The CD was recorded in December 2002 at Akkerhaugen Lydstudio and was originally slated for release through Sound Riot Records — a plan that was eventually abandoned due to the label's "financial problems," according to the group.
ACTIONJACKSON, the new German band formed by ex-MORGOTH members Marc Grewe (vocals) and Sebastian Swart (guitar), have launched their official web site at ' . The band, whose lineup is completed by Harry Ernst (drums) and Thilo Mellies (bass), cite influences ranging from the thrash metal movement of the Eighties to the alternative and post-hardcore scenes. ACTIONJACKSON have just completed work on their debut demo. Nine out of 15 originals have already been recorded, and several of the cuts ("The Mission", "On a Crusade", "The Runaway", "Cave in the Lie", "Newborn" and "Mad Force") are available in streaming audio at the group's web site.
German gothic metal band DARKSEED have completed work on their new album, "Ultimate Darkness", due on January 24, 2005 via Massacre Records.
The complete track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. Disbeliever 02. My Burden 03. Ultimate Darkness 04. Biting Cold 05. The Dark One 06. Save Me 07. Speak Silence 08. Next to Nothing 09. Follow Me 10. The Fall 11. Endless Night 12. Sleep Sleep Sweetheart
STURMGEIST, the solo project of SOLEFALD mastermind Cornelius von Jackhelln, will release its debut album, "Meister Mephisto", on January 24, 2005 via Season of Mist. According to an official press release, the CD, which features guest appearances by members of BORKNAGAR, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER and DIABOLIC, "will take you on a hellride to Goethe's Weimar, through the Black Forest and over the mighty Alps. STURMGEIST blends the ambient aggression of Norwegian black metal with the affirmative attitude of the Viking virtues, presenting a lethal soundtrack to any hardcore party."
Track listing as following:
1) Chasing the rats 2)Protecting the children from the evil trees 3) Grimmer than ugly, more vicious than bad; 4) Germanic legend, sabbat of the witches 5) Hunting in the Black Forest 6) Army of Odin, Vikings of Midgard 7) Electronic warfare, the darkest night of horror 8) Ragnarok, Götterdämmerung 9) Let loose on the world in January MMV
The record session for SOLEFALD V will start until the end of November!!!
Florida-based death metallers SIX FEET UNDER have set "13" as the title of their new CD, tentatively due in March via Metal Blade Records. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Decomposition of the Human Race", "Somewhere in the Darkness" and "The Poison Hand". Singer Chris Barnes promises really heavy stuff!
Acclaimed orchestral arranger and Grammy-award winner Paul Buckmaster has apparently worked on arrangements for four songs that are slated to appear on the long-awaited GUNS N' ROSES album, "Chinese Democracy". According to Buckmaster's official discography/list of credits, he has served as the arranger and conductor on the tracks "Blues", "Twat", "Madagascar" and "Prostitute", all of which are expected to surface on the much-anticipated CD, due next year via Interscope.
As previously reported, legendary Italian film composer Marco Beltrami ("Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines", "Resident Evil", "Scream", "Blade 2") has also provided orchestral arrangements for four tracks that are tentatively set to appear on "Chinese Democracy". According to Beltrami's official web site, MarcoBeltrami.com, the four cuts the composer was asked to work on have the working titles of "Seven", "Leave Me Alone", "General" and "Thyme".
"Chinese Democracy" will feature the band's first new music since "Oh My God", the group's contribution to the soundtrack to the 1999 movie "End of Days".
GUNS N' ROSES' last studio album was a covers CD, "The Spaghetti Incident?", which was released in 1993.
Canadian industrial doom/death metal mongrels ZARAZA have posted the following update at their official web site:
"It may seem quiet in the ZARAZA camp, but things are slowly happening. First of all, we've nearly finished recording a cover of 'Half-Life' by the almighty SWANS that will come out next year on a tribute compilation from various doom bands eager to show their respect to these legendary masters. It's by far one of the most brutal, abrasive and heaviest pieces we've ever laid down to tape (or hard drive in our case), so we look forward to you hearing it at some time in the future.
"Second, the concept for the third album is slowly gelling together. Jacek [The Doomhammer; vocals, keyboards, samples] and Grzegorz [Haus Ov Doom; vocals, keyboards] have been working out ideas for two new songs, so we expect to take up most of 2005 for the songwriting process. If all goes well the next album, 'Abyss of the Primitive' should be out somewhere in 2006. Expect a slower, doomier style, with more progressive analog sounds, rounded off by piercing drums and crushing guitars... another ZARAZA epic. There will be no (or hardly any) orchestral/symphonic elements present on the album...we're utterly tired of that sound after 12 years and besides, every single BM band in a garage is doing it these days. Time to move on and discard that element of our style, it's time to evolve.
"Third, look out for all of ZARAZA's current albums appearing shortly on various major music download sites (e.g. iTunes, eMusic.com, etc.). Hopefully it will help us spread the word. As usual, many thanks to all the people who support the band, buy our CDs, send us words of encouragement, you make it all worthwhile...forwards to doom!"
Anthony Barnes of the Belfast Telegraph is reporting that IRON MAIDEN's iconic mascot Eddie — the ghoulish figure which has appeared on their album sleeves for a quarter of a century — has helped them to the top of the charts in the rock 'n' roll fashion stakes.
Russel Coultart, chief executive of TeeShirtStore.com, which organised the poll, said he was initially surprised by the winning shirt. "You would think it would be someone more current. But IRON MAIDEN have got such a huge fan-base and they have built that up over 20-plus years."
The Top 10 Music T-Shirts:
01. IRON MAIDEN - Eddie logo 02. JOY DIVISION - Unknown Pleasures 03. NIRVANA - Nevermind smiley face 04. THE RAMONES - eagle logo 05. ROLLING STONES - lips logo 06. KRAFTWERK - Autobahn 07. PRIMAL SCREAM - Screamadelica 08. METALLICA - Master of Puppets 09. PUBLIC ENEMY - target logo 10. INSPIRAL CARPETS - Cool as fuck
IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain performed with the Italian MAIDEN tribute band ATHENORA in Athens, Greece on Friday, November 19 as part of a few "special" appearances by McBrain and his Italian friends. Nicko and ATHENORA played an all-IRON MAIDEN set, which included such selections as "Murders in the Rue Morgue", "Wrathchild", "Heaven Can Wait", "2 Minutes to Midnight", "Blood Brothers", "The Number of the Beast", "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "Fear of the Dark", "Brave New World" and "Iron Maiden".
Quebec City-based power/thrash metallers HANKER have parted ways with bassist Denis Cossette. "There are no hard feelings about his leaving and the band is still very motivated and optimistic about the future," the group write on their web site. "We wish the best of luck to Denis with his future projects." HANKER are currently seeking a replacement bassist. All interested parties, send your name and other information by e-mail to ' (with "Hanker's bassist" in the subject box). HANKER's latest CD, "Web of Faith", was released in August via Skycraper Music.
SIX FEET UNDER's video for the track "Dead and Buried (Living Life in the Grave)" has been posted online at Mental Suplex Productions (www.mentalsuplex.com/media). Directed by Jerry Clubb, the "Dead and Buried (Living Life in the Grave)" clip will premiere on MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball" on Saturday, November 20. The video will also debut on Fuse's "Uranium" on Sunday, November 21.
A new studio track recorded in March 2004, "Dead and Buried (Living Life in the Grave)" appears on the SIX FEET UNDER "Live With Full Force" DVD/CD release.
British extreme metal pioneers BOLT THROWER have announced the return of original vocalist Karl Willetts as a full-time member.
Willetts rejoins the group as the replacement for Dave Ingram, who left the band in August due to long-standing "health and personal problems."
Commented Karl: "It's fantastic to be a part of the mighty BOLT THROWER again. It feels great to be back with the guys, I can't wait to get my teeth into the new songs and get back on the road again. I've got some unfinished business to tend to...!"
The now complete line-up of BOLT THROWER — Willetts, Gavin Ward, Barry Thomson, Jo Bench and Martin Kearns — will spend the next few weeks finishing off the new material before going into the studio to record their eighth album.
German death metallers DISBELIEF have completed work on their sixth album, "66 Sick", at Antfarm Studio in Aarhus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, HATESPHERE, MNEMIC). Songtitles set to appear on the 11-track effort include "Crawl", "For God?", "Edges" and "Lost In Time". A March 14, 2005 release via Nuclear Blast Records is expected.
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ANCIENT's Aphazel and ex-ANCIENT singer Deadly Kristin have signed a contract with the Greek label Sleaszy Rider for the release of DREAMLIKE HORROR's first album, "Delightful Suicides". The CD will include the five (re-arranged) tracks from the unreleased 2000 promo and five brand new tracks, which are in process of being composed/recorded. A March 15, 2005 release is expected. 
Wroth Emitter presents debut album of Moscow-based progressive death metal band DEIMOS, "Never Be Awaken".
Florida-based death metallers SIX FEET UNDER have set "13" as the title of their new CD, tentatively due in March via Metal Blade Records. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Decomposition of the Human Race", "Somewhere in the Darkness" and "The Poison Hand".
Anthony Barnes of the Belfast Telegraph is reporting that IRON MAIDEN's iconic mascot Eddie — the ghoulish figure which has appeared on their album sleeves for a quarter of a century — has helped them to the top of the charts in the rock 'n' roll fashion stakes.
IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain performed with the Italian MAIDEN tribute band ATHENORA in Athens, Greece on Friday, November 19 as part of a few "special" appearances by McBrain and his Italian friends. Nicko and ATHENORA played an all-IRON MAIDEN set, which included such selections as "Murders in the Rue Morgue", "Wrathchild", "Heaven Can Wait", "2 Minutes to Midnight", "Blood Brothers", "The Number of the Beast", "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "Fear of the Dark", "Brave New World" and "Iron Maiden".
German death metallers DISBELIEF have completed work on their sixth album, "66 Sick", at Antfarm Studio in Aarhus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, HATESPHERE, MNEMIC). Songtitles set to appear on the 11-track effort include "Crawl", "For God?", "Edges" and "Lost In Time". A March 14, 2005 release via Nuclear Blast Records is expected.