Two more acts are confirmed for next year's installment of the Bang Your Head!!! festival, set to take place June 23-24, 2006 in Balingen, Germany.
Besides legendary Bay Area-band EXODUS, who have just released the highly acclaimed 'Shovel Headed Kill Machine', the event's organisators added Rock veterans FOREIGNER to the festival-lineup as well. The band of guitarist Mick Jones, who was joined recently by vocalist Kelly Hansen and rhythm section Jason Bonham (son of late LED ZEPPELIN-drummer John Bonham) and Jeff Pilson, will perform an exclusive headlining-show. It will be the only appearance of FOREIGNER at an European open air-event that year.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows so far (10 more acts to be confirmed):
EUROPE FOREIGNER Y&T RIK EMMETT (playing an evening of TRIUMPH-music) JON OLIVA'S PAIN EXODUS FLOTSAM AND JETSAM LEATHERWOLF COUNT RAVEN VICTORY L.A. GUNS POWERWOLF
Strings Attached will be realized live on stage with the ICSQ, the critically acclaimed string quartet featured on the album. Attila, MAYHEM legendary frontman will join us for a mini MAYHEM set. The show will take place on December 27th at the Theater club in Jaffa (Israel). Doors open at 21:30.
Southern German Metal outfit RAWHEAD REXX are in the studio and started the preproduction of the follow-up to their last release „Diary in black“. Songwriting efforts turned out to be very futile: Right now, the band has composed about 30 songs to choose from.
According to singer Jürgen Volk, the material will stand in the tradition of the band’s first release published back in 2002, that impressed both press and fans with its rough, energetic and US-Metal orientated sound (and a quite gory cover artwork that was actually banned in their homecountry). As drummer Dany Löble has left the band last year to join HELLOWEEN, Volk and his companion Face will recruit a session musician for the upcoming recordings. The yet untitled album will tentatively be released in summer 2006.
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have uploaded a live video clip of "The Wonders at Your Feet" and half of "Zodijackyl Light", shot at the group's concert in Gran Canaria on October 1. "The sound and picture quality isn't the best, so it's for die-hards only, but the atmosphere is present in spades," the band write on their web site. Check it out at this location (Windows Media, 18 MB).
DARK TRANQUILLITY will be embarking on a European headlining tour beginning in late November in support of their latest effort, "Character" (released in January 2005). After supporting KREATOR on their European tour in spring 2005, a trip to the U.S. and numerous festival appearances, the sextet will be headlining this time, with support from thrash/metalcore hybrid CHIMAIRA, HATESPHERE and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE.
World renowned Dutch act THE GATHERING entered the studio today (November 21, 2005) to commence work on their ninth studio album.
For this recording the band has built a professional homemade studio inside an old church in the small town of Maurik, located in the south of Holland. With the help of producer Attie Bauw (producer of the band's 1998 effort, "How to Measure a Planet?") the band plans to work there for a month before heading to Bauw's studio to mix and master the music.
Comments singer Anneke van Giersbergen about the constructed studio and working with Bauw again: "We built our own studio there because we wanted to do something different and create a new atmosphere. As for working with Attie Bauw, he is a very inspirational man with great ideas and we were very anxious to work with him again.
"I like being in the studio especially because we are then together for a vast period of time as a group and we create something entirely new. It's always amazing to participate in this process and to finish with a brand new album. That sense of accomplishment is truly wonderful."
She adds, "We would hope to see the album get released sometime in March (on Psychonaut Records in Europe, The End Records in North America). We plan to start touring in March and come over to tour in South America and the U.S.A. once again."
In February van Giersbergen gave birth to her first child, a boy named Finn. The singer welcomes the changes being a mother brings to her and her songwriting.
"Being a mother has changed a lot for me and obviously everything I do or go through will somehow end up in a lyric or a song, but I haven't written any mother-baby songs — yet!" she laughs. "My views on life are the same as before I had my baby boy, they are now just so much stronger. So if anything, my contribution to the band's music and the music we create together will be more powerful because of these new experiences."
In other recent news THE GATHERING just released their double-DVD, "A Sound Relief", in the U.S./Canada via The End Records. The two-disc set features a live concert the band recorded on May 23, 2005 at the famous Paradiso in Amsterdam, plus bonus extras like the band's own tour impressions caught on video, video interviews and a bonus disc showcasing a collection of beautiful 3-D animation clips.
Norwegian black metallers KEEP OF KALESSIN, featuring Obsidian C. (a.k.a. Arnt Grønbech, also a touring guitarist for SATYRICON) on guitars/bass/synth, have been confirmed as the support act for EXODUS and HYPOCRISY on their upcoming European tour. The dates are as follows:
Nov. 22 - Lutaako – Jyvaskyla, FIN Nov. 23 - Club Teatria - Oulu, FIN Nov. 24 - Nostory - Helsinki, FIN Nov. 25 - Nooruse Maja – Tartu, EST Nov. 26 - Salamandra – Riga, LAT Nov. 27 - Proxima – Warszawa, POL Nov. 28 - WZ – Wroclaw, SK Nov. 29 - A 38 – Budapest, HUN Nov. 30 - Media Park – Ljubljana, SLO Dec. 01 - Stadthalle – Cham, GER Dec. 03 - Troubadour – Lyon, FRA
As previously reported, KEEP OF KALESSIN have set a March 27, 2006 release date for their new album, entitled "Armada". The CD will be released via the Norwegian label Tabu Recordings, a division of Tuba Records. Vyl is playing drums on the album and a new bass player, Wizziac, is being introduced. MAYHEM singer Attila Chisar is doing some additional vocals, but he will not be the frontman anymore. The band will try out different vocalists in the studio to find the one who matches the music best. The group's complete lineup will be revealed when the recording sessions are completed.
KEEP OF KALESSIN's most recent mini-album, "Reclaim", was released in December 2003 through FaceFront Records. The group's first release since 1999's "Agnen: A Journey through the Dark" (Avantgarde), "Reclaim" has been described as a new milestone in Norwegian black metal by the Norwegian press. "Reclaim" is available in the U.S. through The End mail-order.
OPETH mainman Mikael Åkerfeldt has posted the following message on the group's official web site:
"As ' on Blabbermouth, our busdriver on the last North American tour was arrested in Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL for 'unlawful activity with a minor.' Basically, we're appalled by the fact that we'd employed this bastard and even more disgusted by his deeds and obviously we will be much more detailed in our background check for future employments. The driver introduced himself only as 'Rod' and seemed like a nice guy, even though for us he was just another driver, and a bad one as well! He said he owned a trailer company and that he was a drummer, playing with TED NUGENT and several other bands in the '70s. We got suspicious that he couldn't get into Canada (we had another driver there) due to some previous drug 'misdemeanors.' Myself and Peter [Lindgren; guitars] met him and the girl in the elevator of the hotel where he introduced her as his niece. She seemed distant, asking us if we smoked pot. 'Rod' told us he was driving her to Los Angeles. After the gig, he never returned to the bus and then we got the news that he'd been arrested. Luckily for us one of NEVERMORE's crew was able to drive us back to the hotel. The next day the FBI stopped our tour manager outside the bus with a warrant to search the bus for 'Rod's' laptop and camera. We feel genuinely happy that he is caught and behind bars where we hope he will stay for a long time."
Ann Frestad of Khaoz Productionz, which represents the Norwegian black metal bands GORGOROTH and 1349, has issued the following statement regarding the two groups' gig cancellations in Ljubljana, Slovenia and Zilina, Slovakia:
"Ljubljana, Slovenia: We got major bus problems, and did not make the show in time. We wanted to play, but due to the club curfew it was simply impossible to reach it.
"Zilina, Slovakia: We arrived the club, but due to technical equipment from the venue we were forced to cancel as it would have been impossible for the bands to do a decent show.
"We are very sorry on behalf of the fans that had travelled a long way to see the shows, and hope we can make it up to you in the future."
As previously reported, GORGOROTH wil record several shows on their current European tour with 1349 for an upcoming live album, entitled "True Norwegian Black Metal". Scheduled for a late autumn release in 2007, it will mark and celebrate GORGOROTH's 15-year anniversary.
GORGOROTH's new album, "Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam", is tentatively scheduled for release early next year via Sweden's Regain Records. The band were most recently signed to Nuclear Blast Records, who released the band's last three efforts: "Twilight of the Idols" (2003), "Incipit Satan" (2000) and "Destroyer" (1998).
GORGOROTH last year inked a deal with the French label Season of Mist for the reissues of their first three albums: "Pentagram" (1994), "Antichrist" (1996) and "Under the Sign of Hell" (1997). All three were re-released earlier this year in a remastered, digipack version.
Finnish folk metallers KORPIKLAANI entered the studio on November 14 to begin recording their third full-length album, "Tales along This Road". The CD will be released in March 2006 on Napalm Records.
The recording sessions for the new album will be interrupted for a couple of weeks by the second leg of the band's European tour. The tour highlights will include a show at the Czech's Winter Masters Of Rock with HAMMERFALL and STRATOVARIUS on Decemebr 3 and a charity concert for sexually abused children in Celle, Germany on November 26. The European tour to support the release of KORPIKLAANI's upcoming album will begin March 30 and last approximately three weeks. European festival appearances during the 2006 summer season are also in the works: 10 confirmed festival gigs, as well as ongoing negotiations for further dates.
KORPIKLAANI's second album under their current moniker (the group released two albums as SHAMAN), "Voice of Wilderness", was released last January via Napalm Records.
Swedish black metal titans NAGLFAR will be supporting DARK FUNERAL on a European tour beginning in February 2006. Confirmed dates so far are as follows:
Feb. 24 - Stockholm, SWE @ Klubben Feb. 25 - Malmö, SWE @ KB Feb. 26 - Göteborg, SWE @ Kåren
NAGLFAR's latest album, "Pariah", is available now on Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Sheol", "Pariah" is described in a Century Media press release as "a flawless work of iniquitous hell-spawned art filled with raging guitar riffs, bludgeoning drums, demonic vocals, that combine with haunting melodies to capture hell's eternal depravity."
Finnish folk-influenced melodic death metal band ENSIFERUM, now featuring in its ranks NORTHER frontman Petri Lindroos, have set "Dragonheads" as the title of their new EP, due in February 2006 via Spinefarm Records. The mini-CD is being recorded at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki and will contain one new track, new studio recordings of several old demo songs, and a couple of traditional Finnish folk covers. The group's next full-length release is scheduled to be recorded in the summer of 2006. A European tour is tentatively slated to kick off in March 2006.
As previously reported, ENSIFERUM will film their New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) 10-year anniversary concert at the Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland for an upcoming DVD.
ENSIFERUM's sophomore album, "Iron", was released in April 2004 through Spinefarm Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Ensiferum" was recorded in the summer of 2003 at Sweet Silence studios in Copenhagen, Denmark with producer Flemming Rasmussen (METALLICA, ARTILLERY, MORBID ANGEL).
British black metallers CRADLE OF FILTH recorded a cover of SAMHAIN's "Halloween II", which will appear on the soundtrack to the forthcoming film "Underworld: Evolution". The band are currently recording their seventh LP at Lincolnshire, England's Chapel Studios for an early June 2006 release via Roadrunner Records. The group's frontman Dani Filth told ' that when the group's new disc arrives in stores, fans will hear two very interesting covers the FILTH's been perfecting: U.K. techno-pop trio HEAVEN 17's "Temptation" and "Stay" by SHAKESPEAR'S SISTER.
"We picked those because they are interesting," Filth said. "It's going to be a challenge, and that's the whole point. If you're going to do something, don't just do it for the sake of doing it. It has to be something you can make your own."
The band's reunited with Rob Caggiano (BLEEDING THROUGH, ANTHRAX), who produced 2004's "Nymphetamine" and 2003's "Damnation and a Day", and at this point in the process, Filth said "all the drum and bass tracks are pretty much done, and I've already started recording vocals." The FILTH will work on the album until the end of the month before breaking for a two-week U.K. tour; they'll reconvene on the sessions in mid-January.
The album, he said, will end up containing about 10 tracks, including "Libertina Grim", "Lovesick for Mina", "The Byronic Man" and "Cemetery and Sundown".
"This record heightens our rhythm, and there are lots of cool off-beats. It's just as meandering as much of our stuff, but there are also some really catchy tracks there," Filth told MTV.com. "I've introduced more sing-y type parts. It's a bigger, better-sounding CRADLE OF FILTH, and more direct and to the point."
Tech metal band GRENOUER in late September 2005 had a rough time when fire destroyed their rehearsal studio with all instruments and equipment yet was quite fast to recover from this misfortune. Musicians have already purchased new high quality instruments and resolved the problem of finding a new room. For that Grenouer had to use studio budget and studio session at ASTIA (Finland) was rescheduled for the summer 2006. Anyway Grenouer is resuming rehearsals and prepares to play several gigs by the end of the year. Meanwhile December HARD ROCK magazine (Fra) is giving Grenouer "Try" nomination "Demo of the month".
Moscow-based band THE NEVELAND have started recording of their debut album. While title is to be announced it is said that recording will take place in different studios.
Happy birthday, KAIPA! On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of those progsters around Hans Lundin "flower king" Roine Stolt a neatly designed 5-CD box "The Decca Years 1975 - 1978" is released. This box presents a complete overview over the material of Kaipa's early years. This means that first of all you will find the first three albums by the band, all remastered and featuring bonus material: "Kaipa" (1975), "Inget nytt uner solen" (1976), "Solo" (1978). Two CDs full of previously - in this form - unreleased material are inviting fans to a journey into the sound cosmos of the Swedish group: "Kaipa live" features eleven titles recorded live at the time in Denmark and Sweden; and finally "1974 Unedited Master Demo Recording" collects eleven demo tracks, partly of previously unkown songs. This 5-CD box is released worldwide in a limited edition of 3000 copies.
STREAM OF PASSION, Ayreon mastermind Arjen Anthony Lucassen's band around the Mexican singer Marcela Bovio will be on tour at the beginning of next year. They will perform material of their debut album "Embrace The Storm" which came out in October as well as selected Ayreon songs. And special guest is: Damian Wilson (formerly with Threshold). www.streamofpassion.com
Fates Warning, in the business since 20 years, got a thunderlike reputation. They are one of the pioneers of progressive metal, they have decisively influenced groups such as Dream Theater and Queensryche, and meanwhile they have sold more than one million albums worldwide among fans of the genre. With "Live in Athens" the Americans are now presenting a 90 minute concert recording from their European tour in February 2005 plus all kinds of bonus material. Companions on their tour were: Spock's Beard drummer Nick D'Virgilio and keyboardist Kevin Moore (formerly with Dream Theater). Bonus material: Among other stuff "Another Perfect Day" and "The Eleventh Hour", recorded at the Headway festival in the Netherlands with special guest Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) on drums.
All good things come to those who wait: VANDEN PLAS are currently recording their new album "Christ 0" ("Christ Zero". The concept is based on Alexandre Dumas' classic novel "The Count of Monte Christo", the release is planned for the end of February. And on February 25th the musical "Abydos" which was written by Andy Kuntz premieres at the Kaiserslauterer Pfalztheatre. Starring Kuntz it will be performed for thirteen times. At each peformance there are integrated a few Vanden Plas songs played by the band.
Russian grind label SoulFlesh Collector announced the first release. It is split of three bands: CADAVERIC INCUBATOR (Finland), FETAL DECAY (Russia, Saratov), MORTALIZED (Russia, Kazan'). The most famous of them is the band from Saratov, they showed high level, excelent material was played and mixed as well as it possible. Finns demonstrated qualitative old-school brutal death with special perverted vocal. Young guys from Kazan' made music which have never been in Russia. Riffs in style of MORTICIAN but rocking drums - you should listen it Total time - 50:10
Finnish folk-influenced melodic death metal band ENSIFERUM, now featuring in its ranks NORTHER frontman Petri Lindroos, will film their New Year's Eve 10-year anniversary concert at the Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland for an upcoming DVD.
ENSIFERUM, who recently parted ways with drummer Oliver Fokin and replaced him with Janne Parviainen, will enter Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki later in the month to record a mini-CD containing one new track, new studio recordings of several old demo songs, and a couple of traditional Finnish folk covers. The as-yet-untitled effort will be released in early 2006. The group's next full-length release is scheduled to be recorded in the summer of 2006. A European tour is tentatively slated to kick off in March 2006.
ENSIFERUM's sophomore album, "Iron", was released in April 2004 through Spinefarm Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Ensiferum" was recorded in the summer of 2003 at Sweet Silence studios in Copenhagen, Denmark with producer Flemming Rasmussen (METALLICA, ARTILLERY, MORBID ANGEL).
Have you written any new material? When will a new record be released?
We are composing new songs this period. We are planning to start recording our 3rd album in January, but I cannot say when the CD will be released ’cause we have no label agreement at the moment.
In the second album there is an evolution in the sound of Cadaveria and your voice. Will we see another evolution in the future?
For sure. People change and the music they play changes with them. There will be more middle temples and very strange guitar riffs. The voice will be always both growl and clear, with a prevalence of melodic parts. The songs’ structure seems to be a bit less complex than in the past.
Do you consider using Black Metal vocals again in Cadaveria in a next release?
Yes, less screaming and more Death Metal.
You are a member of Cadaveria and DyNAbyte too. Do you have any other projects? Would you like to create a Black Metal band?
Two bands are enough. There are many other projects in my mind but they don’t concern music. I started painting this summer and I like it very much!
Do you think that Scarlet Records is the most suitable label for you?
The contract with Scarlet finished with "Far Away From Conformity (2003). We will surely involve Scarlet in listening to the new material, but it is not sure that we will sign with them. We will propose the master to a series of label and see what happens.
In "Far Away From Conformity" you covered Blondie’s "Call Me". Do you consider attempting something like this again?
You mean to do a cover? Why not. Actually we are thinking about it but we have not chosen the song yet.
What are the musical influences of the band?
Many, ’cause each member of the band listens to a different Metal genre. Actually I listen to Tool and Rammstein, John is more into Fear Factory and Motorhead and so on...
What do you imagine yourself doing, except from music?
Exactly what I’m doing now besides music.
Do you read? Which is your favorite literature style and maybe your favorite book?
Yes, I’m used to reading. I just finished Dan Brown’s "The Da Vinci Code and "Angels and Demons" and now I’m reading "Io Uccido" by Italian writer Faletti. I like all well written books that talk about strange stories.
What inspires you when writing lyrics?
My life, people I meet, emotions I feel, thoughts passing through my mind....
The Italian Metal scene is very strong at the moment. What do you think of that? Do you know/like any of these bands?
I’m very happy things are going well for Italian Metal, but honestly I’ve been a bit out of the scene lately.
Cadaveria could be characterized more as an underground band rather than a mainstream one. Does this bother you?
No, it is the truth. I play music ’cause I like doing this, not to be defined as a popular band.
What is going on with your project DyNAbyte. When will the new album be released? Are you making any new performances?
Actually I’ve totally dedicating myself to Cadaveria’s new songs. DyNAbyte’s new album will come after Cadaveria’s new one, even if a mini tour in Holland is going to take place with DNA in April 06.
Which are the 5 best albums ever written in your opinion?
"Killers" (Iron Maiden), "The Sound of Perseverance" (Death), "Aenima" (Tool), "Paranoid" (Black Sabbath), "Post Orgasmic Chill" (Skunk Anansie).
Do you think that a female vocalist can give credit to a band or is this a disadvantage?
It depends on the female vocalist.
Some last words for your fans. Thanks for the interview!!
Let me thank all fans following and supporting me since 1993. A great hail to you all, stay metal and be yourselves! Don’t miss our next album... by that time enjoy www.cadaveria.com.
Back in June I heard about your upcoming album "Come Clarity". When is the expected release date?
I think in Europe it’s February 6th and in the States I’m not sure about it, maybe a couple of weeks after. The reason it’s delayed is because we’re in between signing contracts with labels. We’re actually looking for a label right now to release it in the States so, early next year.
How does this album compare to your previous albums?
It’s no doubt the best one we’ve ever done, of course. It’s kind of a mixture between the new stuff and the old stuff. Like the previous 2 albums were a little bit experimental for us, we changed producers and we changed studios. So we took all the good stuff from the old stuff and the new and we did this album and it’s brilliant. It’s awesome.
Is there a particular story to it?
I haven’t really read the lyrics, so I don’t know. I don’t think there is. Musically it’s more up tempo, more melodic to show that we have so much more to give and we’re really hungry. The best album is yet to come.
When you first announced the new album, the title was "Crawl Through Knives". Why did you change it?
That was more or less a working title and at the time. It was one of the first songs that we wrote. We thought it was a cool title and we had a concept for the cover and everything. But then we wrote "Come Clarity" and we thought that would be a better title. We still have the song "Crawl Through Knives" though.
Back in February In Flames won the Swedish Grammy Awards. What was that like?
That was great. It was like "at last we got it". Because we were nominated for a couple of years but then other bands took it from us. We think we deserved it because we’ve been around for so long and we’ve released so many albums and had kind of an impact on the Swedish scene, so we think we deserved it.
You’re also a big influence on a lot of the American Metal bands today. How do you feel about that fact?
In Flames amongst a lot of other bands from Sweden. It’s kind of funny to hear a lot of today’s new Metal sound. I can hear stuff that we did like 10 years ago and now it’s such a big thing. It’s cool that there are so many bands that are influenced by the little bands from Sweden; it’s flattering. That means that we’re doing something good, I guess. It’s great knowing that we’re an inspiration for other bands and younger bands.
Does it work both ways? Are there any American bands that influence your sound?
It goes around. One of my absolute favorite bands is Killswitch Engage. I guess I wouldn’t say that they are an influence for me, but I can listen to their music and get inspired to write my own songs. I love that band.
What are your thoughts about being on Ozzfest?
It’s great to be here. It’s a really long tour. Everyone is ready to go home but its great exposure for us. It would be nicer to play on the second stage because on this stage we’re opening up and we’re playing in front of empty seats. But still there are a lot of people here to see us. It’s good publicity and it’s good promotion for us. We just can’t wait to come back and play the headlining tour to play a long set, to play the new stuff.
Awesome. I’ve been waiting a few years to see you guys but to see you actually play a headlining show will be cool.
Yeah, we can’t wait for it either. We’re gonna be back soon.
After Ozzfest, you’ll be going on tour with Motorhead. How is it to support such a notorious Metal band?
It’s a great chance for us to come to the U.K. and play a little bit bigger venues because the U.K. is kind of new for us. Usually when we do the European tours, we only stop in London. We only did seven dates with Slipknot 4 years ago, that’s it. So it’s a great chance for us. It’s a pretty long tour, three and a half weeks, we go to Ireland and Scotland so it’s gonna be great.
What are some bands that you listen to these days?
Sevendust, Children of Bodom, the new Mudvayne. I listen to a lot of Swedish folk music and jazz stuff. I get pretty tired of Metal right now, so when I put on a CD it’s usually like singer/songwriter stuff, the lonely girl with the guitar, that’s what I like. [Laughs]
That’s actually funny to think. Hearing your music then thinking that at the end of the day you’re listen to something on the complete other end of the spectrum.
Yeah, it is. [Laughs]
Any last words?
Well, no, just that we’re gonna be back soon and I hope to see everyone there, wherever "there" is. [Laughs]
[Then he points to my Macabre sticker on my book, that matches the one on his neck, and gives the horns.] - Yeah, they’re one of my favorite’s too. Dennis (The Menace - drummer) is a friend of mine.
Oh yeah? I love those guys. They are brilliant. You tell Dennis that Jesper says "hi".
San Diego film company ZU33 is currently developing "Lords of Chaos", a fiction film based on true events in the Norwegian black metal music scene in the early 1990s. The project goes into pre-production in November, with physical production scheduled to begin in Februrary 2006. The screenplay was written by Hans Fjellestad, Ryan Page and Adam Parfrey. Fjellestad is set to direct.
The movie is based on the book "Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground" (view cover/details at ' ), which documents some of the events that have occurred in black metal's history, including the murder of MAYHEM's Aasarth Oystein (better known as Euronymous) at the hands of BURZUM mastermind Varg Vikernes (a.k.a. Count Grishnackh).
ZU33 described the movie as follows: "Equal parts music, true crime, occult, and subcultural anthropology, the book by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Søderlind chronicles the Norwegian black metal music scene in the early 1990s. Since that time, nearly 100 churches have been torched and desecrated by adherents of black metal, the most extreme form of underground music on the planet. In an escalating unholy war, black metal bands and their obsessive fans have left a grim legacy of suicide, murder and terrorism spreading from Norway to Germany, Russia, America and beyond. The feature film will focus on the relationship between legendary figures Varg Vikernes and Euronymous and the rest of the 'Black Circle' as they wage war against the powers that be in their native country."
"Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground" was originally published in 1998 by Feral House U.S. A second edition followed in 2003 which documents black metal activities since 1997.
Hans Fjellestad will make his feature film directorial debut with "Lords of Chaos" after two highly successful and critically acclaimed documentary films, "Moog" (2004, Plexifilm) and "Frontier Life" (2002, Third World Newsreel).
Reactivated Finnish melodic extreme metal band ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW are continuing work on their as-yet-untitled fifth album for a tentative March/April 2006 release via Spinefarm Records. According to the band, "The material for the fifth album is heavier, much more diverse and more guitar-orientated compared to the fourth album 'A Virgin and a Whore' [2001]."
ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW's current lineup is as follows:
Altti Veteläinen - Bass, Vocals Jarmo Puolakanaho - Guitar Risto Ruuth - Lead Guitar Janne Tolsa - Keyboards Petri Sankala - Drums
U.K.-based black/death quintet BAL-SAGOTH have issued the following update on the recording proces for their long-awaited sixth album:
"The musical instruments for the sixth BAL-SAGOTH album have finally been recorded after a long delay. The vocal session can now begin imminently, which will be followed by the final mix. Fans who are impatiently awaiting the much anticipated sixth album can understand that the band always seeks to ensure their work is of the absolute highest standard, and to achieve that standard sometimes takes a considerable amount of time. But finally, the album is almost complete and the wait is almost over!
"Just some of the highlights fans can look forward to on the sixth album are:
1) The thrilling second chapter of the epic 'Obsidian Crown' saga, which began way back on the second BAL-SAGOTH album 'Starfire Burning Upon The Ice-Veiled Throne Of Ultima Thule' from 1996! Fans who have waited almost ten years to find out what happens next in this thrilling story will finally get their wish!
2) The best and most dynamic organic orchestral synth sounds ever heard! Much time and effort has been put into refining the famousBAL-SAGOTH keyboard sound to its ultimate level, and every advance in modern audial technology has been taken advantage of. On the sixth album fans will experience amazing symphonic sounds which exceed every other release, sounding totally and uncannily genuine. Real orchestra! Real choirs! Real metal!
3) Incredible new artwork and expansive lyric booklet! The lyric booklet for the sixth album will be the biggest and most elaborate one yet. Multiple full colour pages, in depth text and amazing new artwork by renowned fantasy artist Martin Hanford. The packaging for the sixth album will be the best publication so far."
German "dark Satanic metal band" MYSTIC CIRCLE have cancelled their previously announced live appearances between November 26 and December 17 due to "drummer problems." The group are currently seeking a new drummer for their upcoming world tour in support of their seventh full-length album, "The Bloody Path of God", tentatively due in early 2006 via Dockyard 1, the new company formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR). The new CD is being recorded with former MYSTIC CIRCLE drummer Necrodemon at the production helm.
MYSTIC CIRCLE issued a "best of" album, entitled "Mystic Circle Unholy Chronicles 1992–2004", last November via Massacre Records. The CD, which contains 18 songs spanning the group's entire career, includes a bonus DVD, featuring concert and backstage footage, as well as interviews and a video clip.
Finnish extreme metallers IMPALED NAZARENE have set "Pro Patria Finlandia" as the title of their ninth studio album, tentatively due on March 28, 2006 via Osmose Productions. The band will enter Sonic Pump studio in mid-November with producer Tapio Pennanen to begin recording the follow-up to 2003's "All That You Fear". Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Cancer", "For Those Who Have Fallen", "KUT", "Contempt" and "Hate-Despise-Arrogance". The group had previously described the new material as "fast, brutal as fuck, in-your-face IMPALED NAZARENE."
In other news, IMPALED NAZARENE will embark on a Latin American tour in late January 2006. Three shows in Mexico have already been confirmed, with more to follow.
As previously reported, the double 10" version of IMPALED NAZARENE's "Death Comes In 26 Carefully Selected Pieces" live album was released in September, limited to 500 copies. The band's "Latex Cult" (1996) and "Rapture" (1998) albums will be released in digipack format with new artwork and layout. Both CDs will be remastered at Finnvox studio and will include videos as an extra bonus.
DARK FUNERAL's new album, "Attera Totus Sanctus", has entered the Swedish national chart at position No. 35. It has also debuted on the Swedish heavy metal chart at No. 3.
As previously reported, the limited digipack version of "Attera Totus Sanctus" has been delayed until January 2006 "due to a complicated manufacturing process." The regular edition of the album was released in Europe on October 24 via Regain Records. The CD will arrive in the U.S. on November 29 via Candlelight Records USA.
DARK FUNERAL have uploaded two tracks from "Attera Totus Sanctus" at their official web site. Check out the songs "Godhate" ' and "666 Voices Inside" ' .
DARK FUNERAL's new album was recorded and mixed by Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, IN FLAMES, BEHEMOTH) and Örjan Örnkloo (MISERY LOVES CO.) at Dug-Out studios in Uppsala, Sweden between May 23 and July 15, and August 8 and August 19, 2005. Mastering duties were handled by Tomas Eberger at the Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden. The CD features a guest appearance by former MESHUGGAH bassist Gustaf Hielm.
DARK FUNERAL currently features vocalist/bassist Emperor Magnus Caligula, guitarist Lord Ahriman, guitarist Chaq Mol, and drummer Matte Modin.
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Two more acts are confirmed for next year's installment of the Bang Your Head!!! festival, set to take place June 23-24, 2006 in Balingen, Germany.
Southern German Metal outfit RAWHEAD REXX are in the studio and started the preproduction of the follow-up to their last release „Diary in black“. Songwriting efforts turned out to be very futile: Right now, the band has composed about 30 songs to choose from.
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have uploaded a live video clip of "The Wonders at Your Feet" and half of "Zodijackyl Light", shot at the group's concert in Gran Canaria on October 1. "The sound and picture quality isn't the best, so it's for die-hards only, but the atmosphere is present in spades," the band write on their web site. Check it out at this location (Windows Media, 18 MB).
British black metallers CRADLE OF FILTH recorded a cover of SAMHAIN's "Halloween II", which will appear on the soundtrack to the forthcoming film "Underworld: Evolution". The band are currently recording their seventh LP at Lincolnshire, England's Chapel Studios for an early June 2006 release via Roadrunner Records. The group's frontman Dani Filth told ' that when the group's new disc arrives in stores, fans will hear two very interesting covers the FILTH's been perfecting: U.K. techno-pop trio HEAVEN 17's "Temptation" and "Stay" by SHAKESPEAR'S SISTER.
Tech metal band GRENOUER in late September 2005 had a rough time when fire destroyed their rehearsal studio with all instruments and equipment yet was quite fast to recover from this misfortune. Musicians have already purchased new high quality instruments and resolved the problem of finding a new room. For that Grenouer had to use studio budget and studio session at ASTIA (Finland) was rescheduled for the summer 2006. Anyway Grenouer is resuming rehearsals and prepares to play several gigs by the end of the year. Meanwhile December HARD ROCK magazine (Fra) is giving Grenouer "Try" nomination "Demo of the month".
Russian grind label SoulFlesh Collector announced the first release. It is split of three bands: CADAVERIC INCUBATOR (Finland), FETAL DECAY (Russia, Saratov), MORTALIZED (Russia, Kazan')..jpg)
Finnish folk-influenced melodic death metal band ENSIFERUM, now featuring in its ranks NORTHER frontman Petri Lindroos, will film their New Year's Eve 10-year anniversary concert at the Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland for an upcoming DVD.
Have you written any new material? When will a new record be released?
Back in June I heard about your upcoming album "Come Clarity". When is the expected release date?
San Diego film company ZU33 is currently developing "Lords of Chaos", a fiction film based on true events in the Norwegian black metal music scene in the early 1990s. The project goes into pre-production in November, with physical production scheduled to begin in Februrary 2006. The screenplay was written by Hans Fjellestad, Ryan Page and Adam Parfrey. Fjellestad is set to direct.
U.K.-based black/death quintet BAL-SAGOTH have issued the following update on the recording proces for their long-awaited sixth album: