Friends! We are glad to inform you all that GOREFEST have signed a multi album deal with NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS. It is turning out to be a pretty amazing year for us, first of all getting back together again and now getting back to the worlds leading metal label! Feels good! We are currently writing songs for what seems to become a very heavy new album. Expect it at a record shop near you towards the end of the year. We hope to see you all out there at the festivals this summer!
THE GATHERING drummer Hans Rutten has issued the following update:
"The sessions/concerts we will play in Paradiso [in Amsterdam] the 23rd of May will be recorded for a DVD release end of the summer 2005. The title will be 'A Sound Relief' and will focus on the more quiet songs of 15 years THE GATHERING. In 2006 we will work on a more Rock-orientated concert DVD, which will be called 'A Noise Severe'. In between both releases we will work on a new album, no title yet. But first of all, 'A Sound Relief'!"
THE GATHERING are expected to record their new album in the fall with producer Attie Bauw (who worked with the group on their "How to Measure a Planet?" CD). An early 2006 release is expected.
CANNIBAL CORPSE are scheduled to enter Mana Studios in Tampa, Florida in October with producer Erik Rutan (MORBID ANGEL, HATE ETERNAL) to begin recording their new album, tentatively due in early 2006 via Metal Blade Records. "We have only one upcoming concert, and that is the Party.San Open Air festival in Germany on August 13", said bassist Alex Webster. "Other than that, we have no plans for any live performances for the rest of 2005."
CANNIBAL CORPSE have yet to announce a permanent replacement for guitarist Jack Owen, who left the band last summer. The group have been utilizing session musicians for their recent touring activities, including Jeremy Turner (ex-ORIGIN) during The Wretched Spawn tour in 2004, and Rob Barrett (who played with the band from 1993 to 1997 and appeared on "The Bleeding" and "Vile" albums), who assisted the group during their recent Northwest Death Fest appearance in Seattle.
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have posted the following message on their official web site:
"We just got to see the final version of the 'The New Build' clip and are really pleased with how it all turned out. As previously reported, director Roger Johansson joined us for 5-6 dates of the European tour, filming the performances in London, Paris and Barcelona among others, and the end result is an intense and fast video giving a good impression of the DARK TRANQUILLITY live experience as well as showing some backstage antics.
"The clip is being sent out to the usual stations as we speak, so you will all be able to see it soon."
Former THE CLAN DESTINED/IMMORTAL bassist Iscariah (ex-IMMORTAL) has issued a statement regarding THE CLAN DESTINED singer Martin Walkyier's (ex-SKYCLAD) apparent decision to utilize the group's recently recorded mini-CD despite being the sole remaining member of the group. Iscariah's statement reads as follows:
"Martin Walkyier has the legal right to use the recordings for the upcoming THE CLAN DESTINED MCD. This is how the 'rules' of the industry work even though music and lyrics are divided on two separate individuals. We are both allowed to use the songs in our each future projects. We (the new band which will follow from this) want to move on & put this behind us. We have 9 new songs which are ready for recording and will be announced soon with a new full lineup and new band name. Despite all this, we wish Martin the best of luck for the future & hope he will succeed."
VIRGIN STEELE's official web site has been updated with the following message:
"David DeFeis [vocals] has finally decided which songs will be issued on the first [new VIRGIN STEELE] CD from out of the over 60 compositions he has prepared so far. And not only that, but the group is actually now officially halfway through capturing the first 20 on tape. Sessions are going extraordinarily well, and the group is hoping for a much sooner...rather than a much later release. We will keep you informed, as the information comes our way. I have also heard rumors about a 'making of' short video documentary that is in the works!"
Members of LOST HORIZON/LUCIFERION (Sweden), FOREST OF IMPALED (USA) and DAMNATION (Poland) have teamed up in a brand new death/mystery/”black" formation with a base in Chicago. No band name has yet been chosen, but the group's initial recordings are already underway, with sessions taking place in the U.S. and Sweden. The band, who have completed four songs thus far, are currently seeking a vocalist to round out the project.
Swedish metallers SATARIEL have finished mixing their third album, "Hydra", for a late June release via Cold/Regain Records. The group, whose music is being described as "a mix between CANDLEMASS and early IN FLAMES," recorded the CD at Dug-Out studios in Uppsala, Sweden with producers Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, IN FLAMES, STUCK MOJO) and Örjan Örnkloo (MISERY LOVES CO.).
SATARIEL released their sophomore CD, "Phobos & Deimos", in 2002 through the now-defunct Dutch label Hammerheart Records.
Dutch thrashers OCCULT have uploaded their video for the track "Bleed for Me" at their ' .
"Bleed for Me" comes off the group's sixth album, "Malevolent Rapture", available now on Holland's Karmageddon Media (formerly Hammerheart Records). The follow-up to this year's "Elegy for the Weak" was recorded at Stage One studios in Borgentreich, Germany with producer Andy Classen (DEW-SCENTED, CALLENISH CIRCLE, TANKARD).
Finnish melodic death/doom metallers SWALLOW THE SUN have entered the Finnish single chart at position No. 4 with their latest single, "Forgive Her" (Firebox Records). In addition to the nine-minute title track, the single features a cover version of the CANDLEMASS classic "Solitude", with Magister Albert from REVEREND BIZARRE on vocals.
"Forgive Her" comes off SWALLOW THE SUN's as-yet-untitled second album, due on August 24 via Firebox Records. Two different versions of the album will be available; a standard release and a special two-CD version featuring the stylish video "Descending Winters" as well as possible live footage.
SWALLOW THE SUN second album track listing:
01. The Giant (11:55) 02. Descending Winters (6:11) 03. Psychopath's Lair (5:51) 04. Forgive Her (9:02) 05. Fragile (7:12) 06. Ghost Of Laura Palmer (8:07) 07. Gloom, Beauty And Despair (8:45) 08. The Ship (8:55)
DEAD CENTER PROD/DISTRO/ANTI CHRIST ZINE (Lugansk, Ukraine) is preparing the stuff for VCD Compilation, bands can send their videos (in PC format). Among the bands, which will be featured on the CD are: SCALP, PSILOCYBE LARVAE, AGE OF AGONY, KINETIC, DOR FEAFAROTH and oter.
Also label continues to gather the cover songs for A TRIBUTE TO DEICIDE (CD/MC), write the manager even if you don't have anything ready now - you have the time!
Write to - Alexandr Maximov, P.O. box 203, Lugansk, 91001, Ukraine. E-mail: ' GSM: +38-097-977-73-85
RUINA RECORDS, subdivision of GRIFFIN MUSIC, presents “In Loneliness Of Two Souls” – дебютный альбом похоронной церемонии AUTUMNIA. 59 minutes of tragical funeral doom/death metal for those, in hearts of which is always autumn, pain, sadness. The material was composed during the long autumn nights by Alexandr Glavnyy (ex-Mournful Gust, ex-Vae Solis) and Vlad Shakhin (Mournful Gust, Vae Solis). In the booklet design were used the exclusive photo pictures with old Polish and German cemetaries of XVIII-XIX centuries.
Tracklist: 1. …By your hand 2. Before leave for ever (' ) 3. In sorrow and solitude (' ) 4. By eternal parting 5. Pray for me… 6. Into the grave…
CD order: '
Review on AUTUMNIA's “In Loneliness Of Two Souls” is posted already in our webzine. You can read it ' .
Reunited Swedish doom legends CANDLEMASS will celebrate the release of their new self-titled album in Stockholm, Sweden.
Due on May 2 via Nuclear Blast Records, "Candlemass" was recorded in part at Polar studios (ABBA, GENESIS, LED ZEPPELIN) in Stockholm, Sweden and is said to be musically similar to the group's classic "Tales of Creation" and "Nightfall" albums.
"Candlemass" track listing:
01. Enemy (intro) 02. Black Dwarf 03. Seven Silver Keys 04. Assassin of the Light 05. Copernicus 06. The Man Who Fell from the Sky 07. Witches 08. Born In A Tank 09. Spellbreaker 10. The Day and the Night 11. Mars and Volcanoes (digipack bonus track)
Finnish atmospheric doom metallers SILENTIUM will enter the studio on May 2 to begin recording their fourth CD, tentatively due in late 2005 via Dynamic Arts Records.
SILENTIUM, who recently announced the addition of vocalist Riina Rinkinen and returning drummer Jari Ojala to the group's ranks, released their third album, "Sufferion - Hamartia of Prudence", in 2003 through Spikefarm Records. Produced by NIGHTWISH mainman Tuomas Holopainen, the CD was recorded at Sundicoop Studio in Savonlinna, Finland and featured a guest appearance by former LULLACRY and current SOULGRIND frontwoman Tanja Kemppainen.
COVENANCE is the name of a brand-new band formed by ex-DYING FETUS singer Vince Matthews and former MISERY INDEX members Matt Byers (drums) and Bruce Greig (also ex-DYING FETUS). The group, whose sound is being described as "melodic, brutal death metal" and unlike that of either DYING FETUS or MISERY INDEX, have just completed work on their first demo. An official web site, www.covenance.com, will contain additional information regarding the band's touring plans.
Announcement regarding second guitarplayer "We'd like announce that Rob Barrett, who as you all know played guitar with Cannibal Corpse from 1993 to 1997 and appeared on "the Bleeding" and "Vile" albums, will be rejoining the band for our performance at the Northwest Death Fest in Seattle on April 3rd.
Whether or not Rob will be staying with the band permanently after that show is still not certain, but so far we're very happy to have Rob back in the fold. We'll post an update when we know for sure if Rob is permanently rejoining or not.
We also would like to say thank you to Jeremy Turner for doing an amazing job playing guitar with us on "The Wretched Spawn" tour in 2004. Jeremy really helped us out in a tight spot, and we wish him the best in his future musical endeavors".
FATES WARNING drummer Mark Zonder and MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP guitarist/keyboardist Wayne Findlay have been recording demos with vocalist David Fefolt (VALHALLA, HAWK, MASI). The as-yet-unnamed band's music is being described as "very progressive rock with a broad variety of influences, including Latin and reggae," with "very intense percussion and powerful vocals." The group's current plans are to finish recording the demos before securing a label deal. More information will be made available soon.
Late June will see the release of the new Demons & Wizards CD "Touched By The Crimson King" with the following tracks:
1. Crimson King 2. Beneath These Waves 3. Terror Train 4. Seize The Day 5. The Gunslinger 6. Love's Tragedy Asunder 7. Wicked Witch 8. Dorian 9. Down Where I Am 10. Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin cover)
For the digipack release there will be a bonus CD with the following songs:
DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy has uploaded the revised/final cover artwork for the group's new album, "Octavarium", at ' . The CD is scheduled for release on June 7 via Atlantic Records.
DREAM THEATER began writing and recording their latest album last November at the Hit Factory studios in New York City. The follow-up to 2003's "Train of Thought" will hold the distinction of being the very last album ever recorded at the world-famous recording facility.
Asked how "Octavarium" differs from its predecessor, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci recently told Billboard.com, "The album before this we wrote in the rehearsal period, constructed all the songs and then went into the studio and recorded them. The style from song to song was pretty consistent; that album was pretty dark and heavy and very riffy, sort of metal [or] progressive metal-sounding. This one we wrote in the studio, and I think that stylistically from song to song it's more diverse."
"Octavarium" track listing:
01. The Root of All Evil 02. The Answer Lies Within 03. These Walls 04. I Walk Beside You 05. Panic Attack 06. Never Enough 07. Sacrificed Sons 08. Octavarium
Five songs from the upcoming NAPALM DEATH album, "The Code is Red...Long Live the Code", will be streamed online at the German Metal Hammer web site. Each day this week, a new song will be added to the page, beginning with "Silence Is Golden". Check it out at ' .
"The Code Is Red… Long Live The Code" was recorded at Foel Studios with producer Russ Russell and features guest appearances by Jello Biafra (ex-DEAD KENNEDYS), Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Jeff Walker (ex-CARCASS).
Commented frontman Mark "Barney" Greenway: "What more can I tell you? Well, it's a ripper — fast, progressive and a nice bit of art-noise. With Jello Biafra, Jamey Jasta and Jeff Carcass along for the ride, we hope it'll take your heads off — or at least get you thinking with them."
"The Code is Red...Long Live the Code" is scheduled for release in Europe on April 25 via Century Media Records.
Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM have finished recording the drum tracks for their new album, tentatively due in September via Spinefarm Records. "Now the band will start working with guitar and bass tracks," reads a posting on the group's web site. "Recordings should be ready by the end of May!"
German black metal band ZARATHUSTRA have completed work on a new EP, entitled "Contempt", at Sweden's Necromorbus Studio (WATAIN, FUNERAL MIST). The group spent nine days in the studio working on the follow-up to their "Perpetual Black Force" CD, which will be released in May via Undercover Records in a strictly limited and hand-numbered edition on CD (1,000) and LP (500, including one bonus track).
"Contempt" track listing:
01. Slave Morality (' clip) 02. Become Eternal 03. Master Morality 04. ...Of Serpents and Swords (' clip) 05. Sphinx (cover of German black metal band POISON) (vinyl bonus)
The "Contempt" cover artwork was conceived by Chris "Thorncross" Moyen.
Finnish metallers STRATOVARIUS will release their brand-new self-titled effort in late August/early September via Sanctuary Records. The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. Maniac Dance 02. Fight 03. Just Carry On 04. Back To Madness 05. Gypsy In Me 06. Götterdämmerung (Zenith of Power) 07. The Land of Ice and Snow 08. Leave The Tribe 09. United
A video for the album's first single, "Maniac Dance", was shot last week by director and guitarist Timo Tolkki's old schoolmate Antti Jokinen (BEYONCÉ, WYCLEF JEAN, KORN, MISSY ELLIOT, NIGHTWISH, SHANIA TWAIN, CELINE DION).
MHP 04-034 CD SEMARGL "Attack on God" - crushing black/death metal. The debut album was recorded and mastered in famous Polish studio Herz (HELLBORN, DECAPITATED, DIES IRAE)!
MHP 04-037 CD BLACK SHADOW "ZOv Smerti" - satanick ultra-speed black metal. In vein of DARK FUNEAL and ASHEN LIGHT. In the ranks of the band - ASHEN LIGHT vocalist, Lord Demogorgon. Presentation was on April, 9th in R-Club.
In next two monthes More Hate will release: MHP 05-033 NORD'N'COMMANDER "Hermeneutics" progressive black dark metal MHP 05-035 EMBERS OF LIFE "Dark Conspiracy" symphonic black/death metal MHP 05-036 NATURAL SPIRIT "Русколунь" pagan Slavonic black metal
On final stage are the preparations to release the second part of CD grind core compilation by MORE HATE. This time compilation will feature Belarussians POSTHUMOUS BLASPHEMER with brand new 4 tracks, and 3 bands from Moscow, Russia : MUTANT FACTOR, ANAL NOSOROG, PRECHUDLIVYY ZARODYSH. The delay of release date is due to technical reasons.
With Estonian melodic death metal group - POST MORTEM to release their new album, "The Victory Day".
WIth Rybinsk, Russia band BOG-MOROK, who released their last CD last year through CD-Maximum, to release new album, "Stadiae II".
Also More Hate signed the record deal with Spanish formation FATAL PORTRAIT, which play sophisticated dark black metal, to releasethe scond full-length, "Adventum". These CDs are planned to be released this summer.
OLD MAN'S CHILD guitarist Galder (also in DIMMU BORGIR) has posted the following message on the group's web site:
"The new OLD MAN'S CHILD album is now finally almost finished after a quite long break. It was recorded in Fredman [in Gothenburg, Sweden] once again since I was pretty satisfied with the sound on the 'In Defiance of Existence' album [2003]. It's going to be mixed in early May so you can expect that Century Media will push it so it comes out as soon as possible. I only have an unmixed version at home, but even that sounds pretty good, so I have a feeling it will sound very good when finally mixed. It has 8 new songs and a re-recording of the old song 'Born of the Flickering'. The title of the new album is not quite decided yet but at this time I have decided to name it 'In the Orbit of Torment' but this might possibly be changed. I have done an 'ill-natured...' method on this album so every instrument is done personally except for the drums which was done by the Danish Reno Kiilerich [DIMMU BORGIR, EXMORTEM, VILE] which by the way did a killer job behind the drums. So all in all I must say I'm very happy with the album and hopefully everything will turn out good on the mixing side as well."
Sweden's TRANSPORT LEAGUE have entered Grand Recordings in Gothenburg to begin recording their new album, "Obey, Consume, Reject", for a tentative September release through an as-yet-undetermined label. A total of 11 songs are currently being recorded, including a cover of DEPECHE MODE's "Never Let Me Down Again". Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Monster Device", "Handcuffed", "Kick Down", "Seven Day Armor", "Fold and Disgusted" and "Soul Wasted".
Sweden's OPETH are on the verge of inking a new record deal with Roadrunner Records. The band, who were previously signed to the now-defunct British label Music For Nations Records, recently entered Fascination Street studios in Örebro, Sweden to begin recording their eight album, tentatively due later in the year.
MY DYING BRIDE have uploaded screenshots from their video for the track "The Blue Lotus" at ' . The clip, which was directed and conceived by David Palzer, will be included on the group's upcoming "Sinamorata" DVD, tentatively due early summer via Peaceville. In addition to the "The Blue Lotus" video, "Sinamorata" will include live footage (12 songs) shot on November 2, 2003 in Antwerpen, Belgium, as well as backstage extras, the "Prize of Beauty" promotional clip, two videos made by MY DYING BRIDE fans ("Hope the Destroyer" and "My Wine In Silence") and a photo gallery featuring fan-created artwork inspired by the band's music.
DARKEST HOUR have set the tentative track listing for their new album, "Undoing Ruin", due on June 28 via Victory.
The follow-up to 2003's "Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation", "Undoing Ruin" was produced by STRAPPING YOUNG LAD mastermind Devin Townsend and will reportedly feature artwork by Chris Taylor of PG. 99.
"Undoing Ruin" track listing:
01. With A Thousand Words To Say But One 02. Convalescence 03. This Will Outlive Us 04. Sound The Surrender 05. Pathos 06. Low 07. Ethos 08. District Divided 09. These Fevered Times 10. Paradise 11. Tranquil
THE GATHERING drummer Hans Rutten has issued the following update: 
CANNIBAL CORPSE are scheduled to enter Mana Studios in Tampa, Florida in October with producer Erik Rutan (MORBID ANGEL, HATE ETERNAL) to begin recording their new album, tentatively due in early 2006 via Metal Blade Records. "We have only one upcoming concert, and that is the Party.San Open Air festival in Germany on August 13", said bassist Alex Webster. "Other than that, we have no plans for any live performances for the rest of 2005." 
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have posted the following message on their official web site:
Dutch thrashers OCCULT have uploaded their video for the track "Bleed for Me" at their ' .
RUINA RECORDS, subdivision of GRIFFIN MUSIC, presents “In Loneliness Of Two Souls” – дебютный альбом похоронной церемонии AUTUMNIA.
Announcement regarding second guitarplayer "We'd like announce that Rob Barrett, who as you all know played
Late June will see the release of the new Demons & Wizards CD "Touched By The Crimson King" with the following tracks:
Five songs from the upcoming NAPALM DEATH album, "The Code is Red...Long Live the Code", will be streamed online at the German Metal Hammer web site. Each day this week, a new song will be added to the page, beginning with "Silence Is Golden". Check it out at ' .
Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM have finished recording the drum tracks for their new album, tentatively due in September via Spinefarm Records. "Now the band will start working with guitar and bass tracks," reads a posting on the group's web site. "Recordings should be ready by the end of May!"
New releases just out through the label:
MY DYING BRIDE have uploaded screenshots from their video for the track "The Blue Lotus" at ' . The clip, which was directed and conceived by David Palzer, will be included on the group's upcoming "Sinamorata" DVD, tentatively due early summer via Peaceville. In addition to the "The Blue Lotus" video, "Sinamorata" will include live footage (12 songs) shot on November 2, 2003 in Antwerpen, Belgium, as well as backstage extras, the "Prize of Beauty" promotional clip, two videos made by MY DYING BRIDE fans ("Hope the Destroyer" and "My Wine In Silence") and a photo gallery featuring fan-created artwork inspired by the band's music.