New York hardcore legends AGNOSTIC FRONT have set a January 5, 2005 North American release date through Nuclear Blast Records for their new album, "Another Voice". The CD will arrive in Europe on November 22.
"Another Voice" was produced by Zeuss (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL) and Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and is said to be the group's "meanest" and "nastiest" offering to date. The enhanced CD will include a "ripping" band performance and a guest appearance by Jasta, captured by acclaimed director Dale "Rage" Resteghini (FEAR FACTORY, HATEBREED, GOD FORBID, SHADOWS FALL, CANDIRIA) Other special guest vocal appearances on "Another Voice" include Scott Vogel (TERROR) and Karl Buechner (EARTH CRISIS, FREYA).
MARILYN MANSON's video for his cover of DEPECHE MODE's "Personal Jesus" has been posted online ' "Personal Jesus" is the first single off Manson's upcoming "best of" collection, "Lest We Forget", due on September 28 via Interscope. The compilation will contain rare photos and artwork by Manson himself. The "deluxe edition" will feature an accompanying DVD containing "the entire video catalog," including the previously unreleased uncensored clip for "(s)AINT", directed by Italian actress Asia Argento.
Finnish melo-death metallers OMNIUM GATHERUM have shot a video for the track "The Fall Went Right Through Here" with directors Lowlifemedia Productions (PRIMAL FEAR, EXODUS, ABORTED, IMMOLATION, OCCULT).
"The Fall Went Right Through Here" comes off the group's upcoming sophomore album, "Years In Waste", due on November 9 through Nuclear Blast Records.
The follow-up to last year's highly acclaimed "Spirits and August Light", "Years In Waste" was recorded at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki, Finland with producer Nino Laurenne and engineer Teemu Aalto. The mastering sessions took place at Finnvox studios in Helsinki.
"Years In Waste" tentative track listing:
01. The Fall Went Right Through Here 02. Misanthropic (Let the Crown Fall) 03. Bereavement 04. No Moon & No Queen 05. Gravesilence 06. It's a Long Night 07. The Nolan's Fati 08. Black Seas Cry 09. More Withering 10. Auguries Gone
OMNIUM GATHERUM, who were previously signed to the Rage of Achilles label, have described the new material as "more of that old-school (melo)death — groovier and heavier — not that trendy-pop-death-metal-crap that's extruding everywhere."
Sonic Age Records is the name of a new Greek heavy metal record label formed by the people behind the reissue label Cult Metal Classics.
In existence since 2001, Cult Metal Classics was launched "mostly as a reissue label, trying to bring back to light some forgotten diamonds of heavy metal music," according to a press release. "The name of the label was related to re-releases, so due to the fact that we wanted to host some new bands too, a decision was made to start a label whose name and profile matched much better with a label that will be dedicated to new releases!
"The decision was made mainly after the big success of the JACK STARR'S GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME 'Under a Savage Sky' and also Greece's premier power metal band BLOODSTAINED 'Greetings from Hell' releases.
"Cult Metal Classics will remain as a branch of Sonic Age Records and will focus on limited re-issues on vinyl and CD form.
"We have already negotiated deals with great bands like OVERLORDE (U.S.A.), VALKIJA (Italy), BLOODSTAINED (Greece), MADE OF IRON (Germany), EUROFORCE (Greece / Germany) etc. so expect a new wave of fantastic releases that will be available pretty soon!"
Swedish brutal death metallers IMPERIOUS have replaced Emil Fredenmark (guitars, vocals) with Adam Skogvard (MYNJUN, PHANINDRA, ex-SLODUST, BOOK OF HOURS). The band have also found a new bassist in Rickard Thulin (MYNJUN, COERCION).
IMPERIOUS are currently writing material for the follow-up to 2003's "In Splendour" (Retribute Records), tentatively due in 2005. Songtitles set to appear on the band's sophomore CD include "Nothingness", "Congregate In Misery" and "Malignant Deception".
LACUNA COIL singer Cristina Scabbia has told MTV.com that the band are not expecting to record any of the songs they've written over the past 18 months until at least the end of the year. "Waiting for that to happen will just make me more excited for when we do the actual recording of the album," she said. "The new songs we have will be an evolution of 'Comalies' [2002], but not a huge change. I hate bands that are changing every album, because that's not a natural evolution. LACUNA COIL will be recognizable on the next album. This is how it has to be."
Scabbia also spoke about the endless comparisons between LACUNA COIL and EVANESCENCE — an assessment that many fans find unfair considering that LACUNA COIL has been together since 1994, four years longer than EVANESCENCE. "They're a good band and people like them, so why should I be upset [about the comparisons]?" she said. "It's funny, because in Europe we've been known for a while, so people say the opposite thing. They hear EVANESCENCE and say, 'Oh, is this the new single from LACUNA COIL?' "
French progressive metallers ADAGIO have announced the addition of Brazilian singer Gus Monsanto to the group's ranks. Monsanto joins the band as the replacement for David Readman (PINK CREAM 69), who was dismissed from the group in July due to professional differences.
"The 3rd studio album of ADAGIO will be released early next year."
MANOWAR have now confirmed that they have officially parted ways with Nuclear Blast Records. There has been no word yet as to which label the band may sign with next.
MANOWAR's last studio album, "Warriors of the World", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 2 (right behind EMINEM) back in May 2002. It has since been certified gold in Germany for sales in excess of 150,000 copies.
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have begun work on a video clip for the song "Lost to Apathy" with director Roger Johansson. "Lost to Apathy" will be the first single off the band's upcoming studio album, tentatively due before the end of the year. "While it's too early to reveal any details, the end result promises to be a very different and unique piece of mayhem," a posting on the band's web site reads.
SONATA ARCTICA's new single, "Don't Say A Word", entered the Finish single chart at position No. 1. "Don't Say A Word" comes off the Finnish melodic metallers' fourth studio album, "Reckoning Night", due on October 11 through Nuclear Blast Records.
Greek black metallers VARATHRON have signed with Black Lotus Records. The group's first full-length album since 1995 will be recorded in September for an early 2005 release.
GWAR have set "War Party" as the title of their new album, due on October 26 through DRT Entertainment. The long-awaited follow-up to 2001's "Violence Has Arrived" was recorded at Wreckroom Studios in Richmond, Va. and was mixed at the Chop Shop in NYC. Handling the production duties was Glen Robinson, who worked with the band on their classic third album, "America Must Be Destroyed". Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Krosstika", "Decay of Granduer" and "War Party".
DEINONYCHUS, the one-man Dutch doom metal project featuring Marco Kehren (previously known as Odin), will release their sixth album, "Insomnia", in October through My Kingdom Music. The follow-up to 2002's "Mournument" was recorded at The Outer Sound studio in Rome, Italy with producer Giuseppe Orlando (NOVEMBRE). A re-release of "Mournument" is also planned, featuring a new layout and a video clip for the song "Ascencion – The 40th Day After Easter".
Czech Republic-based death metallers PANDEMIA are currently searching for a record label to release their upcoming third full-length album, tentatively titled "Riven". Demo versions of two new songs, "Legion Beneath" (mp3) and "Us and Them" (mp3), have been made available for free download at the band's web site www.pandemia-deathmetal.com. PANDEMIA's last studio CD, "Personal Demon", was issued in December 2002 through Lost Disciple Records.
STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto performed several classic heavy metal covers with Finland's HEAVY LILJA ORCHESTRA. "In the orchestra there were one cello, one violin, one alto violin and one flute," the posting reads. "They had three Finnish singers singing on most of the songs. The most known singer out side Finland is Timo Kotipelto of STRATOVARIUS. The other two are also very talented singers but only known in Finland — Maija Vilkkumaa (female) and Kirka."
The orchestra played the following 80-minute set:
01. Iron Man (instrumental) 02. Powerslave (instrumental) 03. Highway Star (vocals by Kotipelto) 04. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (vocals by Vilkkumaa) 05. Gates Of Babylon (instrumental) 06. War Pigs/Kashmir (medley) (vocals by Vilkkumaa) 07. Stairway To Heaven (instrumental) 08. Born To Be Wild (vocals by Kirka) 09. Heaven And Hell (vocals by Kotipelto) 10. I Surrender (vocals by Kirka) 11. The Sentinel 12. Paranoid/Smoke On The Water (vocals by all three singers)
Following the release of ANTIMATTER's as-yet-untitled third album late this year Duncan Patterson (ex-ANATHEMA) and Mick Moss will both concentrate on solo releases for 2005. Duncan's DEATHCAP project was announced in 2002, and has been described as "post-acid horror, like the darker side of ANTIMATTER, only much more extreme." The album will be released through Strangelight Records. In early 2004, Mick announced his forthcoming solo album, "The Immaculate Misconception", which can be described as "dark, soulful sometimes progressive rock reflecting a world full of disappointments."
To coincide with the release of ANTIMATTER's third album, the band will be releasing a free virtual video EP for download. Tracks featured are "Saviour", "The Last Laugh", "In Stone" and "Empty", all of which were recorded before a live audience. It is not known yet whether the format will be VCD (for use in DVD players) or simply a CD-ROM.
British extreme metal pioneers BOLT THROWER have announced the departure of vocalist Dave Ingram. In a statement, the band said, "Dave has been suffering with health and personal problems for a while now and he has decided that it would be best if he left the band to concentrate on his recovery. We would like to thank him for the 6 years he dedicated to the band and we wish him all the very best for the future."
BOLT THROWER were due to go into the studio shortly to record their eighth album, (the follow up to 2001's "Honour, Valour, Pride" — the only BOLT THROWER release featuring Ingram on vocals), but the recording will now be delayed until a replacement is found.
Chicago death/thrash lords USURPER have completed work on their fifth full-length album, "Cryptobeast". Recorded at Chicago's Rax Trax Studios with producer Neil Kernon (JUDAS PRIEST, DEICIDE, CANNIBAL CORPSE), "Cryptobeast" marks the recording debut with the group of new singer Dan "Tyrantor" Lawson and the return of the band's original drummer, Joe "Apocalyptic" Warlord.
"Cryptobeast" track listing:
01. Bones of My Enemies 02. Supernatural Killing Spree 03. Kill For Metal 04. Conquest of The Grotesque 05. Return of The Werewolf 06. Reptilian 07. Cryptobeast 08. Wrath of God 09. Warriors of Iron and Rust (new version) 10. (untitled instrumental track)
"Cryptobeast" is now in the mastering stages and is slated for a March 2005 release through Earache Records.
FORCE OF EVIL, the new Danish band featuring guitarist Michael Denner (ex-MERCYFUL FATE), guitarist Hank Shermann (MERCYFUL FATE), bassist Hal Patino (KING DIAMOND), drummer Bjarne Holm (MERCYFUL FATE), and vocalist Martin Steene (ex-IRONFIRE), will enter Jailhouse studio in Horsens, Denmark on September 6 with producer Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, PRETTY MAIDS) to begin recording their sophomore album, tentatively due in early 2005 through Escapi. 12 new songs will be recorded for the effort, which is being described by the band as "raw" and "more brutal" than the group's debut.
Atlanta-based technical death metallers DAATH have recruited former DEATH/TESTAMENT guitarist James Murphy to mix their second album, tentatively titled "The Hinderers". "We are currently in pre-production and expect to start tracking in November," the band write on their web site. "We're going to slow down on booking gigs in order to allow more time for song tweaking." An early 2005 release is expected.
Botswana's WRUST, the only known all-black extreme/death metal band in Africa, have confirmed the track listing for their as-yet-untitled debut album, scheduled for release later this year through Witchdoctor Records. The group will enter the studio in October to begin recording the effort, which will be available via mailorder at WitchdoctorRecords.com. The tentative track listing is as follows:
01. Cleansing Ritual 02. Kill or Be Killed 03. Breeding the Undead 04. Mortal Decay 05. Run 06. Rise of the Prowler 07. The Killing God 08. Fate 09. Why Me
Former THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL "goddess of beauty" Kari Rueslåtten will release her fourth solo album, "Other People's Stories", on September 27 through GMR Music. The follow-up to 2002's "Pilot" is said to be "filled with [Kari's] best songs to date as well as wonderfully produced."
With regards to the album's title, Kari had previously stated, "The idea behind this title is that all the songs tell somebody's story, but their story could also be my own. People make choices that sometimes is beyond our understanding. But if we were to be in their position we might have done exactly the same."
ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian has commented on winning the "Spirit of Rock" award at the Kerrang! Awards, which were held Thursday night (August 26) at The Brewery in central London.
"Comrades, we won at the Kerrang awards!" Scott writes on the group's web site. "They gave us the award for 'Spirit Of Rock' which is given to a band that has changed the face of music and has been a major influence on others. It was really cool. The event itself is huge. I had no idea it was so big. They had a killer video presentation showing clips of our whole career, from 'Madhouse' to 'What Doesn't Die' with a voiceover giving our history. Rob and I had no clue that we were getting this. It was kept secret from us the whole time. I thought we were nominated in a category with other bands so when they announced this award and said this year's winners etc. etc. I realized they had picked us for the award. Rob and I went up and I gave a very excited and brief thank you speech and then we were whisked off to the press room for all kinds of TV and radio. It was really cool to be recognized by a magazine that I've been reading since before ANTHRAX..."
METALLICA were named Best Band On the Planet at the Kerrang! Awards, beating out the likes of SLIPKNOT, THE DARKNESS, H.I.M., RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and BLINK-182. VELVET REVOLVER, the new group composed of former members of GUNS N' ROSES and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, won Best International Newcomer, while THE DARKNESS were named Best British Band. The spandex-clad rockers also won Best Live Band for the second year running.
Producer/manager Christopher Tuffin, who has managed such metal acts as PAINMUSEUM, as well as members of the band HALFORD, has teamed up with former NFL star Glenn Cadrez to form a new horror entertainment company, BloodWorks.
Tuffin says that he wants to build stronger ties between the hard rock/metal community and the horror filmmakers.
"Like metal, horror isn’t just a genre — it's a way of life for a lot of fans," he said. "They both allow their artists to question authority, explore fears and lash out at the status quo, so it makes perfect sense to build their respective awareness via soundtracks, casting and other cross promotions that will expose each of them to a wider audience.”
NIBIRU, the long-running project featuring Overlord of cult U.S. black metal band CRIMSON MOON, have officially released a demo CD through Kthulu Productions. “8 spells running 30 mins in length. ...containing rehearsal tracks from both full length CD's to be released in the future on Kthulu Productions”.
German melodic black metallers SYCRONOMICA have inked a two-album deal with Black Attack Records. The group's debut CD, "Paths", is scheduled for release on October 18.
"Paths" track listing:
01. Intro 02. Erased By Light 03. Creations Of Mine 04. Paths ( ...Of A Forgotten Time) 05. In Silence I Die 06. Durch Das Ge?st 07. Vampiric Dances 08. Something From The North 09. Lost 10. The Sound Of Horns
Denmark's modern thrashers MNEMIC have finished filming a video for their new single, "Deathbox", with director Patric Ulleaus (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, LACUNA COIL) of Revolver Films. The video was shot in Gothenburg, Sweden at the Revolver Studios.
Sweden's FALCONER have announced the addition of bassist Magnus Linhardt to the group's ranks. FALCONER are continuing to write material for their next studio effort, tentatively due next spring. Around eight new songs have been completed so far, including "No Tears For Strangers", "Purgatory Time", "Humanity Overdose" and "Power". Guitarist Stefan Weinerhall said on new material that “ it’s gonna be a bit faster and harder."
The band have yet to announced a replacement for guitarist Anders Johansson, who left the group earlier in the year.
Italian gothic black metal band GRAVEWORM, featuring former ABIGOR and current DARKWELL/SHADOWCAST drummer Moritz Neuner, will enter Stage One studios in B?hne, Germany in September to begin recording their new CD, tentatively due in early 2005 through Nuclear Blast.
LACUNA COIL singer Cristina Scabbia has told MTV.com that the band are not expecting to record any of the songs they've written over the past 18 months until at least the end of the year. "Waiting for that to happen will just make me more excited for when we do the actual recording of the album," she said. "The new songs we have will be an evolution of 'Comalies' [2002], but not a huge change. I hate bands that are changing every album, because that's not a natural evolution. LACUNA COIL will be recognizable on the next album. This is how it has to be."
STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto performed several classic heavy metal covers with Finland's HEAVY LILJA ORCHESTRA. "In the orchestra there were one cello, one violin, one alto violin and one flute," the posting reads. "They had three Finnish singers singing on most of the songs. The most known singer out side Finland is Timo Kotipelto of STRATOVARIUS. The other two are also very talented singers but only known in Finland — Maija Vilkkumaa (female) and Kirka."