NIGHTWISH got certified with a golden record both in Switzerland (20.000 sold copies) and Norway (25.000 sold copies) for their hit album "Once"! Single "Nemo" has passed the golden border in Norway as well and gets certified too for more than 5.000 sold CDs. On September, 20th the new NIGHTWISH Single „Wish I Had An Angel“ will be releasesd. Besides the album version, there will be a special edit + the demo version of the hymn. Besides those, the single features exklusivly the instrumental version of „Ghost Love Score“ and the unique cover version of „Where Were You Last Night“ from A. Bagger. The enhanced part features the video clip of „Wish I Had An Angel“, plus a photogallery and a screensaver.
Danish modern thrash metallers MNEMIC will release their new album "The Audio Injected Soul" on September 27th through Nuclear Blast. The record – produced once again with Tue Madsen in the Danish Antfarm Studios in Aarhus - features ten highly dynamic and fast tracks; furthermore MNEMIC worked a lot with melodies and provided the new songs with strong and catchy refrains. The tracklist of "The Audio Injected Soul" is as follows:
01. Dreamstate Emergency 02. Door 2.12 03. Illuminate 04. Deathbox 05. Sane Vs. Normal 06. Jack Vegas 07. Mindsaver 08. Overdose in the Hall of Fame 09. The Silver Drop 10. Wild Boys (DURAN DURAN cover)
The new yet untitled BAL-SAGOTH album will hit the stores in early 2005 – the band is confident to finish the major studio work during autumn. BAL-SAGOTH sixth record shall content all trademarks the guys are adored for: Dark Fantasy Metal with elements of Death and Black.
Long-running Austrian extreme metallers PUNGENT STENCH have completed work on their new album, "Ampeauty" (view cover ' ), due on September 6 through Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Masters Of Moral - Servants Of Sin" will contain the following track listing:
01. Lynndie (She-Wolf Of Abu Ghraib) 02. Invisible Empire 03. The Amp Hymn 04. The Passion Of Lucifer 05. Got Mail 06. Human Garbage 07. Apotemnophiliac 08. No Guts, No Glory 09. Same Shit - Different Asshole 10. Fear The Grand Inquisitor Check PUNGENT STENCH very soon on Metal Heads Mission festival in Ukraine!
Swedish power metallers SEVENTH ONE have set "What Should Not Be" as the title of their sophomore album, due on September 27 through Armageddon Products. Songtitles set to appear on the follow-up to 2002's "Sacrifice" include "Scattered", "How Many Years" and "Eyes Of The Nation". In related news, the "Armageddon Over Wacken" DVD now has an August 2 release date. SEVENTH ONE will be featured on the disc with the track "Crimson Sky" and not "Hallowed Ground", as previously reported.
Moonfog Records has set a September 6 release date for the new DARKTHRONE album, "Sardonic Wrath". The follow-up to last year's "Hate Them" features cover artwork by Lorenzo Mariani (MARDUK, ABORYM) and contains the following track listing:
01. Information Wants To Be Syndicated (4:20) 02. Sjakk Matt Jesu Krist (4:03) 03. Straightening Sharks (3:26) 04. Alle Gegen Alle (3:21) 05. Mann Tanker Sitt (3:04) 06. God Of Doubt (4:33) 07. Silent Majority (3:56)
Candlelight Records has set October 19 and November 2 as the reissue dates for EMPEROR's four genre-defining albums. "Wrath of the Tyrants", "In the Nightside Eclipse", "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk", and "IX Equilibrum", all currently out of print in the U.S., have been reworked with additional bonus footage and material unavailable on both European and U.S.-licensed versions. In documentary style, each of the four recordings have been enhanced with live and studio footage. "Wrath of the Tyrant", being part one, "includes very rare, exclusive footage of pre-'Nightside' rehearsals plus live outtakes from our first tour (in support of CRADLE OF FILTH, 1993)," says guitarist Samoth. "In the Nightside Eclipse", part two, "includes edited material from a live show in Oslo for the song 'Towards the Pantheon', as well as various other clips from live recordings in 1997." "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk" "starts off with a band interview on Finnish TV talking about 'Anthems' and then various live clips from 1997-98, including cool clips from the Dynamo Festival," continues Samoth. "Part four, 'IX Equilibrium', starts off with a clip from the No Mercy Festival tour and then follows us to the U.S. for our first and only headline American tour in 1999." "IX Equilibrium" concludes the four-part enhancement series with a clip from the Mystic Festival in Poland, the final EMPEROR performance. On August 24, Candlelight will release "Emperial Live Ceremony", the DVD version of the band's only official live recording. The 70-minute, high quality universal-zoned DVD was filmed at London's Astoria Theatre.
TARTHARIA second album "Abstract Nation" released through Crash Music Inc on October, 2004. Mixed by Anssi Kippo at ASTIA-A Studio. Nice sound production. Frontcover inspired by creativity of John santerineross. TARTHARIA debut was released in autumn 2003 by Crash Inc and got vivid response among death/black metal fonders. "Abstract Nation" is more into thrash metal traditions but basically keeps death/black metal line. Release date 10-5-2004.
DOKKEN's latest CD, "Hell To Pay" (Sanctuary), has sold 3,735 copies during its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Meanwhile, CATTLE DECAPITATION's "Humanure" (Metal Blade) registered a first-week tally of 733, while DREAM EVIL's "The Book Of Heavy Metal" (Century Media) and ANCIENT's "Night Visit" (Metal Blade) shifted 570 and 134 units, respectively.
San Francisco power/thrash metallers IMAGIKA have finished mixing their fourth full-length album, "Devils on Both Sides", tentatively due later in the year through an as-yet-undetermined label. A tentative track listing as follows:
01. In Your Shadow 02. Spellbound 03. Hexed 04. Devils on Both Sides 05. Last Battalion 06. Back to the Beginning 07. Voice of Prejudice 08. Dead Eye-Stare 09. Evils Rising 10. Vigilante
Final cover artwork for the CD was produced by IMAGIKA drummer Henry Moreno.
CHILDREN OF BODOM's upcoming EP, "Trashed, Lost & Strungout", will include cover versions of ALICE COOPER's "Bed Of Nails" and ANDREW W.K.'s "She Is Beautiful" and also feature two new songs. A late summer/early fall release through Spinefarm Records is expected. Meanwhile, CHILDREN OF BODOM recently shot a video for the EP's title track, "Trashed, Lost & Strungout", in Sweden with director Patric Ullaeus (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, LACUNA COIL).
A brand-new INCANTATION track, entitled "Decimate Christendom", has been posted online. This is the title track of the Pennsylvanian death/grind band's upcoming album, scheduled for release on August 30 through Listenable Records. A European tour with KRISIUN, BEHEMOTH and RAGNAROK will kick off in mid-October.
FEAR FACTORY's video for "Archetype", the title track of their recently released CD, has been posted online. The "Archetype" clip was shot in Los Angeles, CA and was directed by Cesario "Block" Montano.
Metal Blade Records has set an October 5 release for the new FATES WARNING album, "FWX". The follow-up to 2000's "Disconnected" was recorded at Carriage House studios in Stamford, Connecticut and was described by drummer Mark Zonder as "very powerful and strong." Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Left Here", "River Wide Ocean Deep", "Another Perfect Day", "Stranger (With A Familiar Face)" and "Wish".
The insane French duo Carnival In Coal have signed a multi-album deal with Earache / Elitist. Here's how the band describe themselves: "Imagine what would happen if Frank Zappa, Faith No More and Mr Bungle played or had played extreme metal: black and death metal blended with disco grooves and the most sensual funk...
The band have postponed their plans to record this year, stating that they need more time to develop their ideas without rushing things. A blow to their many fans, but we can assure you it will be well worth the wait!
Brazil's ANGRA have completed work on their follow-up to 2001's "Rebirth", tentatively due this fall through SPV Records (NTS Records in France). The band have posted the following message regarding the as-yet-untitled effort: «First of all, the songs are awesome! Really, really good! The production is perfect too, the sound of instruments is even heavier and clearer than in our previous albums. The band sounds more powerful and tighter as well.»
BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler has set "Ohmwork" as the working title of his new solo album, tentatively due next year. "It would have been out this year, but I've had to delay it because of Ozzfest," Butler told Bass Player magazine.
British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH have revealed artwork and the complete track listing for their new album, "Nymphetamine", tentatively due late September through Roadrunner Records.
01. Satyriasis (Intro) 02. Gilded Cunt 03. Nemesis 04. Gabrielle 05. Absinthe with Faust 06. Nymphetamine (Overdose) (feat. Liv Kristine) 07. Painting Flowers White Never Suited My Palette (Instrumental) 08. Medusa and Hemlock 09. Coffin Fodder 10. English Fire 11. Filthy Little Secret 12. Swanson For A Raven 13. Mother of Abominations
Ex-THEATER OF TRAGEDY star Liv Kristin made guest appearance on «Nymphetamine».
Members of Swedish band NARNIA pursue solo projects. So as singer Christian Rivel is at the moment working on THREE different solo projects, AUDIOVISION, FLAGSHIP and DIVINEFIRE (the last one features NARNIA’s bassist Adreas Olsson as well). Guitarist Carl Grimmark has just finished recording with SAVIOUR MACHINE for their forthcoming album and is now working on songs for the next NARNIA album. Drummer Andreas Johansson replaced Mikkey Dee (MOTЦRHEAD) this summer with Swedish artist E-TYPE and will be on tour with him until August. Keyboardist Linus Kеse just got married and is at the moment on honeymoon with his wife Maria! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Classic German power metallers STORMWITCH have signed with Nuclear Blast Records. The group will release their ninth album, "Witchcraft", on November 8. In addition to founding member and vocalist Andy Mьck, the group's current lineup features the guitar players Fabian Schwarz (ex-TYRAN PACE) and Martin Winkler (ex-NIGHTWOLF), bass player Dominik Schwarz, keyboardist Alexander Schmidt (ex-TYRAN PACE) and drummer Marc Oppold (ex-TYRANT).
Roadrunner Records has announced the track listing for the upcoming soundtrack to the "Resident Evil: Apocalypse" movie, due on August 31.
01. SLIPKNOT - Vermilion 02. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE - The End Of Heartache 03. LACUNA COIL - Swamped 04. A PERFECT CIRCLE - The Outsider (Renholder Mix)* 05. RAMMSTEIN - Mein Teil* 06. DEVILDRIVER - Digging Up The Corpses* 07. CRADLE OF FILTH - Nymphetamine* 08. CKY - Escape From Hellview 09. DEFTONES - The Chauffeur 10. THE CURE - alt.end 11. H.I.M. - Join Me In Death 12. DEMON HUNTER - My Heartstrings Come Undone 13. THE USED - Just A Little 14. THRICE - Under A Killing Moon 15. 36 CRAZYFISTS - Bloodwork 16. COLD - End Of The World (acoustic)* 17. ROB ZOMBIE - Girl On Fire (Resident Renholder Mix)* 18. MASSIVE ATTACK - Future Proof
*=rare or unreleased track
"Resident Evil: Apocalypse", starring Milla Jovovich, opens in theaters on September 10.
The epic black metal with heavy hitting symphonies will prove that they are not just another black metal band. The band’s debut album "Reign of the Unholy Blackened Empire" was produced by Glen Drover (EIDOLON) and mastered by Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND). Look for it this October. "Reign of the Unholy Blackened Empire" track listing (in no particular order): 01. Desolation Forms My Mind's Eye 02. A Knife In The Dark 03. Sacrifice Love To The Gods Of Hate 04. Murder Of Art 05. Awaken Ye Lords Of The Dark 06. Infested With The Human Disease 07. The Eternal King From Below Doth Arise 08. Heralds Of The Apocalypse 09. Reign Of The Unholy Blackened Empire 10. Storming The Pearly Gate 11. Heavens Burning In Hell's Embrace 12. Requiem For The Fallen
Jorg Michael (STRATOVARIUS) has replaced Fritz Randow on drums for upcoming tours and the next album dubbed ‘Lionheart’ - Randow has left the Saxon to pursue other projects but may rejoin the band in the future.
DIE APOKALYPTISVHEN REITER have announced their 5th studio album. "Samurai" will be recorded in Juli/August at the famous Antfarm Studio (MNEMIC, EKTOMORF and others) in Denmark. You can expect another devilsride far from any convention. 13 brandnew tracks will be recorded, the limited edition will feature a bonus DVD. A video will be shot for the release as well.
CATHEDRAL are currently working on material for their eighth album. This will be the band's debut for label Nuclear Blast, set for an early 2005 release. The proposed album has a current working title of "Seeds Of Decay". Some working song titles include "Oro the Manslayer", "Corpsecycle", "Sabbadaius Sabbattum", "Eripmav Moon", "This Body Thy Tomb", "Everything Is Dying" and "Upon Azraels Wings". The album will once more feature the epic cover art of long term CATHEDRAL artist, Dave Patchett.
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Municipal Waste are the reigning kings of the New Wave of Crossover. Municipal Waste deliver blazing fast, raw thrash-core in the tradition of DRI, Suicidal Tendencies, "Animosity"-era Corrosion Of Conformity, Nuclear Assault,The Accused and Attitude Adjustment. All barely in their 20's, the members of Municipal Waste inject youthful energy and humor into a classic genre they were too young to catch the first time around..
Deicide have abruptly ended their 'Scars Of The Crucifix' European tour before even playing one date. After a performance at the Dynamo festival on June 5, the band entered the UK but declined to play the London show on Jun 8th- opting instead to fly home to Florida, citing their anger and frustration at the transportation and financial arrangements provided by the tour agent. It does not affect any other shows Deicide have booked in the USA, or their appearance at Wacken.
NIGHTWISH got certified with a golden record both in Switzerland (20.000 sold copies) and Norway (25.000 sold copies) for their hit album "Once"! Single "Nemo" has passed the golden border in Norway as well and gets certified too for more than 5.000 sold CDs.
The new yet untitled BAL-SAGOTH album will hit the stores in early 2005 – the band is confident to finish the major studio work during autumn. BAL-SAGOTH sixth record shall content all trademarks the guys are adored for: Dark Fantasy Metal with elements of Death and Black.
Long-running Austrian extreme metallers PUNGENT STENCH have completed work on their new album, "Ampeauty" (view cover ' ), due on September 6 through Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Masters Of Moral - Servants Of Sin" will contain the following track listing:
Moonfog Records has set a September 6 release date for the new DARKTHRONE album, "Sardonic Wrath". The follow-up to last year's "Hate Them" features cover artwork by Lorenzo Mariani (MARDUK, ABORYM) and contains the following track listing:
Candlelight Records has set October 19 and November 2 as the reissue dates for EMPEROR's four genre-defining albums. "Wrath of the Tyrants", "In the Nightside Eclipse", "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk", and "IX Equilibrum", all currently out of print in the U.S., have been reworked with additional bonus footage and material unavailable on both European and U.S.-licensed versions.
TARTHARIA second album "Abstract Nation" released through Crash Music Inc on October, 2004. Mixed by Anssi Kippo at ASTIA-A Studio. Nice sound production. Frontcover inspired by creativity of John santerineross. TARTHARIA debut was released in autumn 2003 by Crash Inc and got vivid response among death/black metal fonders. "Abstract Nation" is more into thrash metal traditions but basically keeps death/black metal line.
CHILDREN OF BODOM's upcoming EP, "Trashed, Lost & Strungout", will include cover versions of ALICE COOPER's "Bed Of Nails" and ANDREW W.K.'s "She Is Beautiful" and also feature two new songs. A late summer/early fall release through Spinefarm Records is expected. Meanwhile, CHILDREN OF BODOM recently shot a video for the EP's title track, "Trashed, Lost & Strungout", in Sweden with director Patric Ullaeus (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, LACUNA COIL).
The band have postponed their plans to record this year, stating that they need more time to develop their ideas without rushing things. A blow to their many fans, but we can assure you it will be well worth the wait!
British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH have revealed artwork and the complete track listing for their new album, "Nymphetamine", tentatively due late September through Roadrunner Records. 
Classic German power metallers STORMWITCH have signed with Nuclear Blast Records. The group will release their ninth album, "Witchcraft", on November 8. In addition to founding member and vocalist Andy Mьck, the group's current lineup features the guitar players Fabian Schwarz (ex-TYRAN PACE) and Martin Winkler (ex-NIGHTWOLF), bass player Dominik Schwarz, keyboardist Alexander Schmidt (ex-TYRAN PACE) and drummer Marc Oppold (ex-TYRANT).
Roadrunner Records has announced the track listing for the upcoming soundtrack to the "Resident Evil: Apocalypse" movie, due on August 31.
The epic black metal with heavy hitting symphonies will prove that they are not just another black metal band. The band’s debut album "Reign of the Unholy Blackened Empire" was produced by Glen Drover (EIDOLON) and mastered by Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND). Look for it this October.
Jorg Michael (STRATOVARIUS) has replaced Fritz Randow on drums for upcoming tours and the next album dubbed ‘Lionheart’ - Randow has left the Saxon to pursue other projects but may rejoin the band in the future.
Deicide have abruptly ended their 'Scars Of The Crucifix' European tour before even playing one date. After a performance at the Dynamo festival on June 5, the band entered the UK but declined to play the London show on Jun 8th- opting instead to fly home to Florida, citing their anger and frustration at the transportation and financial arrangements provided by the tour agent. It does not affect any other shows Deicide have booked in the USA, or their appearance at Wacken.