DESTRUCTION have confirmed that they have tapped nne diferent world-renowned metal singers from all different heavy metal styles to make a guest appearance in their track "The Alliance of Hellhoundz", to be included on "Inventor of Evil", due on August 15 via AFM Records. The confirmed guest musicians are as follows:
Biff Byford (SAXON) Doro Pesch Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR) Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK) Paul Di'Anno (ex-IRON MAIDEN, KILLERS) Messiah Marcolin (CANDLEMASS) Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL) Peter "Peavy" Wagner (RAGE) Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN)
Commented DESTRUCTION bassist/vocalist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer, "The all-star song 'The Alliance of Hellhoundz' will make metal history: from Paul Di'Anno to Messiah, we'll have the best metal singers in ONE fuckin' song!"
DESTRUCTION are currently recording "Inventor of Evil" with producer Peter Tätgtren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN), V.O. Pulver (GURD) and their live engineer Franky Winkelmann at studios in Germany and Switzerland. The mix will be done by Tätgtren at the Abyss Studios in Sweden.
German power metallers GAMMA RAY have posted the following message on their official web site:
"On June 1st and 2nd, GAMMA RAY were shooting fotos for the new album, 'Majestic'. The photos were taken by the well-known photographer Stefan Malzkorn. The location for the first day was the studio of German comedian Dirk Bielefeld, also known as 'Mr. Holm'. The band was dressed in black with golden instruments. For the second day, the location was the big festival room of Atlantic Hotel Hamburg to provide a real majestic atmosphere. The cover artwork by Herve has also been finished, only some slight changes still have to be done by Henjo."
GAMMA RAY recently completed work on their new album, "Majestic", at Hansen Studios in Hamburg, Germany. Mastering duties were handled at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland by Mikko Karmila and Kai Hansen. The follow-up to 2001's "No World Order" includes 11 tracks which represent "all of the characteristic strengths of the band's musical career to date," the group write on their web site. A late September release is expected.
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER filmed their "25-Year Anniversary" show on May 7 at the TV Direct Music Hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil for an upcoming live CD/DVD, tentatively due October 17. The group's setlist was as follows:
01. Intro: Passion 02. The Last Supper 03. Desert Rose 04. The Grave Dancer 05. Shoot Her Down 06. The Reaper 07. Paradise 08. Excalibur 09. The House 10. Circle of Witches 11. Valhalla 12. Son of Evil 13. The Battle of Bannockburn 14. The Curse of Jacques 15. Grave in the No Man' Land 16. Yesterday 17. Morgane Lefay 18. Symphony of Death 19. Witchhunter 20. The Dark of the Sun 21. Knights of the Cross 22. Twilight of the Gods Encore #1: 23. Rebellion 24. The Grave Digger Encore #2: 25. Rheingold 26. The Round Table 27. Heavy Metal Breakdown
Italian "extreme epic metal" act STORMLORD have parted ways with keyboardist Simone Scazzocchio. "There were no discussions or troubles with him, he was simply not interested in playing metal music anymore," the band write in a press release. "Our split has been friendly, we kept good relations and we wish him the best.
"After some months of auditions, now we are glad to introduce you Luca Bellanova, that's the new keyboard player of STORMLORD! Luca is 20 years old and a really talented musician, as well as a big fan of STORMLORD. He made his first appearance with the group at the recent show in Bergamo."
STORMLORD are currently writing the material for their fourth album, tentatively due in late 2006 via Scarlet Records. The follow-up to last year's "The Gorgon Cult" will feature a "much more epic direction" than that on its predecessor, "but with the same high skill quality level," according to the press release.
Keith Fay (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards) of the Irish folk metal band CRUACHAN has posted the following message on the group's official web site:
"I am delighted to announce that the Father of Folk Metal, Martin Walkyier, will be doing guest vocals for one track on our next album. I am a huge fan of Martin's since early SABBAT and SKYCLAD so for me this is a huge honour."
CRUACHAN recently parted ways with Karmageddon Media. The group's final release for the label will be a reissue of their 1994 "Celtica" demo, featuring unreleased tracks, including "Timmy", which has been performed live at quite a few CRUACHAN shows.
CRUACHAN will embark on the European "Pagan Invasion Tour 2005" beginning in mid-September. A list of the confirmed tour dates can be found at this location.
SOULFLY have finalzed the track listing for their new album, "Dark Ages", due on September 13 via Roadrunner Records.
"Dark Ages" was produced by SOULFLY mainman Max Cavalera and was mixed by Terry Date, who has previously worked with PANTERA and DEFTONES, among others.
"Dark Ages" final track listing:
01. The Dark Ages 02. Babylon 03. I And I 04. Carved Inside 05. Arise Again 06. Frontlines 07. Inner Spirit 08. Corrosion Creeps 09. Molotov 10. Riot Starter 11. Bleak 12. (The) March 13. Fuel The Hate 14. Stay Strong 15. Soulfly V
U.D.O., the German band led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, will release their new album, "Mission No. X", on October 4 via AFM Records. The complete track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Mission No. X 02. 24/7 03. Mean Streets 04. Primecrime On Primetime 05. Eye Of The Eagle 06. Shell Shock Fever 07. Stone Hard 08. Breaking Down The Border 09. Cry Soldier Cry 10. Way Of Life 11. Mad For Crazy
A single/EP, "24/7", will precede the album on June 27. The track listing for the single is as follows:
01. 24/7 (' clip) 02. Mean Streets (' clip) 03. Scream Killers (' clip) 04. Number For A Number (' clip)
The follow-up to 2004's "Thunderball", "Mission No. X" marks the recording debut with the group of new drummer Francesco Jovino. Jovino joined the band last year as the permanent replacement for Lorenzo Milani, who left the group for "personal reasons." A world tour in support of the album will kick off in January 2006.
AMORPHIS guitarist Esa Holopainen has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"We've been rehearsing intensively past two months now and the songs start to get their final shape. There's still couple tracks which need to be rehearsed but basically the songs are ready and the band is more motivated than ever. Tomi Joutsen [new singer] has brought so much new energy for us and the tour we did in U.S. on March united us a a real AMORPHIS 2005. We were really happy to see how people welcomed Tomi as a new AMORPHIS singer, he was a 'bit' nervous before the tour but the reaction and support we got helped him to make AMORPHIS sound like a never before.
"So, the recordings will take place at 1st of July at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki and takes time till somewhere in August. Mikko Karmila is starting the mixing at September 1st at Finnvox. Let's see if guys get their studio ready till the 1st of July as it still looks like a construction area. New Sonic Pump is going to be really cool. It can't be bad studio if you have sea view and sauna.
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have uploaded several screenshots from their recently filmed "The New Build" video at ' . As previously reported, the clip was shot by director Roger Johansson, who followed the band on their European tour in February/March and gathered some live footage. The full video will be released in the next few weeks.
"The New Build" comes off the group's latest CD, "Character", available now on Century Media Records.
British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH have parted ways with longtime keyboardist Martin Foul (Powell). Martin's official statement detailing the reasons for his decision reads as follows:
"Due to pressing personal reasons I have found myself unable to commit my best efforts and time to CRADLE OF FILTH. Despite five great years, [during] which I have achieved along with my colleagues (past and present) a myriad of goals and dreams, I have decided to bow out from CRADLE. Having played and written music with three greats of English metal (CRADLE OF FILTH, MY DYING BRIDE and ANATHEMA) I am certainly not giving up music in any respect but just need time away from the rigors of being part of a such a time consuming entity as CRADLE OF FILTH is. I shall endeavour to pursue and perhaps release my own music whenever I am blessed with the time and inclination to do so. I should like to thank CRADLE fans and friends the world over for making my time with CRADLE OF FILTH incredibly enjoyable and memorable. I look forward to people hearing from me in the not-too-distant future."
The rest of the band have issued the following statement regarding the recent and upcoming events in the group's camp:
"The feeling in the CRADLE camp of course is one of profound loss, though a resounding and heartfelt 'all the best for the future' accompanies this recent and unexpected personal turn of events. Obviously this leaves an opening for a replacement CRADLE keyboardist, so if there is anyone out there who bares an iota of interest in joining the ranks of the 'FILTH, then please feel free to send musical material and accompanying photographic/background information to the management email address as printed on the inside of the recent 'Nymphetamine' release. Anybody of any colour, creed or stature is welcome though 'Phantom of the Opera'-esque mannerisms and creepy facial mask will definitely count in your favour. Note: This will not affect the recently announced U.K. tour dates in December!
"On the positive side however, is the very welcome news that former bassist Dave 'Herr Pubis' Pybus has now taken on the somewhat daunting task of webmaster for the CRADLE OF FILTH official website, a challenge that sits perfectly alongside Dave's current preoccupation with the recently formed Sixsixsix Records label. So, from everybody involved with the band, a warm and very grateful welcome back.
"In a similar vein, Dave is also accompanying the band to undertake the forthcoming 'Viva La Bam' MTV2 television performance in the U.S sometime in June, when the band will feature in a full-length episode culminating in a live performance of 'Nemesis' atop a multi-story parking lot somewhere in Philadelphia. This however does not exclude new bass player Charles Hedger, who has been helping write toward the new album in the recent rehearsal room sessions at Springvale. So far tentative titles for the new material are as follows; 'The Flora of Nightfall, The Fauna of War', 'Devil to the Metal' and 'Cemetery and Sundown'. The band are expecting to be back in the studio in the autumn with a wistful release date of February 2006, though as mentioned elsewhere, the 'Gospel Of Filth' printed foray in to the darkside will be out in shops around Halloween as too will the forthcoming band DVD, recently shot over two nights in Paris and as yet untitled."
AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED have set an August 2 U.S. release date (Aug. 8 in Europe) for their collection of early recordings. Titled "Bestial Machinery: The Collected ANb Discography Volume 1", the two-CD release will include all of AGORAPHOBIC's recorded material prior to their Relapse debut, "Honkey Reduction". The collection will contain the much-sought-after "30-song 7"/demo", long-out-of-print vinyl splits with acts such as CATTLEPRESS, LACERATION and ENEMY SOIL, amongst others, and a plethora of unreleased material. Cover artwork by Florian Bertmer (AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED/CONVERGE split, THE LOCUST) and layout/design from Orion Landau (HIGH ON FIRE, NILE, CEPHALIC CARNAGE) will also be included.
Century Media Records has set a September 20 release date for the new GOD FORBID album, entitled "IV: Constitution of Treason".
The follow-up to "Gone Forever" is being produced by Eric Rachel (ATREYU, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, EVERY TIME I DIE) at Trax East and Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM) at Audiohammer Studios.
HOLY MOSES' new album, "Strength Power Will Passion" (Armageddon Music/Soulfood), will be released on May 30 — one week later than its originally announced May 23 release date. The delay is being attributed to "problems in the CD factory." 666 limited vinyl picture discs will include a bonus track, while 5,000 limited digipacks contain a poster booklet and a bonus track.
The band reportedly laid down 22 songs and over 80 minutes of music at their Absurd studio in Hamburg for their tenth album, which is the follow-up to 2002's "Disorder of the Order" (Century Media Records). Streaming audio samples of all the album cuts are now available at the band's official web site, HolyMoses.de. A CD-release party will take place on Saturday, May 21 in Hamburg.
Metal Temple magazine recently conducted an interview with SUIDAKRA vocalist/guitarist Arkadius. An excerpt from the interview follows:
Metal Temple: Can you tell us what happened with Century Media [Records]?
Arkadius: "Yes, of course. As I have mentioned before there were several problems with the promotion the label did for us. Our first album for them back in 2001, 'Emprise to Avalon', was actually not promoted at all. Still, the press sent a very positive feedback. At that time period we thought that this had something to do with the fact that this was actually our first album with them. So when the release of 'Signs of the Fallen' took place we expected their support 100 percent. The press was satisfied with this album but still there was almost no promotion at all.
"To make a long story short, when we started recording the new album, we met with the company and they told us that they don't really like our new sound. They wanted us to play exactly like our previous albums. Why do that? To get no promotion at all, again? There was no reason to continue with the label."
Italy's THY MAJESTIE have finished recording their new album, provisionally titled "Jean D'Arc", for a tentative September release via Scarlet Records. The band, who recently announced the addition of singer Giulio Di Gregorio (IRENCROS) to the group's ranks, cancelled a couple of festival appearances earlier in the year. The group's last studio album, "Hastings 1066", was released in 2002.
After taking some time off to attend to things outside of the band, Ordodruin are ready to return to the scene. They have started writing new material and have gigs planned for this summer, including the Templars of Doom Fest-the Second Crusade which is on the 8th and 9th of July in Indianapolis, IN. Check www.templarsofdoom.com for details.
Vanden Plas-Frontmann Andy Kuntz hit the bull's eye: In February next year the Kaiserslautern Pfalztheatre will bring his rock opera ABYDOS to the stage for a complete season. The "Heavy Mental Shadow Opera" about the crazy experiences of a boy called Fly will be an official cultural contribution to the Soccer World Cup. Vanden Plas and a choir with orchestra will take over the musical direction. Kuntz himself will play the main part of Fly. Kaiserslautern will be one of the locations of the World Cup, and is the home town of Andy Kuntz.
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EVERGREY are releasing their live DVD "A Night To Remember" on May 23rd. The double set with 5.1 mix will complement the already released double CD and offer extensive bonus material. At the moment the Swedish prog metal band is touring in Europe. They are playing several shows as special guests of James LaBrie and a few more gigs as headliners. In order to promote the DVD release there will be show cases with video presentations, acoustic gigs, and autograph sessions in Bochum (May 4th), Hellendorn (NL, May 6th), and Madrid (ESP, May 10th). Media partners are welcome.
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"Hi, this is Neal Morse. I hope you enjoy 'Testimony live' on Bible TV". No late April-fool joke but a fact: Bible TV, to be received in Europe via satellite, will broadcast a complete NEAL MORSE concert from his "Testimony" tour 2003. Recently divorced from Spock's Beard, Morse performed not only his complete "Testimony" album which is characterized by Christian self-discovery but of course a few Beard evergreens, too. Broadcasting date: Friday, June 24th, 8.15pm. Hallelujah!
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InsideOut's new sublabel REVISITED RECORDS continues the new edition of the KLAUS SCHULZE backcatalogue in June with the albums "Audentity", "Body Love", "Dune", and "Miditerranean Pads" fort. Also planned for a June release are Amon Düül II's milestones "Phallus Dei", "Tanz der Lemminge", and "Yeti" as well as the "BBC Recordings". Already by the end of May a KRAAN reissue series is launched with "Wiederhören", "Nachtfahrt", and "Live 88".
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Kurt Vanderhoof, at the moment starting with his new band PRESTO BALLET on InsideOut Music, is quite busy: on June 2nd an extensive European tour will start with his main combo Metal Church; so far confirmed are gigs in Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, and in Switzerland. You can find details under ' . In all cities Vanderhoof can also be interviewed regarding his Presto Ballet debut. "Peace Among The Ruins" will be released on June 6th.
A new signing on InsideOut Music are the SPIRITUAL BEGGARS. So far generally categorized in the Stoner Rock genre, Michael Amott (aka Arch Enemy) and his men wanted to be regarded as "Classic Rock". Those who listen to their new album "Demons" will immediately understand why: Dio, Mountain, Purple, but also Govt. Mule and Lynyrd Skynyrd are sending their regards! "Demons" will be out on June 20th, there will be also a special edition including a live CD as bonus.
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NEW RELEASES / InsideOut Music
AYREON: "Come Back To Me" (CD single), RELEASE: June 13th EVERGREY: "A Night To Remember" (live DVD), RELEASE: May 23rd KAIPA: "Mindrevolutions", RELEASE: May 30th 2005 PRESTO BALLET: "Peace Among The Ruins", RELEASE: June 6th 2005 SHADOW GALLERY: "Room V", RELEASE: May 30th 2005
STILL CURRENT / InsideOut Music
RUSSELL ALLEN: "Russell Allen's Atomic Soul", RELEASE: April 25th 2005 JAMES LaBRIE: ""Elements Of Persuasion", RELEASE: March 29th 2005 MAGELLAN: "Symphony For A Misanthrope", RELEASE: April 18th 2005 PAIN OF SALVATION: "Be Live" (CD & DVD), RELEASE: April 18th 2005
IN PREPARATION / InsideOut Music
TOMAS BODIN: "I Am", RELEASE: June 27th 2005 STEVE HOWE: "Spectrum", RELEASE: June 27th SPIRITUAL BEGGARS: "Demons", RELEASE: June 20th 2005
"Christmas" comes off the group's new album, "Blood Inside", due in the U.S. on July 12 via The End (June 6 in Europe).
"Blood Inside" track listing:
01. Dressed In Black 02. For the Love of God 03. Christmas 04. Blinded by Blood 05. It Is Not Sound 06. The Truth 07. In the Red 08. Your Call 09. Operator
ULVER's video for the track "It Is Not Sound" has been posted online at The End Records' web site. Download it at this location (Quicktime, 55 MB).
Reactivated Swedish death metallers DISSECTION entered the studio on February 2 to begin recording their long-awaited third album, the group's first release since 1995's classic album "Storm of the Light's Bane". The recording is taking place at Black Syndicate Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, with DISSECTION mainman Jon Nödtveidt's brother Emil Nödtveidt (a.k.a. THE DEATHSTARS' Nightmare Industries) and Skinny Kangur behind the wheels. Eleven songs are being recorded for the album and the material is being regarded by the band as "a work of sonic black magic, actively channelling the anti-cosmic current 218."
DISSECTION are currently in negotiations with several labels for the upcoming release (which is planned for the fall 2005), but the recordings are being completely financed by the band itself independent of any record company. A final decision about the group's new label home is expected to be made soon.
Late last year, DISSECTION released their comeback single/EP, "Maha Kali", via Escapi Music/Screaming Ferret Wreckords. Armed with a fresh lineup, consisting of mainman Jon Nödtveidt (vocals and guitar), Set Teitan (guitar, ABORYM, BLOODLINE), Brice Leclercq (bass guitar, NIGHTRAGE) and Thomas Asklund (drums, DARK FUNERAL, INFERNAL, DAWN), DISSECTION describe the new CD as "a hymn to the wrathful black Hindu goddess of Mahapralaya, the great dissolution of cosmos, Jai Maha Kali!"
Upcoming DISSECTION shows:
Jun. 03 - Aarhus Rock Festival, DEN Jun. 05 - Tradate Iron Fest, ITA Jun. 10 - Undead Festival, HUN Jun. 24 - Nummirock Festival, FIN Jun. 25 - Fury Fest, FRA Jun. 26 - Metal Camp, SLO Jul. 15 - Kaltenbach Open Air, AUT Jul. 23 - Open Hell Fest, CZR Aug. 06 - Wacken Open Air, GER Aug. 19 - Jalometalli Festival, FIN
On May 11, 2005 veterans of Russian metal scene GRENOUER released new EP entitled "T R Y" comprised of three tracks mixed by "sixth Children Of Bodom member" Anssi Kippo at ASTIA Studios and multimedia section.
Tracklisting:
GRENOUER _ t r y 1. Devil's Eye 2. All Along The Runway 3. Powdering Squeeze
"T R Y" would be represented in tours along CIS states. Full length album is estimated to be recorded in winter' 2006.
According to EMI Spain, IRON MAIDEN are contemplating the release of "The Trooper" CD single to launch their upcoming "Eddie Rips Up The World Tour". The single may also serve as the promo single for the forthcoming "Death on the Road" DVD/CD, to be released on August 29.
IRON MAIDEN's "Death On The Road" double DVD and album will feature a live performance filmed at the Westfalenhalle Arena, Dortmund, Germany during the "Dance of Death" European tour in December 2003.
CANDLEMASS' brand-new self-titled album has entered the Swedish national album chart at position No. 7. The CD also came in at No. 5 on the Sweden chart (featuring only Swedish artists) and at No. 1 on the Hard Rock/Metal chart.
CANDLEMASS celebrated the release of the album with a free hometown show on April 27 at O-Baren in Stockholm, Sweden.
Roadrunner Records U.K. has revealed that the new OBITUARY CD will now carry the title "Frozen In Time". The complete track listing for the album is as follows:
01. Redneck Stomp 02. On the Floor 03. Insane 04. Blindsided 05. Back Inside 06. Mindset 07. Stand Alone 08. Slow Death 09. Denied 10. Lockjaw
Download the track "Insane" at Roadrun.com.
"Frozen In Time" is tentatively scheduled for release on July 12 (one day earlier internationally). The group's first collection of new songs since 1997
Original METAL CHURCH frontman David Wayne has passed away. He was 47 years old. David died due to complications from injuries he sustained in a head-on automobile accident several months ago. Wayne sang on METAL CHURCH's first two classic offerings (1984's "Metal Church" and 1986's "The Dark") before leaving the group and being replaced by Mike Howe.
Gorgoroth guitarist Infernus (real name: Roger Tiegs) was sentenced in a Norwegian court to three years in prison for rape. The incident happened April 27, 2004 when Tiegs, 34, and a friend, 32, brought a 29-year-old woman they met at a nightclub called Garage in Bergen back to Tiegs' appartment after closing hours. The two men allegedly punched the woman in the face and forced her to have sex with them. The defendants admitted that they had sex with the woman, but claimed it was consensual.
Tiegs and his friend, whose name has not been disclosed by the media, were each ordered to pay 100,000 NOK (approximately $16,000) in court costs and an additional 55,000 NOK (approximately $9,000) in punitive damages.
Both men have appealed the verdict.
The 29-year-old, whose real name has not been revealed by the Norwegian media, was charged with a crime that carries a maximum penalty of nine years in prison.
In February 2005, Gorgoroth frontman Gaahl was sentenced to 14 months in prison for beating a 41-year-old man and threatening to drink his blood.
Audio samples of two tracks from the forthcoming ROYAL HUNT album, entitled "Paper Blood", have been posted online at the group's official web site. Check out the songs "Paper Blood" and "Not my Kind" at ' .
As previously reported, Frontiers Records has set a June 6 European release date for "Paper Blood".
The follow-up to 2003's "Eyewitness", "Paper Blood" was recorded at North Point studio in Copenhagen and was mixed at EMI/Medley Studio in Copenhagen with Andre' Andersen (keyboards) and Lars Overgaard behind the board.
"Paper Blood" (view cover ' ) track listing:
01. Break Your Chains 02. Not My Kind 03. Memory Lane 04. Never Give Up 05. Seven Days 06. SK 983 07. Kiss Of Faith 08. Paper Blood 09. Season’s Change 10. Twice Around The World
Drummer Erik Sayenga has left DYING FETUS "due to circumstances beyond his control," according to an official statement.
Commented Erik: "DYING FETUS are a great band and I want to thank the other members of FETUS, the cool people we have met on the road and all the fans for the good times.I am unable to continue playing in this band but I wish DYING FETUS all the best of luck in all they do."
In other news, Erik's new project WARTHRONE will begin recording their debut five-song EP soon. Joining Sayenga in the black/death-inspired project are Richard Johnson (ex-WITCH-HUNT, SANGUINARY) on vocals, and Kristel (ex-WITCH-HUNT, DARK PURITY) on keyboards and bass.
Reunited '80s Thrash band ROTTING CORPSE, whose original lineup included current SOLITUDE AETURNUS mainman John Perez and former DEATH touring guitarist/roadie Walter Trachsler, have announced their first comeback show. The group will be performing at Division One in Arlington, Texas on May 28.
ROTTING CORPSE are planning on releasing all their demos on one CD. No further details are currently available.
CANDLEMASS's video for the track "Black Dwarf" has been posted online at ' (Real player required).
"Black Dwarf" comes off the reunited Swedish doomsters' comeback album, "Candlemass", which was released earlier this week 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.
SLAYER guitarist Kerry King will take part in an online chat on Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 p.m. PST at ' . Those who participate in the chat will also have a chance to win a Kerry King War Tribe Pack after the chat.
SLAYER will be making a number of European festival appearances this summer beginning with the Festimad on May 27 in Fuenlabrada, Spain. The group's follow-up to 2001's "God Hates Us All" is expected to surface before the end of the year.
German power metallers GAMMA RAY have posted the following message on their official web site:
German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER filmed their "25-Year Anniversary" show on May 7 at the TV Direct Music Hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil for an upcoming live CD/DVD, tentatively due October 17. The group's setlist was as follows:
Italian "extreme epic metal" act STORMLORD have parted ways with keyboardist Simone Scazzocchio. "There were no discussions or troubles with him, he was simply not interested in playing metal music anymore," the band write in a press release. "Our split has been friendly, we kept good relations and we wish him the best.
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have uploaded several screenshots from their recently filmed "The New Build" video at ' . As previously reported, the clip was shot by director Roger Johansson, who followed the band on their European tour in February/March and gathered some live footage. The full video will be released in the next few weeks. 
British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH have parted ways with longtime keyboardist Martin Foul (Powell). Martin's official statement detailing the reasons for his decision reads as follows:
Century Media Records has set a September 20 release date for the new GOD FORBID album, entitled "IV: Constitution of Treason".
Metal Temple magazine recently conducted an interview with SUIDAKRA vocalist/guitarist Arkadius. An excerpt from the interview follows:
Italy's THY MAJESTIE have finished recording their new album, provisionally titled "Jean D'Arc", for a tentative September release via Scarlet Records. The band, who recently announced the addition of singer Giulio Di Gregorio (IRENCROS) to the group's ranks, cancelled a couple of festival appearances earlier in the year. The group's last studio album, "Hastings 1066", was released in 2002.
On May 11, 2005 veterans of Russian metal scene GRENOUER released new EP entitled "T R Y" comprised of three tracks mixed
According to EMI Spain, IRON MAIDEN are contemplating the release of "The Trooper" CD single to launch their upcoming "Eddie Rips Up The World Tour". The single may also serve as the promo single for the forthcoming "Death on the Road" DVD/CD, to be released on August 29.
CANDLEMASS' brand-new self-titled album has entered the Swedish national album chart at position No. 7. The CD also came in at No. 5 on the Sweden chart (featuring only Swedish artists) and at No. 1 on the Hard Rock/Metal chart.
Audio samples of two tracks from the forthcoming ROYAL HUNT album, entitled "Paper Blood", have been posted online at the group's official web site. Check out the songs "Paper Blood" and "Not my Kind" at ' .
Reunited '80s Thrash band ROTTING CORPSE, whose original lineup included current SOLITUDE AETURNUS mainman John Perez and former DEATH touring guitarist/roadie Walter Trachsler, have announced their first comeback show. The group will be performing at Division One in Arlington, Texas on May 28.
CANDLEMASS's video for the track "Black Dwarf" has been posted online at ' (Real player required).