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.
The second album of Italy's most brutal band HOUR OF PENANCE if finished!! "Pageantry For Martyrs" is the sophomore release of this incredible outfit that already impressed the scene with their debut album "Disturbance" in 2003 which got nothing but excellent reviews everywhere. This new album has a superb production and shows a more intense, brutal and mature band that definitely stablish their name in the scene and will be specially appreciated by fans of bands like HATE ETERNAL, NILE and SUFFOCATION.
"Pageantry For Martyrs" includes the following tracks:
01. Towards Our Storm 02. Shreds Of Martyr 03. End Of Relief 04. Celebrating Collective Terror 05. Far Beyond Humiliation 06. Life In A Pain Amplifier 07. Exiled Innocence 08. Naked Knife Absolution 09. Deranged Parasite 10. Egomanisch
Sanctuary Records has set a September 5 release date for the new self-titled album from Finnish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS. 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 on April 15 in Helsinki by director and guitarist Timo Tolkki's old schoolmate Antti Jokinen (BEYONCÉ, WYCLEF JEAN, KORN, MISSY ELLIOT, NIGHTWISH, SHANIA TWAIN, CELINE DION). A photo from the video shoot can be found at this location.
STRATOVARIUS will be teaming up with INTO ETERNITY for a North American tour beginning in mid-September.
Finnish metallers PAIN CONFESSOR have posted the following message on their official web site:
"PAIN CONFESSOR has been downright busy with writing new material for the upcoming second full-length. We have a ton of new tunes coming along very nicely. Plan is to go and get the album recorded in September. Release will inevitably be situated somewhere in the first half of 2006. Some working titles: 'Powderburns', 'Pathetic Little Soul', 'Life Keeps Bleeding', 'Butterfly', 'Another Door', 'Feardom', 'Nemesis' and plentitude of yet unnamed ones."
AFTER FOREVER drummer André Borgman, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year, has posted the following message on the group's official web site:
"To all my supporting fans, band, crew, friends..,…
"This has been a very difficult period for me, but I finally can make you happy with some very good news. Last Friday I had to go to the hospital for some x-rays of my longues to see if the chemo had done its job. I couldn't be more happy with the result of the photos: they came out almost clean!! On the 11th of May they are going to do a total body scan to see if the little spots on the photo are still cancer and if an operation is needed.
"Thanks for all your great support, cards, videos, cds etc. I couldn’t have done it without your help."
AFTER FOREVER recently spent time at the Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany recording their fourth full-length album, "Remagine". The group's latest album, "Invisible Circles", was released in March 2004 through Transmission Records. "Invisible Circles" is the follow-up to "Decipher", which was issued in 2001.
The first performance took place on April, 23 in Kyiv, in favourite and well known among the youth club, «STORE 205». As guys from CHECKa say: «Good organisation, sound and nice public – that’s all that musicians need for full satisfaction». All that was present in the club.
Musicians were on top! They were surprised of people, who were on session, sang their songs: «Potseluyu”, «Ne Vse», «Samoe X.M.”, «V Plen, a Ya?», and some others. Special surprise was the performing of two compositions from cartoons: «Oblaka» and «Goluboy Vagon».
There were also represantives of Hit-TV channel at the concert.
Now band’s in Kahovka, on the biggest Ukrainian , music festival “Tavriyski Games” (May, 1-3). Good Luck!
Swedish thrashers DARKANE have posted the following message on their official web site:
"' is the 'Layers of Lies' cover artwork, made by Fredrik Ödman.
"The album will be released June 27th in Europe and July 12th in North America.
"DARKANE are taking a break from everything right now. Peter [Wildoer, drums] and Christofer [Malmström, guitar] were at the Nuclear Blast HQ in Germany last weekend to meet with some European press and let them hear the new record. The overall impression was very positive!
"Right now Klas [Ideberg, guitar] is recording the third album with TERROR 2000 and Christofer is recording his solo project NON-HUMAN LEVEL."
"Layers of Lies" track listing:
01. Amnesia of the Wildoerian Apocalypse 02. Secondary Effects 03. Organic Canvas 04. Fading Dimensions 05. Layers of Lies 06. Godforsaken Universe 07. Klastrophobic Hibernation 08. Vision of Degradation 09. Contaminated 10. Maelstrom Crisis 11. Decadent Messiah 12. The Creation Insane
The Japanese version of the CD will contain a bonus track, entitled "Subliminal Seduction".
SIX FEET UNDER's video for the track "Shadow of the Reaper" has been posted online at ' .
Frontman Chris Barnes had previously stated about the video:
"The video for 'Shadow of the Reaper' was directed by Gary Smithson who has also directed videos for bands such as GOATWHORE, THE EAGLES OF DEATH METAL (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE side project), and HIGH ON FIRE.
"We filmed the video for 'Shadow of the Reaper' on Saturday, January 8th right in the middle of the flooding heart of Hollywood, CA. The video has a real eerie ghostlike quality — just filming the scenes we did scared the hell out of me. It was like being in the middle of one of Dario Argento's nightmares; I can't wait for the finished product.
"Two of the actors featured in the video, Meagan Crawford (from the new Wes Craven film 'Cursed'), and Aaron Kinser ('Fat Albert', 'Art School Confidential') did a great job with their scenes."
"Shadow of the Reaper" comes off SIX FEET UNDER's latest album, "13", available now on Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to "Bringer of Blood" was recorded at Morrisound studios and was mixed at the Hit Factory in Florida.
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)
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).
The second album of Italy's most brutal band HOUR OF PENANCE if finished!! "Pageantry For Martyrs" is the sophomore release of this incredible outfit that already impressed the scene with their debut album "Disturbance" in 2003 which got nothing but excellent reviews everywhere. This new album has a superb production and shows a more intense, brutal and mature band that definitely stablish their name in the scene and will be specially appreciated by fans of bands like HATE ETERNAL, NILE and SUFFOCATION. 
Sanctuary Records has set a September 5 release date for the new self-titled album from Finnish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS. The track listing for the effort is as follows: 
Finnish metallers PAIN CONFESSOR have posted the following message on their official web site:
AFTER FOREVER drummer André Borgman, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year, has posted the following message on the group's official web site:
SIX FEET UNDER's video for the track "Shadow of the Reaper" has been posted online at ' .
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.