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D Townsend - Complete update
The following message was posted on Devin Townsend's (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD) official web site:
"The two records that Devin had intended to release before Christmas were delayed by his schedule. They are finished, just the graphics are being finalised now and they should be submitted for printing within a couple of weeks, available to order 4-6 weeks from there. Also, the tablatures that Devin was starting requires some sort of guitar module to do what he planned. The module has been ordered but he will be busy with production for at least the next 4 weeks.
"You probably read on the web that Byron has recently joined FEAR FACTORY for their upcoming tour and maybe more . However It doesn't affect his membership is and Byron is still a fervent LAD.
"Lastly, In order to clear room in the warehouse we posted a bunch of inventory on Ebay at reduced prices to clear it out . Unfortunately because of our water main (located in the stocked full storage space) that broke, the headquarters is under 2 feet of waters. we are very sorry to say that the majority of the cool stuff we had for you has been destroyed ? along with a hell of a lot of uninsured HDR inventory.
"Anyone want some slightly soggy compact discs? How about really sopping wet ones? Souvenirs of the great HDR flood? We will soon put a temporary merchandise page on the HDR site called 'flood memorabilia'. Devin will sign the damaged CDs and we hope that people may be willing to contribute to helping out by buying an autographed ruined CD
"To finish, we will soon launch the The Hevydevy Records Official Forums. The board is now finished, the transfer to a new domain has been done and we hope that a lot of fans will join the community. We'll keep you informed about the launching..."
Read more ››
"The two records that Devin had intended to release before Christmas were delayed by his schedule. They are finished, just the graphics are being finalised now and they should be submitted for printing within a couple of weeks, available to order 4-6 weeks from there. Also, the tablatures that Devin was starting requires some sort of guitar module to do what he planned. The module has been ordered but he will be busy with production for at least the next 4 weeks.
"You probably read on the web that Byron has recently joined FEAR FACTORY for their upcoming tour and maybe more . However It doesn't affect his membership is and Byron is still a fervent LAD.
"Lastly, In order to clear room in the warehouse we posted a bunch of inventory on Ebay at reduced prices to clear it out . Unfortunately because of our water main (located in the stocked full storage space) that broke, the headquarters is under 2 feet of waters. we are very sorry to say that the majority of the cool stuff we had for you has been destroyed ? along with a hell of a lot of uninsured HDR inventory.
"Anyone want some slightly soggy compact discs? How about really sopping wet ones? Souvenirs of the great HDR flood? We will soon put a temporary merchandise page on the HDR site called 'flood memorabilia'. Devin will sign the damaged CDs and we hope that people may be willing to contribute to helping out by buying an autographed ruined CD
"To finish, we will soon launch the The Hevydevy Records Official Forums. The board is now finished, the transfer to a new domain has been done and we hope that a lot of fans will join the community. We'll keep you informed about the launching..."
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Devin Townsend |
Nevermore sign new deal, films video
NEVERMORE frontman Warrel Dane has posted the following message on the band's official message board:
"We're doing a video for 'I, Voyager' within the next month, we just signed a new record deal , we're working on a headline U.S. tour at the moment and we're writing a bunch of new tunes." With regards to which label the group are now signed to, Warrel said, "we will announce that when all the paperwork is processed."
NEVERMORE's most recent studio album, 2003's "Enemies Of Reality", marked the final album under the group's previous contract with Century Media Records. The band, who feature in their ranks former members of the popular '80s power metal act SANCTUARY, were very vocal about their dissatisfaction with their previous label, whom Dane blamed for "cut budget down to shit for because we wouldn't re-sign with them until after the album was done."
Read more ››
"We're doing a video for 'I, Voyager' within the next month, we just signed a new record deal , we're working on a headline U.S. tour at the moment and we're writing a bunch of new tunes." With regards to which label the group are now signed to, Warrel said, "we will announce that when all the paperwork is processed."
NEVERMORE's most recent studio album, 2003's "Enemies Of Reality", marked the final album under the group's previous contract with Century Media Records. The band, who feature in their ranks former members of the popular '80s power metal act SANCTUARY, were very vocal about their dissatisfaction with their previous label, whom Dane blamed for "cut budget down to shit for because we wouldn't re-sign with them until after the album was done."
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Nevermore |
W.A.S.P. New Album!
"The Neon God: Part One - The Rise" is scheduled for release on April 6 through Sanctuary/Metal-Is Records.
Described as "a conceptual rock opera that explores the tragedy and consequences of one boy's search for acceptance and purpose in his existence," "The Neon God: Part One - The Rise" reportedly "delves into such deeply emotional (and personal) inquiries, such as where does one fit into the great cosmic enigma? How does love fit into the equation? Should I use my gifts and talents for good or for evil?" according to a press release. "These are the primary thoughts all people have regarding their existence at one time or another. When addressed by a youth and coupled with an extreme dose of fear, a lethal combination develops."
"Part One - The Rise" tells the story of an abused and orphaned boy who finds that he has the ability to read and manipulate people. By utilizing his gifts, he is able to build a following whose devotion and allegiance create a loyalty so intense that he is poised to become a dark Messiah for the 21st Century.
"The Neon God: Part One - The Rise" track listing:
01. Overture
02. Why Am I Here
03. Wishing Well
04. Sister Sadie (And the Black Habits)
05. (Why Am) I Nothing
06. Underature
07. Asylum #9
08. Red Room of the Rising Sun
09. What I'll Never Find
10. Someone To Love Me
11. X.T.C. Riders
12. Me and the Devil
13. Running Man
14. The Raging Storm
"The Neon God: Part One - The Rise" features the lineup of Blackie Lawless (vocals), Frankie Banali (drums), Mike Dud (bass), and Darrell Roberts (guitar).
Part 2 of "The Neon God" story will be released by Sanctuary/Metal-Is Records over the summer and will complete the story.
Described as "a conceptual rock opera that explores the tragedy and consequences of one boy's search for acceptance and purpose in his existence," "The Neon God: Part One - The Rise" reportedly "delves into such deeply emotional (and personal) inquiries, such as where does one fit into the great cosmic enigma? How does love fit into the equation? Should I use my gifts and talents for good or for evil?" according to a press release. "These are the primary thoughts all people have regarding their existence at one time or another. When addressed by a youth and coupled with an extreme dose of fear, a lethal combination develops."
"Part One - The Rise" tells the story of an abused and orphaned boy who finds that he has the ability to read and manipulate people. By utilizing his gifts, he is able to build a following whose devotion and allegiance create a loyalty so intense that he is poised to become a dark Messiah for the 21st Century.
"The Neon God: Part One - The Rise" track listing:
01. Overture
02. Why Am I Here
03. Wishing Well
04. Sister Sadie (And the Black Habits)
05. (Why Am) I Nothing
06. Underature
07. Asylum #9
08. Red Room of the Rising Sun
09. What I'll Never Find
10. Someone To Love Me
11. X.T.C. Riders
12. Me and the Devil
13. Running Man
14. The Raging Storm
"The Neon God: Part One - The Rise" features the lineup of Blackie Lawless (vocals), Frankie Banali (drums), Mike Dud (bass), and Darrell Roberts (guitar).
Part 2 of "The Neon God" story will be released by Sanctuary/Metal-Is Records over the summer and will complete the story.
| Band profile: | W.A.S.P. |
Insision - soon in studio
According to INSISION's official website (www.insision.com) the swedish brutal death metal band will enter Soundlab Studios in Orebro, Sweden on March 4th to record their new album, Revealed And Worshipped. The album will be produced by Mieszko Talarczyk (NASUM).
Lullacry - In recording studio
LULLACRY have posted the following recording update at their official website (www.lullacry.com):
"Lullacry has been busy this week! Some new material has been recorded at the Astia Studios, Lappeenranta, Finland with Mr. Anssi Kippo. You can definitely expect some kick ass rockin´ heavy metal to be released within this year as a single or EP. The Music is produced by A. Kippo and Sami Vauhkonen and will be mixed at the Finnvox Studios by Mikko Karmila. You can also expect to see some pictures from the recording sessions soon. ROK!!!"
As previously reported, Lullacry's upcoming studio album, Killer, will feature the following tracks: 'Zero', 'Fire Within', 'The Stranger In You', 'The No. 1 Rebel', 'Close Your Eyes', 'Killing Time', 'King Of Pain', 'Fate', 'You Are The One'. The album will hit stores in January 2005.
Also, Lullacry will do their first-ever tour of North America with NIGHTWISH, which is set to take place in late August/early September 2004. A three-week-tour will include 14 shows all over North-America.
"Lullacry has been busy this week! Some new material has been recorded at the Astia Studios, Lappeenranta, Finland with Mr. Anssi Kippo. You can definitely expect some kick ass rockin´ heavy metal to be released within this year as a single or EP. The Music is produced by A. Kippo and Sami Vauhkonen and will be mixed at the Finnvox Studios by Mikko Karmila. You can also expect to see some pictures from the recording sessions soon. ROK!!!"
As previously reported, Lullacry's upcoming studio album, Killer, will feature the following tracks: 'Zero', 'Fire Within', 'The Stranger In You', 'The No. 1 Rebel', 'Close Your Eyes', 'Killing Time', 'King Of Pain', 'Fate', 'You Are The One'. The album will hit stores in January 2005.
Also, Lullacry will do their first-ever tour of North America with NIGHTWISH, which is set to take place in late August/early September 2004. A three-week-tour will include 14 shows all over North-America.
| Band profile: | Lullacry |
Hecate Enthroned - split with the singer
HECATE ENTHRONED have split with vocalist Dean. The singer has posted the following message at the band's official website (www.hecate-enthroned.co.uk):
"After over five years of being in Hecate Enthroned I have decided to hang up my vocal chords and call it a day. Hecate Enthroned wants to go to the next level, this is something I'm not completely at ease with, nor is it something I particularly want to be a part of. I certainly don't hold this against the band, I understand the need for progression, however it is not for me.
I would like to thank Rob, Daz, Dylan, Nige and Andy for the best roller coaster ride I have been on and wish them all the best with Redimus.
As for my future plans, nothing is certain except that no doubt I will be rearing my ugly head in the future, where and when is anybodys guess though. Watch this space!
Darkest Regards, Dean."
In other Hecate Enthroned news, the band entered The Blueroom Studios in Manchester, UK on January 3rd to record their forthcoming album, Redimus. The album is expected to be released in April or May. The band produced the effort themselves.
Says the band, "The name Redimus was chosen, it means 'We return' in Latin, self explanatory really. We feel the songs are much stronger than before, better crafted, we feel we have achieved a good balance between esoteric and all out brutality."
Tracks to appear on the new album include: 'No One Hears', 'An Eternal Belief - I Am Born Part III', 'The Shining Delight', 'Headhunter', 'Soil Of Sin', 'The Face Of Betrayal', 'Choose Misanthropy', 'As Fire', 'Overriding Imagination' and three more as-yet-unamed tracks, two of which are instrumentals.
"After over five years of being in Hecate Enthroned I have decided to hang up my vocal chords and call it a day. Hecate Enthroned wants to go to the next level, this is something I'm not completely at ease with, nor is it something I particularly want to be a part of. I certainly don't hold this against the band, I understand the need for progression, however it is not for me.
I would like to thank Rob, Daz, Dylan, Nige and Andy for the best roller coaster ride I have been on and wish them all the best with Redimus.
As for my future plans, nothing is certain except that no doubt I will be rearing my ugly head in the future, where and when is anybodys guess though. Watch this space!
Darkest Regards, Dean."
In other Hecate Enthroned news, the band entered The Blueroom Studios in Manchester, UK on January 3rd to record their forthcoming album, Redimus. The album is expected to be released in April or May. The band produced the effort themselves.
Says the band, "The name Redimus was chosen, it means 'We return' in Latin, self explanatory really. We feel the songs are much stronger than before, better crafted, we feel we have achieved a good balance between esoteric and all out brutality."
Tracks to appear on the new album include: 'No One Hears', 'An Eternal Belief - I Am Born Part III', 'The Shining Delight', 'Headhunter', 'Soil Of Sin', 'The Face Of Betrayal', 'Choose Misanthropy', 'As Fire', 'Overriding Imagination' and three more as-yet-unamed tracks, two of which are instrumentals.
Metalstorm voted 4th for best website of the year
Thanx to all the people who voted for metalstorm in the online metal awards... Thanks to you all, metalstorm has ended up in fourth position, which is a really good result after only two years of existence. So congratulations to Ivan the founder, Dream Taster our great Webmaster and to all the staff and forum members and casual visitors for your great support... The first seat is in sight!!!
Complete results here: http://www.onlinemetalawards.com/
Complete results here: http://www.onlinemetalawards.com/
New After Forever album to be released on March 25
After Forever's long-awaited, new album 'Invisible Circles'
will be released on 25 March 2004.
The concept album has the following tracklisting:
1. Childhood In Minor
2. Beautiful Emptiness
3. Between Love And Fire
4. Sins Of Idealism
5. Eccentric
6. Digital Deceit
7. Through Square Eyes
8. Blind Pain
9. Two Sides
10. Victim Of Choices
11. Refelctions
12. Life's Vortex
will be released on 25 March 2004.
The concept album has the following tracklisting:
1. Childhood In Minor
2. Beautiful Emptiness
3. Between Love And Fire
4. Sins Of Idealism
5. Eccentric
6. Digital Deceit
7. Through Square Eyes
8. Blind Pain
9. Two Sides
10. Victim Of Choices
11. Refelctions
12. Life's Vortex
| Band profile: | After Forever |
HIM : Best Of
A limited-edition version of Finnish goth-metalers H.I.M.'s upcoming "best of" collection, "And Love Said No - The Greatest Hits 1997-2004", will include a bonus DVD with the following tracks:
01. Soul On Fire
02. The Funeral Of Hearts
03. Beyond Redemption
04. Sweet Pandemonium
05. Buried Alive By Love
06. The Sacrament
"And Love Said No - The Greatest Hits 1997-2004" , due on March 15, will feature the following track listing:
01. And Love Said No
02. Join Me
03. Buried Alive By Love
04. Heartache Every Moment
05. Solitary Man
06. Right Here In My Arms
07. Funeral Of Hearts
08. In Joy And Sorrow
09. Your Sweet 666
10. Gone With The Sin
11. Wicked Game
12. The Sacrament
13. Close To The Flame
14. Poison Girl
15. Pretending
16. When Love And Death Embrace
Go here to take a look at the cover: http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0001GAW2E.03.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
01. Soul On Fire
02. The Funeral Of Hearts
03. Beyond Redemption
04. Sweet Pandemonium
05. Buried Alive By Love
06. The Sacrament
"And Love Said No - The Greatest Hits 1997-2004" , due on March 15, will feature the following track listing:
01. And Love Said No
02. Join Me
03. Buried Alive By Love
04. Heartache Every Moment
05. Solitary Man
06. Right Here In My Arms
07. Funeral Of Hearts
08. In Joy And Sorrow
09. Your Sweet 666
10. Gone With The Sin
11. Wicked Game
12. The Sacrament
13. Close To The Flame
14. Poison Girl
15. Pretending
16. When Love And Death Embrace
Go here to take a look at the cover: http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B0001GAW2E.03.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
| Band profile: | HIM |
NIghtwish to play in Dynamo open air
Finland's NIGHTWISH is the latest band confirmed for Dynamo Open Air, a one-day Dutch heavy metal festival scheduled to be held Saturday, June 5 in the Goffertpark in Nijmegen, Holland. Also scheduled to appear are headlinders SLAYER, plus LIFE OF AGONY, DIMMU BORGIR and CHILDREN OF BODOM.
There will be a total of 14 bands appearing on two stages, "pretty much in the same set-up as in the year 2000 when Dynamo was held at the same location," according to a posting on the festival's official web site. Tickets are 50 euros. The gates will open at 12:00 p.m. (noon) and the first band goes on at 1:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.dynamo.nl
There will be a total of 14 bands appearing on two stages, "pretty much in the same set-up as in the year 2000 when Dynamo was held at the same location," according to a posting on the festival's official web site. Tickets are 50 euros. The gates will open at 12:00 p.m. (noon) and the first band goes on at 1:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.dynamo.nl
| Band profile: | Nightwish |
1349 - US release date is revealed
1349, the Norwegian black metal band featuring SATYRICON drummer Frost, have set a May 4 U.S. release date through Candlelight Records for their second full-length album, "Beyond the Apocalypse".
Recorded, mixed and produced at Studio Nyhagen in Norway, the follow-up to last year's "Liberation" was produced by the band, with engineering assistance by Kjartan Hesthagen and Dr. Davidsen.
Formed in 1997, 1349 ? named for the year the plague hit Norway in the 14th Century ? found immediate cult status with the recording and later release of their self-titled mini-album in 2001. Word of mouth spread like wildfire regarding the band's cold and aggressive musical offering, and Frost, who initially joined the group as a session musician, would later ask to become a permanent member. Vocalist Ravn, guitarists Tjalve and Archaon, and bassist Seidemann agreed and 1349 would become complete. The band signed to Candlelight Records in late 2002.
"Beyond the Apocalypse" track listing:
01. Chasing Dragons
02. Beyond the Apocalypse
03. Aiwas Aeon
04. Necronatalenheten
05. Perished in Pain
06. Singer of Strange Songs
07. Blood is the Mortar
08. Internal Winter
09. The Blade
Recorded, mixed and produced at Studio Nyhagen in Norway, the follow-up to last year's "Liberation" was produced by the band, with engineering assistance by Kjartan Hesthagen and Dr. Davidsen.
Formed in 1997, 1349 ? named for the year the plague hit Norway in the 14th Century ? found immediate cult status with the recording and later release of their self-titled mini-album in 2001. Word of mouth spread like wildfire regarding the band's cold and aggressive musical offering, and Frost, who initially joined the group as a session musician, would later ask to become a permanent member. Vocalist Ravn, guitarists Tjalve and Archaon, and bassist Seidemann agreed and 1349 would become complete. The band signed to Candlelight Records in late 2002.
"Beyond the Apocalypse" track listing:
01. Chasing Dragons
02. Beyond the Apocalypse
03. Aiwas Aeon
04. Necronatalenheten
05. Perished in Pain
06. Singer of Strange Songs
07. Blood is the Mortar
08. Internal Winter
09. The Blade
Lacrimas Profundere - New Album On The Works
LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE's 6th album will be entitled Ave End. The band currently find themselves in Lungfull Studios and expect to complete the recording in early March. Three of the latest tracks are "Sarah Lou", "Phantom Ballad", "To Bleed or not to Be".
| Band profile: | Lacrimas Profundere |
DARK FUNERAL: Live Album Delayed
Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL have pushed back the release date of their upcoming live album, "De Profundis Clamavi Ad Te Domine", to April 19 through Regain Records. No reason was given for the delay.
The CD, which was recorded on the band's 2003 South American tour, will contain the following track listing:
01. Intro
02. The Arrival Of Satan's Empire
03. An Apprentice Of Satan
04. The Dawn No More Rises
05. Thy Legions Come
06. Hail Murder
07. Goddess Of Sodomy
08. The Secrets Of The Black Arts
09. Vobiscum Satanas
10. Shadows Over Transylvania
11. Open The Gates
12. Ineffable Kings Of Darkness
13. Thus I Have Spoken
14. My Dark Desires
15. Armageddon Finally Comes
DARK FUNERAL are currently writing material for their next studio album, tentatively due in late 2004.
As previously reported, DARK FUNERAL have been confirmed for the Piorno Rock Festival 2004, which is set to take place on Saturday, February 28 in Pinos Puentes (Granada), Spain. Other bands scheduled to appear at the event include STRATOVARIUS, SEPULTURA, MSG, SAXON, KAMELOT, VANDES PLAS, EVERGREY, IRON SAVIOR, AXXIS, CAGE, MOONSPELL, CALLENISH CIRCLE, FINNTROLL, AMON AMARTH, DESTRUCTION, ENSLAVED, EPICA, TANKARD, BATTELORE, and CONTRHA.
taken from blabbermouth.net
The CD, which was recorded on the band's 2003 South American tour, will contain the following track listing:
01. Intro
02. The Arrival Of Satan's Empire
03. An Apprentice Of Satan
04. The Dawn No More Rises
05. Thy Legions Come
06. Hail Murder
07. Goddess Of Sodomy
08. The Secrets Of The Black Arts
09. Vobiscum Satanas
10. Shadows Over Transylvania
11. Open The Gates
12. Ineffable Kings Of Darkness
13. Thus I Have Spoken
14. My Dark Desires
15. Armageddon Finally Comes
DARK FUNERAL are currently writing material for their next studio album, tentatively due in late 2004.
As previously reported, DARK FUNERAL have been confirmed for the Piorno Rock Festival 2004, which is set to take place on Saturday, February 28 in Pinos Puentes (Granada), Spain. Other bands scheduled to appear at the event include STRATOVARIUS, SEPULTURA, MSG, SAXON, KAMELOT, VANDES PLAS, EVERGREY, IRON SAVIOR, AXXIS, CAGE, MOONSPELL, CALLENISH CIRCLE, FINNTROLL, AMON AMARTH, DESTRUCTION, ENSLAVED, EPICA, TANKARD, BATTELORE, and CONTRHA.
taken from blabbermouth.net
| Band profile: | Dark Funeral |
G3 tour finally without Malmsteen
According to the YNGWIE MALMSTEEN fan site Guitar Alchemy, initial reports from the Joe Satriani camp indicate that Malmsteen will not be taking part in the planned European G3 trek alongside Satriani and Steve Vai. Instead the third slot will likely be filled by Robert Fripp of KING CRIMSON fame. No further information is available at this time.
The G3 DVD and CD sets ? entitled "G3 - Live in Denver" and "G3 Live: Rockin' in the Free World", respectively ? will be released on February 24 through Epic Records. To promote the releases, Satriani, Vai and Malmsteen will be participating in an MSN chat on Monday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST.
The G3 DVD and CD sets ? entitled "G3 - Live in Denver" and "G3 Live: Rockin' in the Free World", respectively ? will be released on February 24 through Epic Records. To promote the releases, Satriani, Vai and Malmsteen will be participating in an MSN chat on Monday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST.
| Band profile: | Yngwie Malmsteen |
Stratovarius: Timo Tolkki, madman or genius?
STRATOVARIUS webmaster Fred Derf has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"Today I received a phone call from Timo Tolkki.
"He sounded like being in a very confused state of mind and was talking about red Kabbalah ribbons and how when he was reading Madonna's biography he felt warm waves all over his body and that the spirit of Jesus entered him and that now he really has found something he has been searching for all his life.
"I am very worried about him, he sounded like completely crazy.
"From this day onwards I will not take the responsibility of whatever is being released on this Website.
"As long as my paycheck arrives, I will continue putting on the site whatever Tolkki asks me to put there.
"But there is nothing I can do about it.
"I just work here."
Read more ››
"Today I received a phone call from Timo Tolkki.
"He sounded like being in a very confused state of mind and was talking about red Kabbalah ribbons and how when he was reading Madonna's biography he felt warm waves all over his body and that the spirit of Jesus entered him and that now he really has found something he has been searching for all his life.
"I am very worried about him, he sounded like completely crazy.
"From this day onwards I will not take the responsibility of whatever is being released on this Website.
"As long as my paycheck arrives, I will continue putting on the site whatever Tolkki asks me to put there.
"But there is nothing I can do about it.
"I just work here."
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Stratovarius |