Finland's NIGHTWISH have announced the details of the three different versions of their new single, "Nemo", which are planned for release in late April/early May. All three versions are currently on pre-sale at the "Nightwish-Shop" on the band's official web site, Nightwish.com. The details are as follows:

"Normal" version (release date: April 19):

01. Nemo (from the album "Once")
02. Planet Hell (from the album "Once")
03. White Night Fantasy (non-album bonus track)
04. Nemo (orchestral version)
05. Enhanced part: Studio footage

"Collector's Edition Digipack" version (release date: April 26):

01. Nemo (album version)
02. Live To Tell The Tale (non-album track)
03. Nemo (orchestral version)

"DVD" version (release date: May 3):

01. Nemo (full-length stereo mix)
02. Nemo (5.1 mix)
03. Planet Hell (5.1 mix)
04. "Nemo" promotional video
05. The Making of "Nemo"

"Nemo" comes off NIGHTWISH's much-anticipated follow-up to 2002's "Century Child", entitled "Once", due on June 7 through Spinefarm Records. A U.S. release date for the album has yet to be announced. The band recently shot a video for the track with renowned director Antti Jokinen, who has previously directed music videos for such international artists as CELINE DION, EMINEM and SHANIA TWAIN.

NIGHTWISH will launch their world tour in support of "Once", dubbed "Once Upon A Tour 2004-2005", this summer. The trek is expected to last until the autumn of 2005.

Band profile:

Nightwish

NIGHTWISH keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen recently spoke to Get Ready To ROCK! about the songwriting and recording process for the group's new album, "Once". Asked why they chose to record the orchestral parts for the album in London using the London Session Orchestra, Tuomas said, "Well the simple reason is that we really wanted to have the best, you know. It sounds kinda corny, but we wanted to have the best no matter the costs, and our record engineer Mikko Karmila, he had some connections with Pip Williams who is doing the arrangements and he recommended him to us. We contacted him and he was very interested in us and then he booked the orchestra for us. To be honest, the whole thing, the orchestra, it costs like twice as much as the whole previous album altogether. But it doesn't matter because the result is so awesome. So I'm very proud to be working with them."

With regards to whether "Once" was a more difficult album to write than its predecessor, 2002's "Century Child", Tuomas said, " was very difficult and this one was equally difficult, but it's been more fun than ever though. I mean it's been in a very positive spirit, both for me and for the whole band. The whole process has been really smooth even though it has been really difficult and really long but we're all having the time of our lives here. I think that there is a bit of a positive touch to this album, more than before. Just fun, having fun doing what we're doing."

As previously reported, "Nemo", the first single off the group's forthcoming CD, is due on April 19 through Spinefarm Records. The band recently shot a video for the track with renowned director Antti Jokinen, who has previously directed music videos for such international artists as CELINE DION, EMINEM and SHANIA TWAIN. "Once" is scheduled for release on June 7 through Spinefarm. A U.S. release date for the album has yet to be announced.

NIGHTWISH will launch their world tour in support of "Once", dubbed "Once Upon A Tour 2004-2005", this summer. The trek is expected to last until the autumn of 2005.

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Band profile:

Nightwish

CRISIS have finalized the track listing for their new album, "Like Sheep Led To Slaughter", due on May 25 through The End/Children Of Rage Records. It is as follows:

01. Omen
02. Waking the Dead
03. A Graveyard For Bitches
04. Nomad
05. Politics Of Domination
06. Blood Burden
07. Rats In A Maze
08. Secrets Of The Prison House
09. Corpus Apocalypse
10. Study In Cancer
11. Exit Catacomb
12. The Fate

The follow-up to 1997's "The Hollowing" was recorded at Desert Moon Studios in Anaheim, Ca. with legendary producer Billy Anderson (CLUTCH, BRUTAL TRUTH, ORANGE GOBLIN, NEUROSIS, SLEEP) and is slated to include a multimedia section. Singer Karyn Crisis, in collaboration with Steve Conard (CRISIS' webmaster), has completed the artwork for the CD package. Guest vocals on "Study In Cancer" were provided by Daniel Dismal of CREMATORIUM.

In addition to the original members Karyn, Afzaal Nasirudden (guitar) and Gia Chaun Wang (bass), CRISIS' current lineup includes Jwyanza Hobson (guitar) and Josh Florian (drums).

Long-running Canadian thrashers ANNIHILATOR have announced the addition of bassist Sandor de Bretan and drummer Rob Falzano to the group's ranks. Bretan hails from Waters' hometown of Ottawa Canada, while Falzano, a Boston native, came recommended to Water by "All For You" studio drummer Mike Mangini, who was also Falzano's teacher. Mangini will also be "guesting" at some future shows with the band.

As previously reported, ANNIHILATOR are scheduled to release their new album, "All For You", on May 24 through Germany's AFM Records. A five-song EP, entitled "The One", will surface on April 26, and will include two bonus video clips.

"All For You" marks the recording debut with the group of new singer Dave Padden, who replaced previous vocalist Joe Comeau last June.

Band profile:

Annihilator

PARADISE LOST have parted ways with drummer Lee Morris due to "personal and musical differences." No replacement has been named as yet, although the new album will continue to be recorded as previously planned. "We are sorry to see Lee go, and wish him all the best for the future," the band said in a statement. Morris added, "I think it was always going to be difficult integrating myself into an already established set-up, and although we have always had a varying degree of opinions, attitude and ethics on things over the last nine years, we have usually always managed to find a happy medium. However, I think that over the last year, the divide has really grown to a point where compromise is no longer really an option for any of us to maintain a healthy working relationship. I have complete respect for the band on this decision at this stage in their career, and I want to wish them every success on the forthcoming album and thank them for the good times. As for me, I'm not sure what the future has in store yet, but I do believe that all things in life happen for a reason and as one door closes another opens, so here's to new beginnings."

Lee Morris can still be contacted by emailing: lee@paradiselost.co.uk

As previously reported, PARADISE LOST are tentatively scheduled to enter the studio in April with producer Rhys Fulber (FEAR FACTORY, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY) to begin recording the follow-up to 2002's "Symbol Of Life", tentatively due before the end of the year through G.U.N./BMG Records (in Europe). "Symbol Of Life", PARADISE LOST's ninth studio album, was produced by Fulber and was released in the U.S. through Koch Entertainment.

Band profile:

Paradise Lost

DARK FUNERAL have posted the following update at their official website (www.darkfuneral.se):

"The live album entitled De Profundis Clamavi Ad Te Domine (April 19th via Regain) is receiving great response from the media worldwide. The fierce and aggressive scene presence together with the intense response from the South American fans makes this album without a doubt the grimmest black metal live album ever. So be sure not to miss this one.

The album will be released in the following formats: limited CD version packed in slipcase, 1000 copies double gatefold LP and 1000 copies double picture LP.

Other great news are that Dark Funeral will land one song, 'Thus I Have Spoken' (Diabolis Interium/2001) in the sequel of the up-coming Zombie trilogy, Die Zombiejager.

Die Zombiejager is a low-budget splatter/gore movie made by Jonas Wolcher and his great team at Too86 Entertainment (Sweden). Die Zombiejäger is the sequel of the Zombie trilogy, Zombienoid. A full-length movie in German (with a few lines in Swedish, English & Italian) with English subtitles. The movie is set for a release in September 2004."

In other news, as previously reported, Dark Funeral will embark on a mini-tour of Italy with DEFLESHED. Confirmed dates include:

March:
12 - Transilvania Live - Milan, Italy
13 - Krossover - Catania, Italy
14 - Vecchio Mattatoio - Rome, Italy

Band profile:

Dark Funeral

The guys are in the middle of the recording and has so far recorded all the drums, bass and most of the rythm guitars. The basic vocals on five tracks is also finished, as well as the keyboards on some of the tracks. Host of the recording this time is Studio Mega, Sweden (the Crown, Sator, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Beseech etc). The mastering is set to April 30!

Band profile:

Lake Of Tears

King Diamond off - Dio and In Flames on.
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Although previously announced, King Diamond will not be appearing at
Tuska-festival. The artist's representative apologizes for the
cancellation that came immediatly after the confirmation and for the fact
that King Diamond will not be able to perform for his finnish fans.
However, the Artist has personal matters which require him to remain on
the U.S. soil.

Despite the cancellation of King Diamond, the old-school metalheads have
a reason to celebrate as the legendary Dio take the stage on Sunday the
18th, led by their charismatic frontman, metal-icon Ronnie James Dio.
This influential veteran has released music since the early seventies and
has made a name for himself by performing vocal duties for Rainbow, Black
Sabbath and for the past two decades, Dio. Dio's latest studioalbum
Killing The Dragon was released in 2002. Last year Dio released an
anthology-album and a dvd titled Evil Or Divine.

The headliner for Friday the 16th of July has now been confirmed to be
one of the most popular Swedish metalbands at the moment, In Flames.
Their new album, Soundtrack To Your Escape will be released worldwide at
the end of March. The current In Flames -album, Reroute To Remain has
been both, an artistic and a commercial success and has made In Flames
one of the most successful bands of their genre.

Also performing at Kaisaniemi Park will be swedish gothgroup Beseech. For
domestic additions, deathmetal supergroup Chaosbreed, newcomer
Trollheim's Grott and melodic-metallers Charon have confirmed their
performances.

The search is still on for a few international artists and several
domestic ones.

Tickets for Tuska 2004 will go on sale in May through www.tiketti.fi,
www.lippupalvelu.fi and this year's new addition, www.menolippu.fi. Each
of them accept creditcards when buying tickets from abroad.

At this time of the year, the Tuska Line-up looks like this:

DIO (USA)
In Flames (SWE)
Nightwish
Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus
Suburban Tribe
Sonata Arctica
Soilwork (SWE)
Diablo
Dark Tranquillity (SWE)
Charon
Mokoma
Dew-Scented (GER)
Impaled Nazarene
Sinergy
Beseech (SWE)
Chaosbreed
Swallow The Sun
Trollheim's Grott
Machine Men
Kilpi
Twilightning

Additional information: www.tuska-festival.fi

The new Therion albums are called Sirius B and Lemuria and will be released the 24th of May, 2004. They will be relesed as two separate albums, but during a period of two months, there will be a double release available, so that people can get them both for more or less half the price. This release will be pressed as much as people buy it during these two months and after that what ever left in stores and distribution channels can continue to sell as long as it lasts. You can consider this special offers as a present from Therion to the fans.

Band profile:

Therion

Former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has formed a new band called F5. "The music is heavy, melodic, has a bit of old school in it at times as there are two guitar players who both rip, Steve Conley and John Davis," Ellefson told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "The drummer is David Small (web site), vocalist Dale Steele (ex-SICK SPEED) and myself on bass. Everyone is a kick-ass player even though they are unknown to most of the metal world.

"I founded the group, with Conley and Small, in 2002 and we've been writing all year and recording diligently with producer Ryan Greene, working toward a full-length release," David continued. " F5 is a kick-ass band that I get to finally lay out my creative ideas with players who work great together. When I started it, MEGADETH was over so I moved on with my life, thus this new band was born. It's a great relief for me, something I'm very proud of and can work with or without MEGADETH in my life, as many metal musicians do with other projects at this point in their career. I'm looking forward to everyone hearing and seeing the group soon."

Ellefson also addressed the recent Internet reports suggesting that he was asked by Dave Mustaine to join the newly revamped MEGADETH but turned down the offer for reasons that were never clarified.

"I am currently not involved in any new recordings at this point, even though I was ready, willing and able to do so when Dave approached me about it last year," Ellefson said. "It's unfortunate for all the fans that things did not work out with us on this go 'round. Not sure yet if this is a bump in the road or a permanent closure for me with MEGADETH."

For more information on F5, visit the band's official web site at www.f5theband.com (currently under construction).

Taken From Blabblermouth.net

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Band profile:

Megadeth

Polish black/death metallers BEHEMOTH are continuing work on their seventh full-length album, "Demigod", tentatively due in the fall through Regain Records (Europe), Century Media (USA and South America) and Mystic (Poland). Nergal (vocals/guitars) checked in with the following update: "We are very busy with song writing for our upcoming record, 'Demigod'. We have 10 songs in the making now?some are completed, some are not?anyway, from what we've done so far, I can easily say it will not disappoint anybody, who loved our last three records. Though I really hope that with this new album we'll enter new chapter. The official recording session starts on the April 29th. Tracks will be laid down in Hendrix studios in Poland, while mixing will take place in Dug Out in Sweden (MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, IN FLAMES) on June 21st. Expect an October release followed shortly after with a world wide touring campaign."

Band profile:

Behemoth

Irish folk metal band CRUACHAN will be celebrating the launch of their fourth full-length album, "Pagan", with a one-off live date in Dublin on April 6 at The Voodoo Lounge. Support at the show will come from CELTIC LEGACY.

"Pagan" is scheduled for release on April 5 through Karmageddon Media). The album was recorded and mixed at Radio Na Life Studios in Dublin, Ireland with producer Al Cowen and is the follow-up to last year's "Folk-Lore". The band recorded a total of 15 songs, of which 13 will end up on the final album and the remaining songs will be used as bonus-material. Among the tracks set to appear on the CD are "Michael Collins", "The Gael", "The March to Cluain Tairbh", "Viking Slayer" and "1014 A.D." Cover artwork for "Pagan" was created by John Howe, the leading JRR Tolkien illustrator and the conceptual artist from "The Lord of the Rings" movies

Band profile:

Cruachan

Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman recently spoke to Australia's Guitar magazine about the possibility of him collaborating with Dave Mustaine again in the not-too-distant future. Asked what the latest word is on a potential MEGADETH reunion with him on guitar, Marty said, "There really is no word on that. I don't have any interest in that now. But I never say never. Who knows? The guys are all my buds. There is no debating the great chemistry between us." With regards to whether that means that he has changed his mind about the issues that originally influenced him to leave the band, he said, " great question, but you are thinking too deep into it. I would just need to see something musically exciting happening to even consider it. Something even greater than it was before. I am not at all interested in just picking up where the band left off. There would have to be some kind of interesting twist to it." Read the rest of the interview

Taken from Blabblermouth.net

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Band profile:

Megadeth

OPETH main songwriter and guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt recently spoke to MetalReview.com about the drummer Martin Lopez's anxiety attacks, which caused him to miss a few dates on the band's recent North American tour. "We had to cancel a few shows and we feel very bad about that so we decided we were going to be very open with it," Mikael said. " basically suffered panic attacks and anxiety attacks and severe depression from working too hard and touring so much. It got to the point where he called me up the day before the first scheduled Jordan gig saying that he couldn't go and he was just a wreck. So we took some rest before this gig and then the same thing happened when we went to Frankfurt where we had a connecting flight to Canada and he said he couldn't go, he had to go home and we had to support him with that. He went back home, we missed 3 gigs. Well, he missed them, we did the gigs anyway with our drum tech and Gene Hoglan . He went to a psychologist and they did tests on him and it's actually some stuff in his blood that makes his heart beat faster and that's the reason why he's been depressed. Now he's getting medication and I think the biggest breakthrough for him was knowing what it was because he was literally going insane. And he was seriously thinking that maybe he'd have to leave the band and he was scared that we would fire him. But from Seattle, which was the first gig on this tour, he was back and I think he's happier now because he knows we've been doing this for such a long time and it's like a rejuvenation for him in a way to be back."

Mikael also commented on the recent online controversy surrounding DEVILDRIVER's addition to the OPETH North American tour over KATAKLYSM, who many people ? including KATAKLYSM themselves ? thought were a far better fit. "I like them," he said of DEVILDRIVER. "I've never heard them before, but like everybody I kind of had my mind made up about them before, but they were nothing like that. They're more of, I would say, a death metal band, and all the shit they're getting I think is pretty much uncalled for. People just slag them off because of Dez Fafara's past in COAL CHAMBER, and it's a shame and it's hard for them. At some gigs people are like 'Fuck Off' and 'You Guys Suck', and regardless if you don't like a band you just don't do that stuff at shows. I think they're great people and a tight, brutal band. KATAKLYSM, that thing I never got the offer for them to tour with us so I didn't know. All of sudden there are fights and stuff but I didn't know they were supposed to tour with us."

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Band profile:

Opeth

BOLT THROWER are currently writing new material for their 8th (as yet untitled) studio album. They plan to go into the studio in May, and the album will be released around October/November time on Metal Blade Records. The band plan to promote the release with a full European tour and hopefully their first US tour for 10 years!

Band profile:

Bolt Thrower