Metal Storm logo
Metal news




Witchery - Ex-Dark Funeral Singer Joins The Band

Some of you might be surprised to see a new face at the Hultsfred Festival tonight when Witchery enter the stage to declare Witchkrieg over Sweden.

Explains guitarist Patrik Jensen (also in The Haunted): "We are saddened to announce the departure of Legion (ex-Marduk, ex-Devian), singer of last years Witchery ear crusher, Witchkrieg. Unfortunately, conflicting schedules made a continued collaboration impossible. We are very thankful for Legion's input and work on our latest album, and we wish him only the very best for the future. Witchery will however not remain without a leader to take them thru the netherworlds and beyond. None other than Emperor Magus Caligula (ex-Dark Funeral) has decided to once again adorn his armor, and go off to battle for the better of darkness and evil."

Emperor Magus Caligula adds: "Getting an offer to play with some of Sweden's finest elite in metal, I just couldn't resist. Together with Witchery, I will once again spread chaos and hatred upon this world. The emperor is back, and together we will conquer ALL!!!"

Also fans in Finland, Germany and Norway can soon witness the power of Emperor Magus Caligula throat torture at the upcoming Tuska Open Air, Summer Breeze Open Air and Inferno Festivals. Don't miss it because Witchery don't play for everybody everywhere.

Read more ››

Source: bravewords.com
Band profile: Witchery
Posted: 15.07.2011 by Thryce | Comments (8)


Life Of Agony - Vocalist Undergoes Sex Change

Hot news in the "That's So Metal" department where Keith Caputo, the somewhat eccentric frontman of alternative metal band Life Of Agony from here on out wants to be addressed as Keith Mina Caputo frontwoman of Wife Of Agony... River sure runs red now.

*Several bad puns later*

Keith Caputo has revealed that he has begun "transitioning" into life as a woman and has begun to refer to himself as "her" on his official website. The singer, who has adopted the name "Keith Mina Caputo", wrote on his Twitter account, "Male to female transsexuals like me are the women who give up male privilege for femininity! Threaten the patriarchy!" He also responded to a question from a fan about the demise of Life Of Agony by writing, "Life Of Agony has already gone into isolation and it's got nothing to do with me transitioning ."

In a June 5, 2011 interview with "DeadDave's Internet Radio Show", Caputo stated: "I live a completely, totally different lifestyle. I'm a completely different human being, as you guys probably know. I have a very different path in life. I'm not living life as a man anymore and stuff. So, yeah, my life is completely different, but music will always be... music is definitely my driving force."

Caputo previously used cross-dressing images of himself in the artwork for his 2008 solo album A Fondness For Hometown Scars and dedicated the CD to androgynous people.

In a July 11 tweet, Caputo said, "my cuzins even get on me for being transgender, callin me the dumbest names, but it's all in good fun they'll really kill 4 me." The vocalist also re-tweeted a story from Metal Insider claiming the singer was due to get a sex change. He replied with the message, "Thx for being sweet & respectful.. Deeply appreciate it. FYI, I'm keeping my penis!"

During his appearance on "DeadDave's Internet Radio Show", Caputo spoke about Life Of Agony's future plans, stating, "We realize that Life Of Agony has become an extremely nostalgic act and the music that used to not be dated, in our eyes, is dated, and the whole situation is dated. It's a nostalgia, and we don't want to take advantage of that nostalgia anymore, nor do we wanna take advantage of the fans.

We've got three shows this year and it's probably gonna be the last shows that we do for a very long time. In fact, we just may call it quits. Because we feel like we set out to do what we needed to collectively. We're very honest people, we love each other dearly, but we just can't get it on; we can't turn each other on in the studio. We hit a brick wall together, and it ain't cool. So there's probably not gonna be a new album, nor a new single... So people better start getting used to Broken Valley, because that's probably the last piece of music that they'll hear from the band."

Read more ››

Source: roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile: Life Of Agony
Posted: 15.07.2011 by Thryce | Comments (42)


Devin Townsend - 10 Song Compilation Available For Free Download

The Devin Townsend Project recently completed their remarkable 4-album series with Deconstruction and Ghost. Both were released on June 20th via InsideOut Music. These two albums are some of the most highly anticipated works of the year.

Now, InsideOut Music revealed a new Devin Townsend Project landing-page, where you can download a 10 song compilation of Devin's releases, for free (including songs off Ziltoid, Infinity, Ki, Ocean Machine, Terria and more)! Check out the landing page at this location (Facebook / Twitter log-in required to access the downloads).

Read more ››

Source: insideoutmusic.com
Band profile: Devin Townsend
Posted: 15.07.2011 by RcK | Comments (8)


Way Of Darkness Festival - More Bands Confirmed

US tech grinders Cephalic Carnage, US death metallers Dying Fetus and German progressive death metallers Obscura are among the latest confirmed acts to perform on this year's Way Of Darkness Festival, taking place at Stadthalle Lichtenfels in Lichtenfels, Germany from October 6th to 8th.

Fleshgod Apocalypse and Aborted unfortunately had to cancel their appearance.

Read more to get an overview of all confirmed acts so far.

Read more ››

Source: thegauntlet.com
Event: Way Of Darkness Festival
Posted: 15.07.2011 by Kriegsphilosoph | Comments (1)


Communic - New Song Online

"Denial", a brand-new track from Norwegian progressive metallers Communic has been made available for streaming over at Facebook.

"Denial" comes off the band's upcoming new album, entitled The Bottom Deep, which will be released on July 22nd through Nuclear Blast Records. More album details were previously reported over here.

Read more ››

Source: nuclearblast.de
Band profile: Communic
Posted: 15.07.2011 by RcK | Comments (4)


Den Saakaldte - Part Ways With Pulverised Records

Norwegian black metal quintet Den Saakaldte have said their farewell to Singaporean label Pulverised Records. The band is now looking for a new record label located closer to their home country.

Stated Den Saakaldte guitarist Mikael Siouzios (but you can call him Sykelig): "Many things changed during the last period of time for us as individuals and as an affect, to Den Saakaldte as well.

We felt and considered that we would like all factors surrounding the band and genereting life to the band to be surrounding us and to be more direct to us. We took the decision that Den Saakaldte's future would work better if the record label that we are signed by, is based in Europe. Pulverised Records that has always been in supportive spirit, respected this decision of ours and we agreed to part ways as friends and with mutual appreciation & respect.

We thank Pulverised Records for the faith and trust they've shown to us and we wish to the label all success with their future releases. Den Saakaldte will soon take decisions on what is to happen."

Read more ››

Source: facebook.com
Band profile: Den Saakaldte
Posted: 15.07.2011 by Kriegsphilosoph | Comments (0)


Before The Dawn - Finnish Tour Dates

After taking the support slot on Insomnium's headlining European tour in mid-November, renewed Finnish melodic death metallers Before The Dawn will play a handful of live shows in their home country in early December.

You can find more on the band's new line-up on their official Facebook page.

Read more ››

Source: beforethedawn.com
Band profile: Before The Dawn
Event: Rebirth Of Before The Dawn
Posted: 15.07.2011 by Kriegsphilosoph | Comments (1)


Hate Eternal - New Video Online

"Lake Ablaze", the new video from US death metal band Hate Eternal can now be watched below.

The clip was shot in Tampa, FL with director David Brodsky of MyGoodEye (The Black Dahlia Murder, Devin Townsend, Amon Amarth, Suicide Silence, etc.)

"Lake Ablaze" comes off the band's latest album, called Phoenix Amongst The Ashes, which was released in May through Metal Blade Records.

Read more ››

Source: metalblade.com
Band profile: Hate Eternal
Posted: 15.07.2011 by Abattoir | Comments (1)


Elvenking - Update From The Band

Italian power folk metallers Elvenking have checked in with the following update:

"At the moment we are building up a new rehearsal room, where we'll soon start working on the new album material. A lot of new songs and ideas have been written and we will put something together soon and see what is going to happen. But it is too soon to talk about this. We will try to keep you informed on the progress.

Even if we will keep on working on the new album songs for all the Fall it does not mean we will be far from the stages. And what a great Fall we will have! If someone of you remember correctly it is exactly 10 years since the release of our debut album Heathenreel (yes, it was 2001, gosh!) so we want to celebrate this birthday in a proper way! So we will be on stage in Fall 2011 for a number of gigs with a lot of songs from the famous first album plus another choice of songs from the other albums rarely or never played live! It will be something special you do not have to miss!!! It's "10 years in Heathenry"!"


Read more ››

Source: facebook.com
Band profile: Elvenking
Posted: 15.07.2011 by Kriegsphilosoph | Comments (1)


Within Temptation - To Release Second Single

Sinéad, the 2nd single from Within Temptation latest album The Unforgiving will be released between July 15th and 19th in most countries.

Check out the official video for the song below. Interested parties can find more release details over at this location.

The band comments: "With undeniable disco grooves, we took this opportunity to further enhance the track's dance floor appeal merging these seemingly disparate genres to create contagious new versions of "Sinéad" with the help of four acclaimed dance producers like Scooter, VNV Nation, Benno de Goeij and Groove Coverage. Each of the collaborating DJ producers had carte blanche to reinterpret "Sinéad" to suit their preferred style and personal vision.

Both in the story of The Unforgiving as well as on the album, "Sinéad" has always been a favorite of all of us. She is a character with a lot of different opposite sides to her, just like the song. It is catchy and feel good but at the same time emotional and melancholic. So from the start it was quite clear that "Sinéad" would be released as a single from this album."


Read more ››

Source: within-temptation.com
Band profile: Within Temptation
Posted: 15.07.2011 by SceneryOfLoss | Comments (5)


Sabaton - New Live Song Online

"Cliffs Of Gallipoli", a new live track from Swedish epic power metal heroes Sabaton has been made available for streaming over at this location.

"Cliffs Of Gallipoli" comes off the band's first-ever live album, entitled World War Live: Battle Of The Baltic Sea, which will be released on August 5th through Nuclear Blast.

Read more ››

Source: nuclearblast.de
Band profile: Sabaton
Posted: 15.07.2011 by RcK | Comments (2)


Vertigo Steps - New Album Details

Portuguese progressive metallers Vertigo Steps have announced the title of their new album, Surface/Light, and unveiled its cover, which can be seen below.

Moreover, the band announced the guest participation of Patrik Karlsson in the song "The Porcupine Dilemma" and they will also be covering the song "Nothing At All", originally released by Rob Dougan.

The Melancholy Hour's follow-up will be the third studio album of the band and is set to be released some time next year.

Read more ››

Source: facebook.com
Band profile: Vertigo Steps
Posted: 15.07.2011 by BloodTears | Comments (0)


Textures - New Album Details

Textures have announced the title of their new album, Dualism, which will see its release in Europe, South America, Australia and Asia on the 23th of September and in North America on the 27th of September via Nuclear Blast Records.

The album was recorded at Split Second Sound Studio in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and was produced by the band's guitar player Jochem Jacobs. The first single, Reaching Home, will be released on 19th of August through all major download sites.

The artwork of the album was designed by former Textures' frontman Eric Kalsbeek and the band's bass player Remko Tielemans. Eric had the following to say: "The guys asked me to co-create the artwork together with Remko, for good old times' sake. Of course I said yes! I might not be in the band anymore, but I'm still involved in some ways. We're still pretty close, you know. It was a challenge, it had to be 'different' but still Textures-like. Hope you like it!"

In support of the album the band will extensively tour the United States, Canada, UK, France and The Netherlands. Dates for the North American "Frak The Gods Tour" are available here, while European dates are expected to be announced soon.

Dualism tracklist:

01. Arms of the Sea
02. Black Horses Stampede
03. Reaching Home
04. Sanguine Draws the Oath
05. Consonant Hemispheres
06. Burning The Midnight Oil
07. Singularity
08. Minor Earth, Major Skies
09. Stoic Resignation
10. Foreclosure
11. Sketches from a Motionless Statue

Read more ››

Source: texturesband.com
Band profile: Textures
Posted: 14.07.2011 by Thryce | Comments (14)


Insomnium - Confirm Album Release Dates, Euro Tour With Before The Dawn

Official press release

Finland is an evocative land. The very mention of it conjures visions of endless darkness, long, cold wintry nights and an almost oppressive bleakness. It is within this icy cauldron that the soul of Insomnium was borne.

Their music is as epic as it is melodic, as melancholic as it is majestic and as brutal as it is beautiful. To call Insomnium a Death Metal band is to do them a grave disservice. The upcoming album One For Sorrow is such an amalgamation of styles that pigeonholing them into a single category would be to rob the band of its true complexity and ignore the very essence of its sound.

Recalling art-metal titans Cult Of Luna at one turn and brutal visionaries Amon Amarth at others, One For Sorrow displays the true musical breadth of a band that has clearly come into its own on this, their debut album for Century Media. One For Sorrow will be released on October 12th in Finland, October 17th in the rest of Europe and October 18th in North America.

Guitarist Ville Friman comments on the album title: "The name One For Sorrow comes from a traditional children's nursery rhyme. There are ten different scenarios in the original rhyme; likewise there are ten different songs and stories on our album. I think One For Sorrow truly depicts what this album is all about: bereavement, grief and loss."

Right after the album's release Insomnium will tour Europe. Ville Friman comments: "We are very exited to finally do a headline tour for the first time in our career. This is a really big step for us and we will definitely bring our A-game. The new songs absolutely kill and we can't wait to play them live! It's also great to share this opportunity with two great Finnish bands Before The Dawn and MyGrain. Don't miss the fun and consider your livers warned: hangover unavoidable."

Vocalist Niilo Sevänen continues: "One For Sorrow is a truly epic album and the tour will surely be immense! We get to visit many of our favorite cities and meet the fans who have long waited for Insomnium headlining show. From London to Ljubljana we are looking forward to see you all!"

One For Sorrow European Tour 2011:

14.11 - Holland, Rotterdam - Baroeg
15.11 - UK, London - Underworld
16.11 - Belgium, Antwerpen - Trix
17.11 - Switzerland, Aarau - Kiff
18.11 - Slovenia, Ljubljana - Gala Hala
19.11 - Austria, Wien - Arena
20.11 - Czech Rep, Prague - Exit Chmelnice
21.11 - Germany, München - Feierwerk

Read more ››

Source: insomnium.net
Band profile: Insomnium
Event: Insomnium: One For Sorrow European Tour 2011
Posted: 14.07.2011 by Kriegsphilosoph | Comments (17)


Testament - Reveal New Album Title, N. American Touring Plans

San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans Testament have set The Dark Roots Of Earth as the title of their new album, tentatively due in October via Nuclear Blast Records.

The CD is currently being recorded with British producer Andy Sneap, who has previously worked with Megadeth, Exodus, Nevermore, among others.

Due to a "serious injury" being suffered by drummer Paul Bostaph, Testament have enlisted the services of Gene Hoglan (Fear Factory, ex-Strapping Young Lad) to handle the studio drumming for their new album. In addition to Hoglan, Lamb Of God drummer Chris Adler will appear on "a couple of bonus tracks."

Bostaph will rejoin Testament at a later date for touring duties. In the meantime, Sadus drummer Jon Allen sat behind the kit for Testament when the band performed in the place of In Flames at the first two shows of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival last weekend.

In other news, Testament vocalist Chuck Billy revealed more details regarding the band's upcoming North American trek, taking place later this year. Here's what he said to say on the upcoming tour in support of The Dark Roots Of Earth to California radio station 107.7 The Bone:

"We plan to tour. It's gonna be October/November. I think it's OK to say, it's gonna be Anthrax, Death Angel and Overkill. So that'll be in America. That'll be probably a five- or six-week tour in America. It would be good to have record out with that . But if , we'll have something out we'll be promoting with that tour."

Watch the full interview below.


Read more ››

Source: roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile: Testament
Posted: 14.07.2011 by Thryce | Comments (26)