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Power Quest - Part Ways With Guitarist Again

English power metallers Power Quest have posted the following news:

"We are sorry to announce that after 10 months Bill Hudson and Power Quest have parted ways. The split was extremely amicable and was down to the fact that both parties were struggling with the logistics of Bill being based in LA and the rest of the band in Europe.

Power Quest keyboardist and founder Steve Williams commented: "Unfortunately the timescales and costs involved were too great for us to be able to manage in the current climate. We remain the very best of friends and certainly do not rule out a collaboration between myself and Bill in the not too distant future. We all wish him the very best for the future with Circle II Circle and his other projects and we look forward to him joining us on stage at ProgPower USA in Atlanta in September!"

Bill Hudson also commented: "Yeah, it's true. I'm no longer in Power Quest and that pretty much sucks. Unfortunately, having to fly back and forth between Europe and the US became a hassle, and I was even having to NOT to be present at some shows, such as Hammerfest in Wales. That situation wasn't good for either of us. However, you can expect to see me on stage with them at ProgPower USA this year, as well as some other surprises that might just appear here and there! Just to make it clear: I still love those dudes and we're still the best of friends! I wanna thank all of our amazing fans (some of the most hardcore I've ever seen) as well as Manuela, Simon and Paul, who work their asses off to make Power Quest's life easier on the road!"

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Source: power-quest.co.uk
Band profile: Power Quest
Posted: 14.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (6)


Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Entire New Album Streaming

Agoraphobic Nosebleed's brand new full-length album "Agorapocalypse" is currently streaming in its entirety at this location.

"Agorapocalypse" will see its North American release today, April 14th, followed by an international release on Monday, April 20th (May 4th in the UK). "Agorapocalypse" will be issued on CD, a limited-edition LP packaged with a 12"x12" full color 28-page booklet, and a mailorder only long-box CD set that includes a full color poster, 4 piece pin set and an embroidered patch.

Agoraphobic Nosebleed members Kat and Richard Johnson will be performing on "Agorapocalypse"'s release date with their respective bands Salome and Drugs Of Faith in Washington, DC with Misery Index and Landmine Marathon. Complete show details can be found here.

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Agoraphobic Nosebleed
Posted: 14.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (3)


Liquid Tension Experiment - Box Set Details Revealed

The Liquid Tension Experiment Box Set is the ultimate souvenir of Liquid Tension Experiment's 10th Anniversary Reunion Tour. Included in this deluxe package are both the NYC and LA shows in their entirety (on both CD and DVD), as well as the Liquid Trio Experiment 2 CD and two items that are exclusive to this set and will not be available separately: Live In LA on Blu-ray Disc and a bonus CD of all of the improv jams from the other LTE 2008 shows.

According to the Ytsejam Records website, this deluxe box set is a limited edition and only available on a first come, first served basis. There will only be one pressing done and once they are gone, they are gone forever.

The box set includes:

LTE Live In NYC (2 CD)
LTE Live In NYC (1 DVD)
LTE Live In LA (2 CD)
LTE Live In LA (1 DVD)
LTE Live In LA (1 Blu-ray) Available only in the boxset
LTE Bonus Disc (1 CD) Available only in the boxset
Liquid Trio Experiment 2 - When the Keyboard Breaks: Live In Chicago (1 CD)
24 Page Booklet

Liquid Tension Experiment Live 2008 cover artwork] tracklist:

Live In NY (disc 1)
01. Acid Rain
02. Kindred Spirits
03. Biaxident
04. Freedom of Speech
05. Improv Jam #1
06. Another Dimension
07. State of Grace
08. Universal Mind

Live In NY (disc 2)
09. When the Water Breaks
10. Improv Jam #2
11. Rhapsody in Blue
12. Osmosis
13. Paradigm Shift

Live In LA (disc 1)
01. Acid Rain
02. Kindred Spirits
03. Biaxident
04. Freedom of Speech
05. Improv Jam #1
06. Another Dimension
07. State of Grace
08. Universal Mind part 1
09. Keyboard Solo

Live In LA (disc 2)
11. When the Water Breaks
12. Improv Jam #2
13. Rhapsody in Blue
14. Osmosis
15. Paradigm Shift

When The Keyboard Breaks: Live In Chicago
01. Universal Mind (When the Keyboard Broke)
02. The Chicago Blue & Noodle Factory
03. Fade Away or Keep Going?
04. The Haunted Keyboard
05. Close Encounters of the Liquid Kind
06. Ten Minute Warning
07. That 'Ol Broken Down Keyboard Blues
08. Liquid Anthrax
09. That's All Folks!

Bonus Disc
01. NYC (Early Show) Improv Jam #1
02. NYC (Early Show) Improv Jam #2
03. NEARfest Improv Jam #1
04. NEARfest Improv Jam #2
05. Chicago Improv Jam #1
06. San Francisco Improv Jam #1
07. San Francisco Improv Jam #2
10. Universal Mind part 2

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Source: ytsejamrecords.com
Band profile: Liquid Tension Experiment
Posted: 13.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (13)


Manowar - Attempt To Break Another Record

After Manowar's last year's live performance to break the world record for the longest heavy metal concert, Manowar are ready to make metal history again... so they say themselves:

"Manowar fans, another kickass first from the "Kings Of Metal"! Striving to please the best fans in the world, Manowar continues to make history with innovative ways for warriors from all corners of the globe to enjoy metal at its finest.

Manowar is currently recording a song from their new album in 15 (and counting...) different languages. Never before has this been attempted by any heavy metal band. Stay tuned for video clips of each version as they are recorded with an indepth look at Eric Adams' odyssey into the world of multi-lingual vocals.

This song in its entirety will debut, along with new tracks from the forthcoming album, at Magic Circle Festival III on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Loreley on the Rhine River in Germany."

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Manowar
Posted: 13.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (42)


Borknagar - New Album Title Named

The following update has been posted by Borknagar guitarist Øystein Garnes Brun on the band's Myspace page:

"The title of the new Borknager album will be nothing less than: "Universal".

As the musical and lyrical approach of the album has shaped up during the production of the new album, the title "Universal" is the title that shines through and mirrors the essence of the album. "Universal" is a title that is broad enough and huge enough to project the giant character of this album, both musically and lyrically.

The production of the new album is going as planned and the album will be mixed at Toproom studios by the end of April. We can assure you that the new album will come with a massive, energic and vital production that few can match, by far the best production we have had so far. The album is planned to be released through Indie Recordings in September, later this year, an actual date will be issued later."

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Borknagar
Posted: 12.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (12)


Novembers Doom - New Song Posted Online

As reported by MetalSucks, Novembers Doom have been around a long time. But with longevity comes expertise, and 20 years into their career Novembers Doom are still kicking out some of the finest death/doom opuses of their career. The band just finished recording their new album "Into Night's Requiem Infernal" with a release expected on The End Records some time this year, but we've been given an exclusive first listen of the new song "Empathy's Greed," right here, right now. Have a look for yourself and stay tuned for album release news as it becomes available. You can listen to the new track at the Novembers Doom MySpace.

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Source: metalsucks.net
Band profile: Novembers Doom
Posted: 12.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (5)


The Lucifer Principle - Two New Songs Streaming

Forget about easter-bunnies and eastereggs, The Lucifer Principle offers you a brutal start of your easterweekend: "We've uploaded two brand new tunes from our upcoming album "Welcome To Bloodshed". To give you an idea of what you can expect the 15th of May, we also present you the artwork of the new album. Have a great weekend with "Born In Bloodshed" and "Graveyard Ave."."

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: The Lucifer Principle
Posted: 12.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (0)


The Gathering - Announces Dutch Try-Out Dates

Drummer Hans Rutten of The Gathering has posted the following update on the band's website:

"First of all: we will do a couple of try out gigs before we start the festival season. We will play in Heerlen and Purmerend, both located in The Netherlands. Please note these are try-out gigs. Things will go wrong. But that's also the fun part, we just play and we will see what happens! Both evenings will be a lot of fun for sure.

Today we received "The West Pole" vinyl test pressing. As we are living in a digital world I forgot the sound of a black 12 inch on a turntable. It is incredible! The sound is so much warmer, rounder, the high tones are crispy, bass sounds so creamy... Well I can go on for a while, but above all be sure you grab a copy of "The West Pole" on vinyl before they cost 200 dollar on eBay! Btw, it is a double album, 180 grams, specially remastered for vinyl, and with a different running order. Still available at our webshop, but we will only make 500 copies (limited), and they go faaast."

In other news, a new song from the upcoming album "The West Pole", called "No Bird Call" is exclusively available for streaming on the band's webshop with a quite higher quality than the MySpace player.

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Source: gathering.nl
Band profile: The Gathering
Event: The Gathering: Try Out Gigs
Posted: 12.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (1)


Whiplash - German Listening Party Announced

Right after the mixing and mastering of the new album "Unborn Again" with producer/engineer extraordinaire Harris Johns (Sodom, Sepultura, Helloween, etc), legendary New Jersey Thrashers Whiplash will unleash their brand new album for the very first time at a listening party in Berlin, Germany.

The event will be held at the infamous Brutz & Brakel Pub located at Friedrichshain, Berlin on 17th and 18th April 2009.

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Whiplash
Event: Whiplash: "Unborn Again" Listening Party
Posted: 12.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (0)


Rudra - Sign European Deal With Vic Records

Vic Records signed Singapore's Vedic metallers Rudra. Here's the official press release:

"One of the most original black/death metal bands around! Their fifth full length album called "Brahmavidya: Transcendental I" , will be released in Europe by Vic Records on the 6th of July.

Rudra is one of the leaders in the Asian Metal scene. The band was formed way back in 1992 in Singapore. The album "Brahmavidya: Transcendental I" album contains 13 songs of genre-expanding black/death with fascinating ethnic atmospheres, over 60 minutes of highly original and well produced extreme metal. Lyrical themes are the Vedic themes, Ancient Indian Philosophy and Mythology. Rudra is named after the Ancient Vedic god of storm and a form of the God Shiva. The band refer to their music as Vedic metal, paying tribute to the culture and spirituality of their ancestors."

Source: vicrecords.com
Band profile: Rudra
Posted: 12.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (4)


Manowar - To Be Joined On Tour By Original Drummer

Manowar have issued the following statement:

"Donnie Hamzik, the original drummer for Manowar, will be on tour with the band in 2009! Manowar and special guests HolyHell will be headlining some of Europe's major metal festivals, including their very own Magic Circle Festival III at the Loreley on the Rhine River in Germany on Saturday, July 18, 2009."

Look for official news and tour dates as they develop on Manowar appearances and events via http://www.manowar.com/tour.html.

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Source: manowar.com
Band profile: Manowar
Posted: 11.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (9)


Anathema - Concert In Tunisia Cancelled, Band Accused Of Satanism

As reported by Liverpool Echo, Liverpool-based Anathema who were about to play to more than 1,000 fans in Tunisia had the plug pulled on their concert when authorities believed rumours they were Satanists.

Anfield group Anathema were ready to perform a sold out gig in the capital Tunis when they were told they could not go ahead. They hoped to reschedule for a couple of nights later but the gig was cancelled a second time.

Guitar technician Darryl Anthony wrote in his blog: "Our promoter told us that somebody has informed the Tunisian interior ministry that Anathema are Satan worshippers who eat black cats and drink their blood. The ministry have requested song lyrics to peruse over the weekend in order to put their minds at rest."

Anathema formed in 1990 and have released a number of critically acclaimed albums, and although their roots are in dark doom-death metal, their sound has evolved over the years to a more melodic rock sound. Their lyrics, often focusing on love and loss, have never been a matter of controversy and they often play special gigs with accompaniment from friends in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

After the Tunisian show - due to take place in a deconsecrated cathedral - was cancelled last weekend, the band tried to make amends by playing a stripped-down acoustic set for 50 fans at their hotel.

Anthony added to his blog: "It's such a shame for all the Tunisian fans. We don't really know why this happened and who really was to blame - there's been a lot of talk and a lot of silence surrounding the whole affair."

The band plan to reschedule the gig in future.

Danny Cavanagh said: "If you read any of our lyrics, you'll see nothing could be further from the truth than what's been said. We don't even swear in our songs, a lot of lyrics are about healing, and light and are very positive. We're just normal lads - the last band you could accuse of Satanism. I think all it was a rival promoter using any means he could to get the show cancelled and using the magic words 'heavy metal' worked. But there's been a lot of misinformation. It could have been our promoter at that end didn't have the papers in order. This has been big news in Tunisia and a lot of people have been disappointed and we're hoping to go back in June to repay everbody's good faith."

Fans said that the Tunisian authorities should be "ashamed". Aziz Hmaidi said: "We really hope that Anathema will come back to Tunisia. This was a real shame for us, for our country's image, especially because it was the first visit of the band here."

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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
Band profile: Anathema
Posted: 11.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (46)


Blood Red Throne - New Song Posted Online

Blood Red Throne have made a new song "The Light, The Hate" available online. Check it out at this location.

The song is featured on the band's fifth studio release "Souls Of Damnation", which is scheduled for release on June 1 in Europe and June 30 in the USA through Earache Records.

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Blood Red Throne
Posted: 09.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (0)


Europe - To Release New Album August

Swedish rockers Europe have issued the following update:

"Our new CD "Last Look At Eden" containing 11 brand new tracks will be released in August/September this year. A single from this CD will be released in May/June.
More details will follow."

"Last Look At Eden" will be Europe's eight studio album. According to a December update, the band described the album as follows: "This time, we're taking some new directions with our songs, and we're exploring different styles. There is a definite classic rock vibe on some of the tracks... a tip of the hat to groovin', funkin' 70s rock songs - but ones we have bought into the here and now."

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Europe
Posted: 08.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (0)


Lacuna Coil - Full Album Stream This Thursday

Italy's Lacuna Coil have premiered "Not Enough", another new song from their highly anticipated album "Shallow Life", via their brand-new widget. There you can also check out the "Spellbound" video and a nice photo gallery.

Furthermore, the entire "Shallow Life" album is going to be streamed in its entirety exclusively on MySpace from Thursday April 9th, 2009 on for one week. Stay tuned to http://www.myspace.com/lacunacoil.

"Shallow Life" was recorded in September/October at NRG Studios in North Hollywood, California with producer Don Gilmore, who has previously worked with Linkin Park, Avril Lavigne, Good Charlotte, Pearl Jam, Duran Duran, and many more. The album will be released via Century Media Records on the following dates:

Germany / Austria / Switzerland / Benelux / Italy: April 17, 2009
Australia: April 18, 2009
Uk / France / Greece / Denmark / Norway / Rest Of Europe: April 20, 2009
North America / Spain / Portugal: April 21, 2009
Sweden / Finland / Hungary: April 22, 2009

The band is currently touring the US on the "Music As A Weapon IV" tour and will return to European stages during this year's festival season.

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Lacuna Coil
Posted: 07.04.2009 by Azrael | Comments (10)