Argentinian folk metal act Skiltron have announced very special guests to play on their upcoming album ''Beheading The Liars'', set to be released in May 2008. The guests include Kevin Ridley, Steve Ramsey and Georgine Biddle of Skyclad, Jonne Järvelä of Korpiklaani and Patrice Roques and Patrick Lafforgue of Stille Volk.

The tracklist with the guests musicians reads as follows:

01. Skiltron
02. The Beheading
03. I'm What You've Done
04. Praying Is Nothing (featuring Jonne Järvelä)
05. Calling Out
06. The Vision Of Blind Harry
07. Hate Dance
08. Signs, Symbols And The Marks Of Man (featuring Kevin Ridley, Steve Ramsey and Georgina Biddle)
09. Let The Spirit Be
10. Fast And Wild
11. Crides (featuring Patrice Roques and Patrick Lafforgue)

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Source:	skiltron.net
Band profile:	Skiltron

Behemoth frontman Nergal has just revealed that the band will be filming their show in Paris La Locomotive on February 17.

"I've been thinking about this DVD for a long time now. Our last release "Crush.Fukk.Create" seems to be pretty outdated. We've released two records in new line up since then, we've toured the world few times and definitely grew as a band and developed our stage show. It's time for something fresh and exciting!

We've managed to collect over 100 tapes documenting all the touring for our last two records. Some of the most insane footage was caught there. Fall/winter release on Regain records is planned."

Source:	behemoth.pl
Band profile:	Behemoth
Event:	Behemoth: European Tour

Finnish Melodic Death Metallers Omnium Gatherum have issued the following update:

"OG will begin to record the 4th magnum opus extravaganza in March and this time the album will be done in three different studios; recordings will be done at Sound Supreme Studios by Janne Saksa and at SouthEastSounds by Teemu Aalto and the mixing and mastering will be done at legendary Unisound Studio at Örebro, Sweden by Dan Swanö (Nightingale, ex-Edge Of Sanity, ex-Bloodbath etc.) who´ve produced the albums for Opeth, Katatonia and Dissection for example. So, we could say that we´re really enthusiastic about this, surprise!

First time the album composing process have been really easy task and this pure fresh spirit can really be heard from the songs. The next level have been entered, so beware folks - autumn 2008 will be time for THE OG INVASION!"

In other news the band have posted the following: "Evile have cancelled "The Great British Fiction Tour" and this means that OG will be the main support act and are playing just before Dark Tranquillity - which means a little bit longer set list! Evile will be compensated with local opening acts. See ya in UK!!"

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Source:	omniumgatherum.org
Band profile:	Omnium Gatherum
Event:	Dark Tranquillity: UK Tour

Aeon has posted the following updates on their website:

Since it has been awfully quiet in here for the last 3 month I thought it would be fair to inform you all about what's going on in the Aeon camp. We have been working really hard on finding a temporary or permanent solution to our drummer situation. There are some interesting drummers out there that we have been talking to but we have not come to any conclusions just yet.

And speaking of drummers, we have straightened a few things out with Nils (former drummer) under the last month. He contacted us and wanted to sort a couple of things out regarding to his earlier behaviors. He is very aware of the damage he caused us and he is just sorry for how things turned out. I believe there where some personal / private issues involved that caused him to get all burned / stressed out and that eventually made him to act the way he did. We are still very disappointed in how things where handled by him, but since Nils is a very good friend of ours, we just can't stay mad at him forever.

Nils have also stated that he really want's to continue to play drums for Aeon. But there are still some questions from our side that needs answers before we can even considering taking him back as our permanent drummer. After all? he is still the drummer in Dark Funeral which will probably continue to conflict with our future schedules etc. Before any decisions are made, we will have to think this thru properly.

But as a permanent drummer or not? right now we are actually blasting some tunes with Nils in the rehearsal-room and I must admit it feels awesome to do this again. And while we're at it, we decided to do something extra for you all?. or at least for the ones who lives close or are willing to travel. We will throw you a full headline show right here in Östersund / Sweden the 9th of February with "Dimension 34" as opening act. How about that?? Do you dare to miss this?

/ Aeon, 2008-01-28

Drummer Nils has posted this update

"To have such a long break in communication was not something I intended. It was a result of some personal problems I was going through at the time which I explained to the guys. I have apologized and want very much to win back their trust. I'm really looking forward to this show, it´s gonna be great playing these songs live again!"

Source:	aeon666.com
Band profile:	Aeon

Kataklysm has just finished the recording process for their highly anticipated new album "Prevail". Comments producer/guitarist Jean-François Dagenais:

"Finally... I'm the one who never takes a break in the band and I can finally breathe!! After two months, the album is fucking done! Just layed down a few leads yesterday and double checked everything, the album came out great. The sources are fantastic and don't expect "In the Arms Of Devastation 2" - this album stands on a league of its own, everyone gave it 150%. It's the most brutal since "Temple Of Knowledge" and "Serenity In Fire" and the most catchy since "Shadows & Dust" and "In The Arms Of Devastation". Expect the best, because that's the effort we gave it. Next week we fly to Jason Suecof's studio in Orlando, FL. where we will be putting the final touches to this masterpiece!"

The album is scheduled for release via Nuclear Blast Records May 23rd Europe / May 27th North America and rest of the world. The band will unleash the new breathtaking artwork next month as a preview.

In other news, it's with sad regret that Kataklysm announces that the band won't be able to make the New Zealand dates on March 20th and 22nd due to "timing issues" related to the new album... BUT the band promises to reschedule ASAP!! All remaining dates in Australia will go as planned. Flights have been booked so Kataklysm will be there and is looking forward to meeting all their fans down under for the first time. Expect an explosive set!

Source:	kataklysmrocks.com
Band profile:	Kataklysm
Event:	Kataklysm: Australian Tour (New Zealand Portion CANCELLED)

Nightwish has been nominated in five different categories for the Finnish "Emma" award.

The categories are:

- Band Of The Year
- Best Metal Album (Dark Passion Play)
- Best Album (Dark Passion Play)
- Song Of The Year (Amaranth)
- Best Finnish Artist

The Emma-gala takes place on 8th of March in Kulttuuritalo, Helsinki.

Additionally, Nightwish has been nominated for the German "ECHO" award in the Rock/Alternative (international) category.

The ECHO award ceremony will take place on February 15th in Berlin.

Emma-gaala Homepage (Finnish)
ECHO Homepage (German)

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Source:	nightwish.com
Band profile:	Nightwish

Founding member Derek Bonner has issued some updates on the band's myspace blog.

Lilitu is working on a new album which will re-define and expand the band's original sound. Combining elements of traditional European folk, neo-classical, progressive rock, experimental-avant garde and old-school black metal, the primary influence for the upcoming gem stems from the Romanian philosopher, E. M. Cioran. The album is tentatively titled, "Directions For Decomposition: Variations On Death" and will be completed by Summer 2008.

Last December the band has announced a new lineup with all previous members no longer in the band except for Bonner and the addition of J. Blake S. from Georgia based Black Metal band Hills of Sefiroth. The band will continue as a two piece with founding member Henry Derek Bonner. With the new lineup the band intends to change its sound to rawer roots; adding many influences of raw, cold Norwegian Black Metal, and earthen folk acoustics.

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Lilitu

American progressive metallers Circle II Circle has stated on their website that they are putting the finishing touches on their next album entitled "Delusions Of Grandeur", which will be released through AFM Records in the spring of 2008 followed by a European and US tours for the fall of 2008. Bassist Mitch Stewart states that the upcoming album is the heaviest release by the band. The band has also recently signed a worldwide deal with Intromental Management.

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Source:	digitaldomainstudios.com
Band profile:	Circle II Circle

German metallers Stormwarrior have posted on their MySpace page a teaser for the upcoming album "Heading Northe". It's a medley witch each song (except for intro and outro) from the CD.
"Heading Northe" will be released on 22 February. Also as previously stated here, a release party of the album will be at the Ballroom in Hamburg where Stormwarrior will also be joined by ex-members of the band.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Stormwarrior

Danish metallers Mnemic has been nominated in the "Hard Rock" category at the annual Danish Music Awards (the Danish equivalent to the Grammy Awards). The 40th Danish Music Award show will be held Saturday, February 23 at Tivoli in Copenhagen, Denmark and will be broadcast live on Myspace TV.

The nominees in the "Hard Rock" category are as follows:

Mnemic - Passenger (Nuclear Blast)
The Psyke Project - Apnea (Bonnier)
Hatesphere- Serpent Smiles And Killer Eyes (SPV Records)

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Source:	dma08.dk
Band profile:	Mnemic

Vocalist Michael Sweet of Stryper has issued an update on the upcoming album:

"I'm still tracking vocals in my studio and we plan to start mixing by the first week in February. We should be finished mixing by the end of February and then we'll master, do a photo shoot and then the rest will be up to artwork department at Big3 to put it all together and package it."

Michael estimates that the album will be out in July/August followed by a tour.

"The record sounds amazing and it will have everything that you've always wanted a Stryper record to have - melodies, guitar solos, stacked vocal harmonies and screams. Sonically, it's our best to date. It's a very edgy record yet at the same time it retains it's melodic sense. I'll keep you updated as we progress."

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Stryper

Swedish metallers In Flames have posted on their myspace blog that their upcoming album entitled "A Sense Of Purpose" artwork and booklet, can be viewed here, was done by Alex Padree who also did the artwork and the booklet for the single.

The release date from Nuclear Blast Records for Europe, and the rest of the World (except for the US) is set for 4 April 2008. The album will be released in the US. However, a label and date is still to be determined.

The album will contain the following tracks:

01. The Mirror's Truth
02. Disconnected
03. Sleepless Again
04. Alias
05. I'm The Highway
06. Delight And Angers
07. Move Through Me
08. The Chosen Pessimist
09. Sober And Irrelevant
10. Condemned
11. Drenched In Fear
12. March To The Shore

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	In Flames

Stormwarrior's album "Heading Northe" will be released on 22 February, which will coincide with the band's 10 year anniversary. The release party of the album will be at the Ballroom in Hamburg where Stormwarrior will also be joined by ex-members of the band.

Tracklisting of the album:

01. And The Horde Calleth For Oden
02. Heading Northe
03. Metal Legacy
04. The Holy Cross
05. Iron Gods
06. Ragnarök
07. The Revenge Of Asa Lande
08. Remember The Oathe
09. Lion Of The Northe
10. Into The Battle

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Source:	stormwarrior.de
Band profile:	Stormwarrior

Cilice has posted some updates on their MySpace:

The 2008 CILICE album 'Deranged Headtrip' will be released soon... Listen to the first track, "God Of Lies" on the Cilice official MySpace."

For promotion of the album, they also have announced a tour through Europe with the Brazilian Torture Squad (thrashband, metalbash winner WACKEN OPEN AIR 2007). The Hellbound Tour will be in May and June, updates will follow.

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Source:

myspace.com

Progressive metallers Dream Theater have posted the following on their website:

After recently celebrating the band's 20-year anniversary, Dream Theater returns with its first-ever best-of collection. Spanning 1991-2005, the two-disc set contains rare single edits, B-sides and a trio of new remixes that spotlight that band's nonpareil musicianship, complex arrangements and amazing songwriting. Dream Theater's Greatest Hit (...& 21 other pretty cool songs) will be available from Rhino on April 1 at all physical retail outlets for a suggested retail price of $19.98 and at all digital retail outlets for a suggested retail price of $12.99.

Referring to Dream Theater's first and only major radio hit, "Pull Me Under," the compilation's tongue-in-cheek title is a testament not only to the band's sense of humor but also highlights the acclaimed New York-based quintet's ability to make music and cultivate a legion of fans on its own terms, without help from radio or MTV. The collection features more than two hours of progressive hard rock from James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitar/vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums/vocals) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards).

The collection contains three newly remixed versions of tracks from Dream Theater's breakout 1992 album, Images And Words: the aforementioned "Pull Me Under" as well as "Take The Time" and "Another Day." Portnoy says this album presented the perfect opportunity to give the songs a bit of a facelift. "The original mixes always sounded a bit '80s' to me, so we had our good friend and longtime mixer Kevin Shirley give the tracks a bit of an update to sound more like the rest of the Dream Theater catalog. The songs remain the same (no pun intended-Kevin just mixed that album as well), but there are little nuances in the tracks that I forgot were originally there, and it's very cool to hear them again."

The collection's 22 songs are split evenly between two discs, which are divided into "The Dark Side" (the metallic) and "The Light Side" (the melodic). Filled with some of the band's most sinister sounds, the first disc lives up to the billing of "The Dark Side." Longtime fans will appreciate the abundance of alternative versions of classic tracks, including single edits of "Lie," "Home," and "Misunderstood." Disc One concludes with two tracks from the band's 2005 album Octavarium: "The Root Of All Evil" and "Sacrificed Sons."

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Source:	dreamtheater.net
Band profile:	Dream Theater