Taken from the official site:

"Hallo. First I would like to say thanks a lot to all, who visited me in hospital during my illness. Also all the inquiries of friends and fans, who were worried about my health, helped me, to get better quicker. My blind gut was bursted and infected other organs. After 2 operations (one during dangerous situation to life) and loss of 15 kg weight in 2 weeks, I often thought about the fate of Jason Becker, what a horror thought...

After 1 1/2 months in hospital it's a great feeling, being home again. Now I do sports every day to get fit again. Next week I already fly to Korea again to play a concert together with Black Hole at the International Busan Rock Festival, where also Steve Vai & Band is one of the participating bands.

Best regards"

Victor Smolski, Rage's guitarist.

New Production company:
From now on DRAGON Productions, a daughter company of A.S.S. Concert & Promotion GmbH, will look for the booking of RAGE concerts. They are already planning a 20th anniversary tour for November 2004, where RAGE will promote the upcoming 20th anniversary DVD (expected release date: 25.10.04).

More information: www.rage-on.de

Band profile:

Rage

THE SIXTH ALBUM: PROGRESS UPDATE
The writing of the long awaited sixth BAL-SAGOTH album is now at last nearing completion, and additionally some preliminary recording has commenced. The majority of the recording phase is scheduled to commence in full during the early autumn. A detailed press release concerning the sixth album will be unveiled exclusively at the Official Bal-Sagoth Website and nuclearblast.de to coincide with the official commencement of principal recording. Expect a release through Nuclear Blast during the first quarter of 2005.

ENTER THE DRUMMER
BAL-SAGOTH are pleased to announce the recruitment of new drummer Dan Mullins, who will forthwith be assuming all drumming duties with the band. Dan's first appearance with BAL-SAGOTH will be the Wacken Open Air festival in August.

WACKEN 2004
BAL-SAGOTH are appearing at this year's Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany. Details of the BAL-SAGOTH appearance are as follows.DATE: 7th August. TIME: 12:00-12:30 PM. STAGE: Black Stage. For further information on the event, visit www.wacken.com

NEW BAL-SAGOTH MERCHANDISE:
New items of BAL-SAGOTH merchandise currently available from Rock Bottom include: Bal-Sagoth logo t-shirts and longsleeves (featuring both solid and hollow logo variations), two versions of the Bal-Sagoth logo "girlie" fit shirts, Bal-Sagoth logo hotpants (a truly essential garment for the discerning female Bal-Sagoth fan), string tangas & "spaghetti" tank tops, Bal-Sagoth logo hooded tops, and Bal-Sagoth logo embriodered baseball caps (a much requested item now finally being made vailable). dditionally, garments featuring exclusive new full colour designs by artist Martin Hanford will be released to coincide with the launch of the sixth album. Visit www.rock-bottom.de for details.

Band profile:

Bal-Sagoth

Finnish melo-death metallers OMNIUM GATHERUM have completed work on their sophomore album, "Fall Grave Silence", tentatively due in October/Novemeber through Rage Of Achilles Records.

The follow-up to last year's highly acclaimed "Spirits and August Light" was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland with producer Nino Laurenne and engineer Teemu Aalto. The mastering sessions will take place at Finnvox studios in Helsinki.

"Fall Grave Silence" tentative track listing:

01. The Fall Went Right Through Here
02. Misanthropic (Let the Crown Fall)
03. Bereavement
04. No Moon & No Queen
05. Gravesilence
06. It's a Long Night
07. The Nolan's Fati
08. Black Seas Cry
09. More Withering
10. Auguries Gone

OMNIUM GATHERUM have previously described the new material as "more of that old-school (melo)death ? groovier and heavier ? not that trendy-pop-death-metal-crap that's extruding everywhere."

Band profile:

Omnium Gatherum

Here are some words from Mille at his returm from England taken from the kreator's site:
"Dear girls and boys, back in Essen after a 6 week stay in England. Sneap starts mixing the songs today, and I can not wait hearing the final results. SPV are planing a worldwide release of the album for January 2005, followed by an extensive world tour, including massive sound and lights + a killer stage design in the style of the new cover artwork, wich will be made by austrian artist Jochim Luetke, check some of his work here: www.luetke.com . In case you have not seen the clips of the drum + vocal recordings yet, go here: www.andysneap.com.
Before the actual album, we will release a special price 4 track EP, including previously unreleased Live material and non album tracks.
Here is the new song titles :

ENEMY OF GOD
IMPOSSIBLE BRUTALITY
SUICIDE TERRORIST
MURDER FANTASIES
DYING RACE APOCALYPSE
ONE EVIL COMES- A MILION FOLLOW
DYSTOPIA
WORLD ANARCHY
VOICES
UNDER A BLACKENED SKY
WHEN DEATH TAKES IT´S DOMINION
THE ANCIENT PLAGUE

The style of the songs is pure brutal Thrash ! Tons of fast shit, sick solos, aggro riffing....
I am really psyched about the new shit , can´t wait to hear what you think about it.... Looking foreward to get back on the road again, to play for you all !
Greetings from Essen, Germany,
Mille"

Band profile:

Kreator

Adagio separates from David Readman

"It's with great regret that we have to announce that David Readman is no longer the singer of Adagio.

Before anything else, I would like to mention that this decision has nothing to do with our personal feelings with David. We've been great friends, we had a lot of fun together but it was clear that a longer collaboration with Bottom Row (David's management) would have killed the band in no time.

I will not go into details, but all I can say, is that each new show, studio album or new project have been subject to really unpleasant negotiations, under the threat of being blocked many times and it was not possible for us to work under such a permanent pressure anymore.

We've done all the possible to keep on working with David, but after few years, we've decided to stop making compromises, and to finally take the best decision for Adagio's future.

We have now to move forward, and so we're looking for a new singer.

As the band has a lot of upcoming things going on like the Prog power fest in Atlanta in September and the recordings of the next album before the end of the year, some auditions will take place very soon.

So, if you're living in Europe, you have a great voice and above all, if you think you have your chances to become the new singer of Adagio, then please send :

- 1 good quality MP3 representative of your voice

- A short bio

- 2 recent pictures

to: adagio.management@wanadoo.fr

All demos will be listened, and if you're selected for an audition, you will receive an e-mail confirmation within one week.

All the e-mails have to be sent before August 10th.

Thanks a lot for your understanding and support

Adagio

Band profile:

Adagio

"Metallica: Some Kind of Monster" filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky have issued MTV News a statement disputing many of the allegations raised by MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine over the way he was portrayed in the movie.

Mustaine claims that after years of bitterness between himself and METALLICA, he agreed to help them out with the $4.3 million movie and got stabbed in the back for his efforts. In one of the most powerful scenes in the film, Mustaine confronts METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich about being kicked out of the band in 1982 for being a belligerent drunk.

"We stand by what we filmed, how we filmed it, and our decisions in the editing room," the filmmakers said in the statement, according to MTV.com. "We are all very surprised that Mr. Mustaine is displeased. We found him to be an intelligent, articulate person struggling with the same issues as METALLICA ? questions of creative and existential identity and collaborative tensions. Lars Ulrich is shown in an equally human manner, even shedding a tear on camera during the scene. ... While we certainly couldn't include the entire three hours we shot with him, we strongly believe that the scene in question is truthful and representative of the emotions that transpired."

"As is our standard practice, the release form that Mr. Mustaine signed on the day of the shoot did not include any provision that he, or any of the dozens of other people we filmed who signed this same release, would have approval over the material," they said. "However, throughout the filming of the scene, there were several moments that became particularly emotional, in which Mr. Mustaine asked us to turn the camera off, a request we honored ? none of that material was included in the film. The footage that was used did not have any restrictions from Mr. Mustaine when he signed the release.

"Two years after filming the scene with Mr. Mustaine, we contacted his representatives not for approval over the scene, but in order to request permission to use clips of MEGADETH videos and archival footage. ... When Mr. Mustaine asked to see how he appeared in our film before he would grant permission to use this archival material, we sent him a copy of the scene, assuming he would see it as positive. When we were told that he was unhappy with his portrayal, we offered to screen the entire film for him in person ... he refused our offer. There was no attempt to stab him in the back by anyone connected to this film."

Read more ››

Band profile:

Megadeth

Brazil's ANGRA have completed work on their follow-up to 2001's "Rebirth", tentatively due this fall through SPV Records (NTS Records in France). The band have posted the following message regarding the as-yet-untitled effort: "First of all, the songs are awesome! Really, really good! The production is perfect too, the sound of instruments is even heavier and clearer than in our previous albums. The band sounds more powerful and tighter as well.

"This is a very complex record, truly sophisticated. It's not just another metal album, itâ??s much more than that. The richness of the songs can be felt in the concept, the versatility, the spontaneity, the technique, the feeling and the emotions that flow throughout the whole record. It's easy to figure out our emotions in the tracks. It's a special thing, totally unconventional.

"The story is about the saga of a crusader knight that ends up disputing the expansionist ideals of the Catholic Church in the eleventh century. He is known as The Shadow Hunter. His way of thinking changes step by step until he gets to the point of beginning a new reforming order. There's a lot of things happening in his life and each song is a chapter of the story. It's amazing to follow the lyrics as you listen to the songs. Each situation is totally different from the other.

"Overall, this album is a bit longer than the others ANGRA has made so far. We tried to do something new and didn't think twice about the possibility of experimenting. After all, we always focus in the artistic side and in what has been ANGRA's most striking mark since day one: ORIGINALITY!

"Today is July 14th and we are leaving for Japan. We'll meet Kiko there (he's going from Brazil) and the three of us are gonna promote the album. We're doing a couple of acoustic gigs, plus interviews, photo sessions and so on. However, we look forward to coming back to Brazil and showing to the fans what we achieved in the new album, ANGRA's very best in our opinion."

Band profile:

Angra

SLAYER fan site Slayer Saves has posted a review of the group's July 11 show in Augusta, Maine, which was filmed for an upcoming live DVD, entitled "Reign in Blood Live: Still Reigning". As previously reported, the disc will feature a full performance of the 1986 album "Reign in Blood" by all original members of the veteran thrash metal outfit. The DVD, due on September 28, will have an approximate 75-minute running time and will retail for $14.98. An excerpt from the Slayer Saves review follows:

"The band took a short encore pause from 'Angel of Death' to 'Piece by Piece', same as they did on the Jager tour. Blood rained from the lighting rig upon the beginning of 'Raining Blood' soaking Tom and bloodying Kerry (Jeff avoided the bulk of the blood). The only adverse result of the blood was it killed the sound of Dave's cymbals for the end of the song when once again it poured blood soaking everything including the drums. The effect was quite striking and the crowd was blown away. A blood soaked Tom addressed the cheering crowd with a sneering smile and the words 'We'll see you in HELL.' Comments from people leaving the venue were positive and I think the show was received extremely well. The blood effect was amazing and worth every penny alone."

Set list from the shoot:

01. Disciple
02. War Ensemble
03. Hallowed Point
04. Necrophiliac
05. Spill the Blood
06. Fight Till Death
07. Payback
08. Dead Skin Mask
09. Mandatory Suicide
10. Hell Awaits
11. South of Heaven
12. Angel of Death
13. Piece by Piece
14. Necrophobic
15. Altar of Sacrifice
16. Jesus Saves
17. Criminally Insane
18. Reborn
19. Epidemic
20. Postmortem
21. Raining Blood

Band profile:

Slayer

Here are some good news on their new album, on the contract with SPV and on touring intentions.

New album close to finished

Tristania has returned from 9 weeks in the TopRoom studio and report great confidence in the new-recorded material. Only minor elements remain before everything is completed. The final title has not yet been decided, but the planned release date is 18th of October. The band is anxious to release this album and show their fans what they have been up to these last few years. They are also looking forward to get back on tour and present the new material live.
Anders' summary of the new album is "heavy and organic". They are working on a comprehensive studio report, which we will post here on their site in the next few days.

New record contract with SPV

Tristania is about to sign with SPV. The band is very happy with the contract, which is being finalized now. They are satisfied with SPV as their future collaborator. Several companies were interested, but SPV made the strongest offer and seemed to be the ones who would best support the band's efforts.

SPV is a strong contender that will promote and distribute Tristania worldwide. SPV has previously acted as a distributor for Tristania, which the band regards as an advantage. They are looking forward to the cooperation with SPV in the coming years.

Tour in planning

The next few days will reveal the dates for the first tour after the release of the new album. It will be an extensive European tour. Tristania is looking forward to getting back on the road and back on stage after this long break from touring, due in large to work on the new album. The last European tour the band had was almost three years back - it's about time they headed back out!

Source:	tristania.com
Band profile:	Tristania

From The End website:

THE END RECORDS are proud to announce we have signed a wordwide deal with the acclaimed US act, NOVEMBERS DOOM. Hailing from Chicaco, IL NOVEMBERS DOOM have established themselves through the years as one of the top doom acts in the world and possibly the most prominent one in North America. The initial release will be a re-issue of the last full length "To Welcome the Fade." It will contain a bonus CD with unreleased material such as live songs from our tour with The Gathering, the entire and long out-of-print EP "For Every Leaf That Falls," as well as some other possible surprises. Look for it in stores everywhere this October.

The writing process for the 5th full length CD is complete, and will be recorded in October 2004, for an early 2005 release. The early plan is to once again utilise the talents of Grammy winning Neal Kernon for the final mix of the CD. Entitled "The Pale Haunt Departure" it will contain 8 songs, at close to an hour of music. Tracklisting in no specific order: The Pale Haunt Departure, In the Absence of Grace, Dark World Burden, Swallowed By the Moon, The Dead Leaf Echo, Through a Childs Eyes, Collapse of the Falling Throe, and Autumn Reflection.

Plans are still in the works for a live performance to be pro shot for a DVD release in 2005. The band has lots of old footage, and some great handheld camera shows from the last tour, so the bonus material will be plenty. A video shoot for the new CD is also being planned, and possibly something containing old material compiled of old handheld camera clips to also be included.

From Lake of Tears website:

The release date for Black Brick Road has been set to August 30.

The gig at the Sweden Rock Festival was a sucess! It was the first gig in seven(!) years and the band was overwhelmed by the great audience (~3000 people). Daniel: "We would like to thank everyone who attended the gig... we had a fantastic time and it was all thanks to you!".
After being called in a second time to play "Headstones" as the encore, the band met up with the fans in front of the stage for a short signing/photo session. Worth mentioning is that it was the first time Magnus Sahlgren played with the band live.

Setlist:
Boogie Bubble
Cosmic Weed
Making Evenings
Crazyman
Hold on Tight
Pagan Wish
The Greymen
Encore:
Headstones

Band profile:

Lake Of Tears

From the Century Media website:

Into Eternity has just returned from Europe where they performed at Germany's Rock Hard and Italy's Gods Of Metal festivals, in addition to three dates with Sweden's Naglfar. Guitarist Tim Roth kept a tour diary and sent this message to fans worldwide:

Hello Everyone....
Well, we made it back from our tour in Europe. It was a brutal flight to get there and it took at least 20 hours of traveling. Melanie and Century Media picked us up at the airport and took us to a four star hotel. After check in we made it to the Rock Hard Festival to see Exodus, Gamma Ray and others, it was a very cool night.
Our first show: Day two of the Rock Hard Festival. There must have been about 5,000 fans. We played as hard as we could and we won over the crowd. After the show, we did a signing session and after a half hour the fans had to be told it was over. I feel bad for everyone who didn't get something signed, as the fans treated us so well in Germany. Also, the press was extremely cool and has really supported Buried In Oblivion.
After a day off, we started our mini-tour with Sweden's Naglfar, who are extremely cool guys. We all bonded instantly as they share the same sick sense of humor. Our first stop was Hamburg, a small show, but the fans packed in really tight and enjoyed it. It was 120 degrees onstage. We also got to hang out with Mike from Rage, and he was a great guy as well.
Next stop: Berlin. The show was cool and fans showed up to support both bands. I was a bit worried at first, but the crowd was great to us. Our hotel was across from the Berlin Wall, so we got photos of it. The one problem was staying up all night drinking with Rob, Marcus and Andreas from Naglfar. My stomach was sore from laughing all night. The tour manager was surprised to see us up at breakfast. We said we wanted an early start! I don't think he believed us.
Osnabruck was the next gig. It was supposed to be a four-hour drive, but turned into eight because of crazy traffic and construction. The club was nice, though. Small, but everything was all done in marble. The show was really good and Century Media staff came out to watch us. Actually, we even took an encore, even though Naglfar was headlining. After the show we said our good byes. It was sad to see the Naglfar guys go: hopefully we'll tour with them again soon!
We then were off to the airport to catch a flight to Italy, and we ran into Rage again there and talked to them the whole flight. Italy is an amazing country. The weather is perfect and the people are beautiful. Again we stayed in a four-star hotel. The Gods of Metal Festival must host 20,000 + fans. It was Into Eternity's biggest show to date, and the show itself was a lot of fun! The only time I got nervous was when I looked over and saw the guys from Nevermore and Symphony X watching us! After we played we hung out backstage and met all the bands. Our dressing room was by Anathema, Judas Priest, Rage and Symphony X, so it was amazing company. One of the coolest guys there was Jason Bonham. He is a guy who is already well off but he's still out there touring. You've got to respect that. I had a long talk with him and he was a real gentleman. Also hanging out with Nevermore was a real treat, as they put on one hell of a show!

Read more ››

Source:	centurymedia.com
Band profile:	Into Eternity

From Therion website:

"We have since some months a new drummer called Petter Karlsson and after rehearsing for a while with him, playing both new and old songs, I must say it sounds really good. (...)
We have also rehearsed with Matts Lev'en and it sounds really cool, prepare for a different Therion sound un the upcoming festivals and tours!

Regarding singers there is also a big change. As you all know Sarah Jezebel Deva have been singing with us live for quite some years. Well unfortunatly she will not be able to go with us this time due to some health problems. We are very sad about this, but have found a replacement called Karin Fjellander who is a young swedish soprano that have a background as a viola player, but who now study classical vocals since some years.

We have made a death metal project in secrecy called "Demonoid" that will be released in July! It is mainly Kristian and Johans project musically, but I contributed with some riffs, sang on it and made the lyrics".

Source:	megatherion.com
Band profile:	Therion

Due to original vocalist Pay who is studying opera in Leipzig (Germany), she will not tour with Seraphim in this summer.
Ms. Quinn Weng is the new vocalist of Seraphim from April 2004. Pay may be the guest vocalist for Seraphim in the future.

Band profile:

Seraphim

CHILDREN OF BODOM's upcoming EP, Trashed, Lost & Strungout, which is set for a late summer release will feature two new songs, and a number of covers, has been released. ALICE COOPER's 'Bed of Nails', and ANDREW W.K's 'She Is Beautiful' will be the featured cover songs according to Finnish paper Sonera Plaza. The disc was completed, mixed, and mastered just this past April.

Band profile:

Children Of Bodom