Rock Hard magazine is reporting that RAMMSTEIN's follow-up to 2001's "Mutter" is set to be released September 20, 2004. The first single, entitled "Mein Teil", will arrive on June 21 ? one week later than the originally announced June 14 release date. Rock Hard has also reportedly stated the following about the album's musical direction: "Less 'industrial' and more organic, and with frontman Till Lindemann and drummer Christoph Schneider stretching themselves further than ever before, this is RAMMSTEIN honing their craft to the very finest of points... as on first single 'Mein Teil' ('My Part') , which spectacularly shows off the band's trademark blend of musical power, haunting melody and willingness to deal with issues that many would find too difficult or disturbing."

RAMMSTEIN have released three studio albums thus far ? "Herzeleid", "Sehnsucht" and "Mutter" ? and one live CD, "Live Aus Berlin".

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Rammstein

German industrial metallers RAMMSTEIN have set a June 14 release date for their new single, entitled "Mein Teil". "Mein Teil" comes off the group's long-awaited follow-up to 2001's "Mutter", tentatively due this summer.

The recording sessions for the new RAMMSTEIN album took place in Spain while additional recordings were made in a session with strings and a choir in Berlin. Production duties on the upcoming CD are being handled by Jacob Hellner, who worked with the group on "Mutter". No further information is currently available.

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Rammstein

DIMMU BORGIR have won the Norwegian Grammy award "Spellemannsprisen" for their current album "Death Cult Armageddon". The band outrivaled ENSLAVED and OLD MAN'S CHILD that were nominated in the "Metal" category as well.

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Dimmu Borgir

The melodic thrash quintet CHILDREN OF BODOM have just been nominated for a Finnish "Grammy" in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal" category. The group will make their much-anticipated return to the U.S. this April on a major package tour (reportedly with ICED EARTH in the headlining slot) in support of their latest, critically acclaimed release, "Hate Crew Deathroll". Full details on the tour will be announced soon.

In other news, CHILDREN OF BODOM's Alexi Laiho and DREAM EVIL/FIREWIND's Gus G. are sharing the cover of the popular Japanese magazine Young Guitar this month.

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Children Of Bodom

STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki has reportedly told the Finnish daily newspaper Ilta-Sanomat that keyboardist Jens Johansson will definitely continue to be a member of the band once the group have sorted through their current personnel "crisis". The situation with the band's drummer, Jörg Michael, however, is still up in the air. According to Tolkki, Michael's wife is due to give birth to twins in January and it is not presently clear if the drummer has enough interest and motivation to continue playing with the group.
While he has yet to publicly reveal the cause of their disagreement (due to "legal reasons"), Tolkki has indicated that the biggest problem in the band exists with vocalist Timo Kotipelto, with whom the guitarist is said to have a "very strained" relationship.

When asked by a fan on his guestbook if there are any plans for STRATOVARIUS to play shows in America, Kotipelto responded, "Good question. I don't even know if I am in the band anymore."

Tolkki, who was recently "forced" to hire two bodyguards after receiving e-mail and phone threats from unknown individuals, flew to Berlin late last week to hold discussions with the band's record company, Sanctuary Records, about STRATOVARIUS' future.

In late October, STRATOVARIUS signed a three-album contract with Sanctuary Records in what was said to be the biggest-ever deal completed for a Finnish rock band (reportedly worth over $3.5 million dollars).

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Stratovarius

Timo Tolkki has posted the following message in the Official Website of Stratovarius:

"After speaking with all the band members I am now travelling to Berlin to talk with the Sanctuary team about the future of STRATOVARIUS.

"At this point I cannot say more about the situation. I am very sorry if my statements have offended someone. I have been under heavy pressure lately and my therapist has prescribed me some heavy antidepressants. They make it even more difficult for me to control my temper.

"I have received death threats, which has forced me to hire 2 bodyguards. They are both former military people with martial arts training. This is sad really, but what can you do?

"Anyway, I apologize once more if I have offended anyone with my comments. I hope you understand what kind of pressure we all are living in at the moment.

"I would like to say that things are not always what they seem. The music world can be very frustrating, largely due to legal and business matters. I hope I can tell you some news after returning from Berlin."

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Stratovarius

The Rammstein DVD LICHTSPIELHAUS will be released on PAL format December 2003 and on NTSC format January 2004! For the first time LICHTSPIELHAUS will feature an entire collection of all Rammstein videos, exclusive live material of the band and making of material of selected videos.

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Rammstein

STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki has posted the following message on the group's web site:

"Unfortunately my trip was delayed for one day because I had to travel to Orimattila and Lahti.

"I am writing this in my beautiful suite in New York after trying to talk some sense to Johansson. Next I will be going to talk to Michael.

"Many thanks for all those who supported me in these heavy times. Through tough times you find out who your real friends are.

"For those who have been attacking me I only want to say one thing: FUCK OFF!

"And I repeat it one more time that it becomes clear: FUCK OFF!!! Thanks for showing me the way idiots!!"

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Band profile:

Stratovarius