Swedish traditional heavy metal band Astral Doors are busy working on a new album, tentatively penciled in for an October release.

The band revealed the following about the upcoming album: "The work with the upcoming album continues. Even though we're not even half way through the process we can already feel that this release will be something special. This time around we deal with religion, and all the shit it has brought to the world, once and for all and the working title of the album is Jerusalem. Our intention is that the album will be released in October in connection with a European tour.

The first DVD from the band is also in the making. Some additional material will be filmed this summer and we're talking about a winter release."

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Astral Doors

"Haunting Abound", a brand-new track from Florida-based extreme metallers Hate Eternal, has been made available for streaming over at this location.

"Haunting Abound" comes off the band's upcoming new album Phoenix Amongst The Ashes, which will be released on May 10th through Metal Blade Records.

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Source:	metalblade.com
Band profile:	Hate Eternal

Belgian death metal veterans Aborted will begin recording their seventh full-length record to date from June onwards at the infamous Hansen Studios with producer Jacob Hansen (Invocator, Hatesphere, Volbeat).

The band will be tracking over 15 tracks of the most brutal and intense material they have written to date. The sonic onslaught - baptized as Global Flatline - will contain 12 tracks with additional bonus material featured on limited editions.

The artwork for Global Flatline will once again be handled by Justin Osbourne who previously worked with the band on its 2010 EP Coronary Reconstruction as well. Since 2011 marks the ten year anniversary of Aborted's Engineering The Dead record, the band decided to re-record two tracks of the album as part of the bonus material for Global Flatline. You can vote for your favorite Engineering the Dead songs on the band's Facebook Page.

Vocalist, founder and gurgloroth Sven de Caluwé comments: "We are thrilled to be finally recording Global Flatline and have the material out there. It is exciting in many ways, one being that this might be one of the most important records Aborted's career. We really took our time in composing the most heavy and uncompromising material the band has written to date. Some of the material is faster than ever, some of the material is slower than ever, some old school and some new school, inspired by all eras of Aborted, yet still sounding unique on its own.
Writing this record definitely took us back to the roots of why we started playing this kind of music in the first place, the passion and adrenaline you get from playing extreme metal.

Obviously it just isn't a carbon copy of Goremageddon or Engineering The Dead or anything: there are plenty of new elements as well since we never believe in writing the same record. Those who checked out Coronary Reconstruction have had a small taste of what's to come and we can guarantee you you won't be disappointed with Global Flatline! We are also very excited to be working again with Jacob Hansen, the man produced Goremageddon and The Haematobic EP and it was always a pleasure to work with him then, so this should be a blast."

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Source:	goremageddon.be
Band profile:	Aborted

Time Is Up, the new upcoming album from US thrashers Havok, is now available for streaming in its entirety, exclusively at MetalSucks.

Time Is Up will be released on March 29th through Candlelight Records.

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Source:	metalsucks.net
Band profile:	Havok

Century Media Records is proud to announce the signing of In Flames.

Says Antje Lange from Century Media Records: "We are very happy to make In Flames part of the Century Media Family. The band has a very loyal international fan base and has found a partner with an international set up."

In Flames Anders Fridén commented: "This is number 10... Album number 10! That we even made it this far, that is amazing. Then, to deliver the album of our career that is something else... It's fast, slow, heavy and mellow. It's happy, sad, angry and calm. Sounds of a Playground Fading is everything we ever done on crack (it's a metaphor boys and girls), it's cask strength whisky when it's THAT perfect moment. Use and abuse!

By the way, we are happy to be in bed with Century Media. They know the business, we know the music, a perfect match. What can possibly go wrong... ha, ha, ha!"

In September 2010 In Flames once again entered their own IF Studios together with Roberto Laghi, Daniel Bergstrand and Örjan Örnkloo to start the recording of the new album. The album Sounds Of A Playground Fading will be out on the following dates: on June 15th in Sweden, on June 17th in Germany, on June 20th in the rest Of Europe and on June 21st in North America.

Around the time In Flames will play some of the most important European summer festivals (Sonisphere, Rock Am Ring/Rock Im Park, Hellfest, and more), followed by the Rockstar Mayhem US tour in July and an European tour in Fall/Winter 2011.

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Source:	centurymedia.com
Band profile:	In Flames

Iron Dawn, the new EP from Swedish black metal band Marduk, will be released in late May through Regain Records.

Marduk just finished the recording of three songs for an upcoming EP set to be released on the same day as the bands appearance at the Maryland Deathfest on the 27th of May. So the first chance to get your hands on it will be during that festival and the dates coming up during the 7 Bowls of Wrath Tour. Release for the rest of the world has been set for the 30th of May.

The songs included differ from the concept that is being created for the next full-length album, therfore this EP will be made available as a special treat for all Marduk Legionaries out there.

The Iron Dawn EP will only be available for a certain time period and will be unleashed on digipak version and also on 12" vinyl limited to 500 copies worldwide.

Iron Dawn tracklist:

01. Warschau 2: Headhunter Halfmoon
02. Wacht Am Rhein: Drumbeats Of Death
03. Prochorovka: Blood And Sunflowers

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Source:	regainrecords.com
Band profile:	Marduk

"Spot A Pathetic", the new video from Singaporean grindcore act Wormrot, can now be watched below.

The clip was shot just weeks ago at The Blvd in Los Angeles, California with director Dave Vorhes (White Wizzard, Bonded By Blood).

"Spot A Pathetic" comes off the band's upcoming new album Dirge, which will be released on May 3rd in North American and on May 23rd through Earache Records. More album details were previously reported over here.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Wormrot

"Destroyer Of Solace", a brand-new track from US epic heavy/doom metal band While Heaven Wept, has been made available for streaming at MySpace.

"Destroyer Of Solace" comes off the band's upcoming new album Fear Of Infinity, which will be released on April 22nd in Europe and May 3rd in North America through Nuclear Blast Records.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	While Heaven Wept

Six Feet Under have recruited Chimaira guitarist Matt DeVries to play bass on their upcoming European tour.

Six Feet Under's current line-up now includes guitarist Rob Arnold (Chimaira) and drummer Kevin Talley (Dååth, ex-Chimaira, ex-Misery Index), alongside vocalist Chris Barnes and guitarist Steve Swanson.

Original bassist Terry Butler and longtime drummer Greg Gall announced their departures from Six Feet Under in January. Butler has since joined Obituary as a permanent member.

Six Feet Chimaira have scheduled the following European live shows:

April 01 - Bischofswerda, Germany - East Club
April 02 - Glauchau, Germany - Alte Spinnerei
April 03 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
April 04 - Köln, Germany - Werkstatt
April 05 - München, Germany - Backstage
April 06 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Menza Pri Koritu
April 07 - Graz, Austria - Explosiv
April 08 - Aigen, Austria - Kikas
April 09 - Berlin, Germany - K17

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Source:	sfu420.com
Band profile:	Six Feet Under

Get ready for hell on earth, because for the first time since they tour together on Ozzfest 1999, Rob Zombie and Slayer are teaming up to hit the road, bringing a glorious purgatory to fans in 12 North American cities.

Both Zombie and Slayer will present their full headline sets at every show, and both bands will close shows over the course of the tour. San Francisco's thrash-metal band Exodus has been confirmed to open all shows.

Said Slayer's Kerry King: "We haven't toured with Zombie since Ozzfest 1999, so you can expect no less than 'hell on earth'. Total sonic annihilation and a visual bludgeoning. Bring your own body bag..."

"Total destruction on stage and off is what this combination promises," states Zombie, "Seriously, how much more Hell could you ask for? The answer is none more Hell."

Slayer has been performing its classic 1990 Seasons In the Abyss album in its entirety over the past several months, but will instead draw from its entire 30-year catalogue for this tour's setlist. Never one to play it safe, Zombie will be bringing his legendary stage show out in full force. Audiences can expect an exploding non-stop barrage of sin, sex and Satan guaranteed to rip your face off. This a truerock and roll spectacle at its finest.

Hell On Earth Tour:

Jul. 20 - Sovereign Center, Reading, PA
Jul. 22 - DTE Amphitheatre, Detroit, MI
Jul. 23 - Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
Jul. 24 - Heavy T.O. at Downsview Park, Toronto, ON - Canada
Jul. 27 - MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB - Canada
Jul. 29 - Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK - Canada
Jul. 30 - Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB - Canada
Jul. 31 - Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB - Canada
Aug. 02 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Center, Victoria, BC - Canada
Aug. 03 - Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC - Canada
Aug. 05 - Rose Quarter Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR
Aug. 06 - WaMu Theatre, Seattle, WA

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Slayer
Event:	Hell On Earth Tour

Swedish melodic heavy metal band Dawn Of Silence have added a new guitarist to their ranks.

The band issued the following statement: "For quite a while Patrik Johansson (also in Bloodbound) has thought of letting go of the guitar playing and just focus on the vocals. After considerations with the rest of the band we've now decide to go on as a quintet. Therefore we are pleased to welcome Jesper Johansson (Sins IV Ages, ex-Morifade) to the band.

We've known Jesper, both personally and musically, for a couple of years now, so asking him to join felt very natural. We're convinced that this change will gain the band for the better and take our live performances to the next level.

And just to make it clear. Jesper is not related to anyone of us. The only relatives in the band are still Mats & Pelle Johansson. Johansson is the most common name in Sweden and this band is just a living proof of that "

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Source:	dawnofsilence.net
Band profile:	Dawn Of Silence

Shining founder and frontman Niklas Kvarforth is quitting all other projects in order to concentrate on Shining.

Kvarforth released the following statement: "A lot of things have been happening recently with Shining, and the rapid growth of the band over the last year, and the commitment that Shining now requires of me has meant that it has become impractical for me to continue working as vocalist with other bands.

This includes my work with Bethlehem, who themselves realised that the band could not continue with myself on vocals. Bethlehem is still my all-time favourite band and I wish them all the best for the future. I will also be quitting as front man for Den Saakaldte.

From now on, therefore, I will only be making occasional guest vocal appearances on albums by other bands, and my priority will be Shining. My work with Maniac's band Skitliv will not be affected, however, as the vocals and the bulk of the creative work is in his hands.

As always, myself and the band very much appreciate all the support the fans are giving Shining and their patience in waiting for the release of VII - Född Förlorare, and there will be some very good news regarding this very shortly."

VII - Född Förlorare (trans: Born Loser) will be released later this year through Indie Recordings. More album details were previously reported over here.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Shining

Carrion Crows Over Camlan, the upcoming debut album of British pagan metal band The Wolves Of Avalon, will be released in April through Godreah Records.

The Wolves Of Avalon is the new project of The Meads Of Asphodel mainman Metatron. Not wanting to take the Meads into the pagan metal realms, the birth of The Wolves of Avalon, was always going to happen. The Wolves of Avalon is an embodiment of ancient British spirit and pride and not to be confused with any modern interpretation of things long since buried by time and dust. By drafting in JM to create the music and traditional instrumentalist from other bands, Metatron's vision has finally come to life.

The Wolves of Avalon features guest appearances by Rob Darken (Graveland), Verst (Instinct), Roibéard Ó Bogail (Mael Mórdha), Magnus O. Wohlfart (Yggdrasil), Petra Jadrná (Cruadalach), Arvid Vermote (Krigavar), and Rob Wakefield (Aurora-Project).

The music can be termed, Celtic Pagan Metal that simmers in a doleful, almost tragic atmosphere with sporadic up tempo sections to shed light on the Dark Age tale that writhes within. The concept is of the British Celtic Arthurian age much maligned by exaggerated myths and erroneous histories of Britain. The album reflects a period around 500 AD, that existed after the Romans were recalled to defend their homeland from the Barbarian migrations, the same land hungry hordes that were to engulf the warriors and tribes of Britain. This was the era of the Germanic and British wars, and the Arthurian defence of our sacred soil that was to end in defeat at Camlan. The main essence of the lyrical concept is the great victory over the Germanic invaders, at The Battle of Baddon Hill around 500 AD, Baddon Hill was the great Victory that this album surmounts. This was when the British Celts defeated the Germanic Saxons in the last great Celtic age of heroes. It is ironic to think the Saxons and their fellow invaders, the Angles and Jutes would soon after amalgamate into what would be termed as the England. . This album celebrates the old British pride, the old Gods and the great tribes prior to the alien Germanic incursions. This is an album dedicated to our Pagan ancestors.

Carrion Crows Over Camlan tracklist:

01. Intro -This Mighty Isle
02. The Wolves of Avalon
03. Enchanted Spirits of Warriors Slain
04. Lost Gods we call on You
05. British Tribes Unite
06. The War Song of Beli Mawr
07. The Siege of Badon Hill
08. The Last Druid
09. Carrion Crows over Camlan

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Source:	godreah.com
Band profile:	The Meads Of Asphodel

Circle Of Dead Children have parted ways with guitarist and co-founding member, Jason Andrews.

The band released the following statement: "Circle Of Dead Children is extremely appreciative and thankful to Jason for the twelve years he has dedicated to the band and the numerous unmatched memories which he gifted to each member of the band from 1998 to present. We wish him all the best in whatever moves he makes next in life and will forever stand beside him as a great friend."

The following was added later: "Anyone following Circle Of Dead Children over the past decade has seen our production and output slow down significantly over the past several years and decisions to put the band to permanent rest have been considered, especially lately. However, instead of viewing this most recent change as another damaging or distressing circumstance, Circle Of Dead Children has been invigorated and motivated to a new level.

Circle of Dead Children is pleased to announce a new bass player to the fold; long time friend and Pittsburgh punk/metal veteran, Brooks. Drew Haritan, bassist for Circle Of Dead Children since 2005, has now taken over command on guitar and has already begun creating a follow-up to 2010's Psalm of the Grand Destroyer (Willowtip Records/Candlelight Records). Expect the Circle of Dead Children sound to be taken to a new level of mind-screwing punishment, intensity and ill-willed passion for 2011."

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Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Circle Of Dead Children

National Public Radio are streaming the soundboard recording of the entire concert of Agalloch performing live at the Le Poisson Rouge in New York City last Tuesday, March 22nd. You can close your eyes and pretend you were there too by clicking here.

Some video footage of "Into the Painted Grey" and "In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion" can also be found over here.

The live set of Worm Ouroboros, the opening act of the evening, can also be streamed in its entirety over at NPR.

Agalloch setlist:

Into the Painted Grey
Falling Snow
The Watcher's Monolith
Of Stone, Wind and Pillor
Limbs
Ghosts of the Midwinter Fires
Our Fortress is Burning... II: Bloodbirds
Dead Winter Days
In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion

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Source:	npr.org
Band profile:	Agalloch
Event:	Agalloch: East Coast Tour