System Of A Down have announced a batch of North American shows. The first group of dates is listed below.

Stated the band: "We're excited to announce a handful of North American headline shows before our trip to Europe this summer. Gogol Bordello will be joining us as special guests."

System Of A Down - North American Tour:

5/10/11 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
5/12/11 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena
5/13/11 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena
5/15/11 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
5/18/11 - Denver, CO - Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
5/19/11 - Albuquerque, NM - Hard Rock Casino presents The Pavilion
5/22/11 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl

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Source:	systemofadown.com
Band profile:	System Of A Down
Event:	System Of A Down

English symphonic power metal band Pythia are currently working on their sophomore release, the follow-up to Beneath The Veiled Embrace.

The band issued the following short update on the progress: "We are currently putting the finishing touches to our second album and will have it finished in the next few weeks. We are very excited by the songs on the album and can't wait to share them with you later in the year as well as getting back to playing some shows!"

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Pythia

After their highly successful Neckbreaker's Ball European run, Canadian extreme metallers Kataklysm will return for more headlining dates in May and June. Support on the road will come from Krisiun this time around.

Spread The Venom World Tour - Europe Part 2:

18.05.2011 - (ITA) Rome / Init Club
19.05.2011 - (ITA) Bruneck / UFO Bruneck
20.05.2011 - (SLO) Ljubljana / Gala Hala
21.05.2011 - (B&H) Sarajevo / Dom Mladih
22.05.2011 - (BUL) Sofia / RBF Club
24.05.2011 - (ROM) Bucarest / Silverchurch
25.05.2011 - (ROM) Timisoara / tbc
26.05.2011 - (CRO) Zagreb / Mochvara
27.05.2011 - (A) Mining / Metalfest 2011
28.05.2011 - (CH) Pratteln / Metalfest 2011
29.05.2011 - (GER) Dessau / Metalfest 2011
31.05.2011 - (POL) Poznan / Blue Note
01.06.2011 - (POL) Gdynia / Ucho
02.06.2011 - (POL) Warszawa / Progresja
03.06.2011 - (CZ) Plsen / Metalfest 2011
04.06.2011 - (POL) Katowice / Silesian Massacre Festival Vol. 3
05.06.2011 - (HUN) Budapest / Metalfest 2011

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Source:	nuclearblast.de
Band profile:	Kataklysm
Event:	Kataklysm: European Tour

Swedish death metal band Vomitory have revealed the album artwork and tracklisting for their long-anticipated eighth studio album Opus Mortis VIII.

The new effort was produced, engineered and mixed by Rikard Löfgren in his own Leon music studios. Unsurprisingly the album "proves to be the best sounding Vomitory album ever!"

Opus Mortis VIII will be released on April 23rd/26th in Europe through Metal Blade Records. The limited first edition will be a Digipak featuring four exclusive bonus tracks. Those tracks are re-recorded versions of songs taken off the first two Vomitory albums.

Commented drummer Tobias Gustafsson (The Project Hate MCMXCIX, Torture Division): "Opus Mortis VIII is our eighth album (no shit!) - our eighth Opus of Death. And I dare to say that this is one of the strongest albums we've done, and it most certainly has the most powerful production we've ever had on any album, hands down. For the third time, we worked with Rikard Löfgren in his Leon Music Studios. We raised the bar quite a few notches in the studio - both production-wise and performance-wise, and we couldn't be happier with the result. We are not breaking new death metal ground with this album - that was never Vomitorys' mission - but Opus Mortis VIII offers diversity and dynamics that you haven't quite heard from Vomitory before. Still, this is a very intense and aggressive album in the true Vomitory tradition - all the essential signature details are there. Once you hear the opening track, "Regorge In The Morgue", you will need no further proof of that!"

Opus Mortis VIII cover art] tracklist:

01. Regorge In The Morgue
02. Bloodstained
03. They Will Burn
04. The Dead Awaken
05. Hate In A Time Of War
06. Torturous Ingenious
07. Forever Damned
08. Shrouded In Darkness
09. Combat Psychosis
10. Requiem For The Fallen
11. Nervegasclouds 2011
12. Raped In Their Own Blood 2011
13. Redemption 2011
14. The Voyage 2011

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Source:	vomitory.net
Band profile:	Vomitory

Dear Metal Stormers, in case you haven't noticed, the new layout is not the only big news of the day. The Metal Storm Awards 2010 are now closed and the results are freely available for your viewing pleasure!

Let me take this moment to thank our Staff members and Elite users for the insane amount of work that they put into compiling nominees and making sure the Awards are as successful as they are. Naturally, none of this would have been possible without our loyal member-base and all of us over at Metal Storm HQ would also like to extend our deepest thanks to them for making this edition by far the most popular Metal Storm awards ever!!

Please go ahead and visit the Metal Storm Awards 2010 page to see all the results. Also, don't forget that we will be publishing our Staff Picks of 2010 soon.


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Source:

metalstorm.net

Kamelot has confirmed their long-awaited North American Tour in support on the band's newest release, Poetry for the Poisoned. Support will come from Alestorm, Blackguard and The Agonist.

Due to continuing medical and personal issues, Roy Khan will not be able to finish the remaining touring in support of Poetry for the Poisoned.

Khan states: "I am here in Norway still recovering from what seems to have been a severe burnout syndrome. I am getting better but still under medical care. My priorities at the moment are my health & family. My future endeavors in Kamelot and music in general are being evaluated, however at this time my focus is on getting back on my feet and spending time with family and friends. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes!"

With the news of Roy's continued absence, Kamelot are pleased to announce that metal icon Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire) will be joining the tour and handling the lead vocal duties.

In addition to Fabio, throughout these shows there will also be special guest and vocal appearances from top artists in the scene, this is a special and rare tour, and one not to be missed.

Pandemonium Over North America Tour:

Aug. 26 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquarade
Aug. 27 - West Springfield, VA - Jaxx
Aug. 28 - Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero
Aug. 30 - New York, NY - The Gramercy Theatre
Aug. 31- Worcester, MA - The Palladium
Sep. 02 - Montreal, QC - Club Soda
Sep. 03 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial De Quebec
Sep. 04 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
Sep. 06 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Sep. 07 - Detroit, MI - Blondie's
Sep. 08 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
Sep. 09 - St. Paul, NM - Station 4
Sep. 12 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Sep. 13 - Portland, OR - Peter's Room
Sep. 14 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
Sep. 15 - West Hollywood, CA - House Of Blues
Sep. 16 - Tempe, AZ - Clubhouse
Sep. 17 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
Sep. 18 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
Sep. 20 - Dallas, TX - Trees
Sep. 21 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
Sep. 23 - Orlando, FL - The Club At Firestone

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Source:	kamelot.com
Band profile:	Kamelot

Spiritual Beggars - the Swedish stoner band featuring Arch Enemy's Michael Amott and Sharlee D'Angelo, and Firewind vocalist Apollo Papathanasio - will release a live CD titled Return To Live: Loud Park 2010 through their Japanese record label Trooper Entertainment on March 16th.

The disc features eight songs, capturing the bands high-energy performance at the Loudpark Festival at Saitama Super Arena, Japan on October 17th, 2010.

The live recording was mixed in Sweden by Staffan Karlsson and Rickard Bengtsson at Studio Landgren 5.3 and The Sweet Spot Studio, in December 2010. Artwork and design was done by Hippograffix.

Return To Live: Loud Park 2010 cover art] tracklist:

01. Left Brain Ambassador
02. Beneath The Skin
03. One Man Army
04 Wonderful World
05. Fools Gold
06. Star Born
07. Concrete Horizon
08. Euphoria

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Spiritual Beggars

Amorphis celebrated Kalevala Day (aka Finnish Culture Day) by releasing the finalized details for their upcoming new album, The Beginning Of Times. The band's tenth studio album will be released at the end of May through Nuclear Blast Records.

The first single off the album is entitled You I Need, and is scheduled for release in April. Also in June, Amorphis will embark on the extensive The Beginning Of Times Tour, scheduled to continue through 2012. Date will be announced soon.

The band describes the album as follows: "The new album is the most challenging Amorphis album so far in terms of both music and lyrics. Its central character is the iconic hero of Finnish mythology, Väinämöinen, whose tale has been masterfully retold by lyricist Pekka Kainulainen. The Beginning Of Times was produced by the band; vocals were recorded under the guidance of Marco Hietala in his home studio in Kuopio. Like its predecessors, the album was mixed by Mikko Karmila. Its cover artwork shows Travis Smith's magnificent interpretation of the mythological birth of the world from a duck's egg."

The Beginning Of Times tracklist:

01. Battle For Light
02. Mermaid
03. My Enemy
04. You I Need
05. Song Of The Sage
06. Three Words
07. Reformation
08. Soothsayer
09. On A Stranded Shore
10. Escape
11. Crack In A Stone
12. Beginning Of Time
13. Heart's Song

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Source:	amorphis.net
Band profile:	Amorphis

"Elements", a brand-new track from French progressive thrash/death metal band Outcast, has been made available for streaming over at this location.

"Elements" comes off the band's upcoming new album Awaken The Reason, which will be released later this year through an as-yet-undisclosed record label. More album details were previously reported over here.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Outcast

Original news, posted on 27.02.2011

Slayer frontman Tom Araya has been hospitalized in Sydney, forcing the band to cancel tonight's set at Soundwave Festival.

No details about Araya's injury or illness have been released, but the decision to cancel was made just moments before the band was due to hit the stage at the Sydney Showgrounds tonight, February 27th.

Just before 6pm, festival promoter AJ Maddah tweeted: "Tom Araya has been taken to hospital. Slayer set looking unlikely today " but within five minutes "unlikely" had been upgraded to a confirmation of the band's cancellation with Maddah confirming that Araya will be kept in hospital overnight, forcing the cancelation of the band's set.

Araya's unexplained illness isn't the only medical issue for Slayer at the moment. The thrash metal veterans are touring with Exodus guitarist Gary Holt standing in for regular Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman who is recovering from surgery on his right arm.

According to Maddah, Araya "will be OK" for Slayer's next scheduled performance at Soundwave in Melbourne on Saturday 4th March.

Araya underwent back surgery in early 2010 forcing the band to stay away from the live circuit for several months.

UPDATE

A severe ear infection is the reason Slayer's Tom Araya was hospitalised yesterday and why the band had to cancel their Sydney Soundwave slot.

Tom's wife, Sandra, told the fans on Facebook that her husband is feeling much better, but it will be a few days before the test results are back.

The iconic Slayer frontman was kept at the hospital overnight but has reportedly been released earlier today.

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Source:	fasterlouder.com.au
Band profile:	Slayer
Event:	Soundwave Festival 2011

Nine Inch Nails mainman Trent Reznor and frequent NIN collaborator Atticus Ross have won an Oscar for their Original Score on the The Social Network, the 2010 motion picture about Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Earlier this year, the duo already won a Golden Globe Award for their compositions.

The 83rd annual Academy Awards were held last night, Sunday February 27th.

The Social Network soundtrack album was released in October by The Null Corporation, Reznor's own independent record label. A five track sampler EP is available for download at the whopping price of your e-mail address at this location.

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Source:	oscars.org
Band profile:	Nine Inch Nails

Chimaira lead guitarist Rob Arnold has officially joined Six Feet Under.

Six Feet Under previously recruited Dååth drummer Kevin Talley, after the spontaneous departure of longtime drummer Greg Gall and bassist Terry Butler earlier this month.

The band released the following statement: "Just wanted to give you a Six Feet Under band update and let you all know that we would like to announce our good friend Rob Arnold will be joining SFU as 2nd rhythm guitarist for up coming touring duties, as well as collaborating on the new CD."

Commented Chris Barnes: "I couldn't be happier about the new songs and line-up! Rob and myself have been collaborating on new songs along with the bands new drummer, Kevin Talley for the past few months. We are all feeling really excited about the bands future, and the raw intensity of the songs that we have created together so far. THIS IS THE HEAVIEST MOST EXCITING MATERIAL THAT I'VE WORKED ON SINCE THE BLEEDING, AND I'M STOKED THAT ROB WILL BE HELPING OUT CREATING THIS CD WITH US! We've all known each other for a while and we're really looking forward to continue writing the new cd and future tours. We are committed to taking Six Feet Under to the next level of brutality!"

Commented Rob Arnold: "It's been an amazing honor and opportunity to have been called upon by one of my biggest idols, Chris Barnes! Six Feet Under and the Barnes era Cannibal Corpse stuff had enormous effects on me as a young musician, and still do to this day. In 1996, I was a kid in the front row screaming my head off to "Lycanthropy" and "Torn to the Bone"... And now here I am, being asked to play the songs on stage with the band! Dreams do come true! And the stuff we've been writing absolutely RIPS! Watch out!"

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Source:	sfu420.com
Band profile:	Six Feet Under

Finnish heavy metal band Machine Men have officially broken up after thirteen years.

Here's the band's farewell message: "Things have been quiet for the past 2 years. During this time we have gone through many changes and we have been thinking about the future of the band. Unfortunately we feel that the challenges as a band would be too hard to overcome. After long conversations we have decided that the story of Machine Men ends here. It's better to end what we started together without bitterness than to make a new album we couldn't put our hearts and souls into. We wouldn't be the five guys that stuck together no matter what. We would be something else, not Machine Men.

This band has been the centre of our lives for over a decade. During these years we have experienced great and unforgettable moments on the road (and off). The thanks goes to all the people who have supported us and have come to see our gigs. It hasn't been an easy ride but yet we have taken all the shit with our heads held high. After all we are from Suolahti for fuck's sake! Even though it's sad, we end this with smiles on our faces and with loads of good memories to share over a pint.

The story of the band ends here but we'll continue to make music as individuals. We are grateful to so many people but most of all we would like to thank our fans - without you we would have been nothing!"

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Source:	machinemen.net
Band profile:	Machine Men

A three-minute sample of "Världsalltets Fanfar", a brand-new track from Swedish folk metal band Vintersorg, has been made available for streaming, over at this location.

"Världsalltets Fanfar" comes off the band's upcoming new album Jordpuls (trans: Earth's Pulse), which will be released on March 25th through Napalm Records.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Vintersorg

Pokolgép, the first-ever Hungarian heavy metal band, has recently parted ways with guitarist Dávid Nagy and drummer Csaba Czébely (ex-Wisdom).

After ten years with the band, Dávid Nagy will now try his luck in the United States, while Csaba Czébely left to pursue a career in other bands. They are replaced by guitarist Zalán Kiss and drummer Márton Veress, respectively.

The new Pokolgép line-up will make its live debut on April 9th at Club 202 in Budapest.

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Source:	pokolgep.hu
Band profile:	Pokolgép