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War From A Harlots Mouth - New Video Online

"To Age And Obsolete", the brand-new video from War From A Harlots Mouth, is now available for viewing here or below.

The video was produced by Ambitious.Films and features live footage from the Never Say Die! Tour 2010 in Karlsruhe, Germany.

The track comes off the band's latest effort MMX, which was released last month through Lifeforce Records.


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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: War From A Harlots Mouth
Posted: 27.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Aborted - Starting Pre-Production In January

Belgian death metallers Aborted are still working on a new full-length album, the follow-up to 2008's Strychnine.213. The band has released the following statement regarding the progress on that yet to be titled new album, which will be released later this year:

"2011 is going to be an important year for the band, we have a lot of things cooking and cannot wait to share them with all of you medical deviants out there!

Good news is that we are starting pre-productions for our upcoming record on January 4th. This means we will demo all the songs for the record, make sure everything sounds good and make the necessary adjustments to make sure they are all more lethal than a chainsaw in Mr. Leatherface's hands. We're all very excited about the material thus far and can't wait to get this over with and proceed to the actual recordings later this year. Expect a fall 2011 release through our culprates in mayhem Century Media.

That's it for now, more updates coming later on, enjoy the holidays and party on!"

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Source: goremageddon.be
Band profile: Aborted
Posted: 27.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (6)


Mike Portnoy Tribute Album - Free Download Available

Official press release

Independent musicians, graphic artists, and a computer graphics demogroup have collaborated on a grand scale multimedia tribute to drummer Mike Portnoy (Transatlantic, ex-Dream Theater, ex-Avenged Sevenfold, ex-Liquid Tension Experiment), in celebration of over a quarter of a century of highly influential musicianship.

Mike Portnoy's early investment into the internet, as well as his relationship with the global fan base, created a fad-transcending musical community that continues to grow past the post quarter century mark. Mike Portnoy has always possessed a strong commitment to bringing a diverse lineup of "under the radar" support bands on the road. These tours introduced hundreds of thousands to some truly genre-defining music, and inspired a new generation with music that would have otherwise remained outside the public view.

"Mike, over the years, has fueled an online community with tireless energy and effort, of which it has been a pleasure to be a part of. Members of the community feel that paying some of that energy forward is the least they could do to show their appreciation," says compilation producer Anthony Morse.

Click here to see a bigger picture of the album cover art.

The multimedia tribute appears in the form of a free three disc digital album, interviews, and some stunning music videos graphically generated by the legendary Greek demogroup Andromeda Software Development.

Honor Thy Drummer: A Tribute to Mike Portnoy contains 3 digital discs, 2 new, and a bonus 2009 retrospective disc featuring choice selections from the previous digital release MPF 2009. Honor Thy Drummer features a diverse range of styles and approaches, drawing inspiration from Mr. Portnoy's award winning approach to music, created by acts inspired by his musical influence. The resulting music seamlessly crosses many musical boundaries weaving from heavy time-spanning progressive metal to concise folk.

The Honor Thy Drummer multimedia collection is available for free download at this location. It contains the digital album in MP3 format, a digital PDF booklet featuring photos, lyrics, and bios of the contributing artists. Two of three interviews with contributing artists Relocator, In Progress, and S.A. Adams, are included, and shed light on their collaborations with progressive metal superstars Derek Sherinian, Mark Zonder, and Mike Portnoy himself, all of whom play on the artists' tracks featured in Honor Thy Drummer. The third interview will be released in January.

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Source: spaceprog.com
Posted: 27.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (10)


Cloudscape - Putting Final Touches On New Album

Swedish progressive metal band Cloudscape have issued the following update on the band's forthcoming album, New Era:

"Cloudscape is very excited about 2011 considering they'll release their fourth album to be entitled New Era. All songs are now written and the band is making plans with their management. Cloudscape will most likely enter the studio during the first months of 2011. Cloudscape have as you may know went through a few member changes (new drummer, new bassist, new guitarist, ed.) and it's been 2.5 years since the release of Global Drama so, the band is happy to say that all wounds are healed and the band is back in the saddle more inspired than ever."

In other news, vocalist Mike Andersson's other band, Full Force, have uploaded a new song to be included on their debut album to be released also in 2011. The track "None Of Your Concern" can be heard here.

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Source: cloudscape.se
Band profile: Cloudscape
Posted: 27.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Ixion - Ink Deal With Avantgarde Music

French atmospheric doom metal trio Ixion have signed with Avantgarde Music for the release of their upcoming album To the Void, tentatively planned for release at the end of february 2011.

To the Void will feature 10 new tracks for a total lenght of 56 minutes. The opening track of the album, called "Beyond The Skies", as well as an album medley are uploaded on the band's MySpace profile.

The band stated: "We are very happy about this partnership and to be part of the new era of this well-known label."

Avantgarde Music released the following statement: "Ixion from France was the first band we add to, what we like to call, our "new era" roster. And "why signing Ixion...?" (YES, there will always be a reason now and on to sign a band and not just "things that happen"...), well basically because we liked a lot their overall atmosphere, the whole mood, the sound design in its integrity and not only for the detail (something you can't catch from the one song preview we have posted here).

There is also a nostalgic reason if we wanna call it that way: this record moved some longly forgotten emotions and memories in my blood and mind. In a (current) time when "doom metal" went all directions outwards (sludge, drone, funeral, stoner, gothic whatever reggae-doom!) from what it once was in the mid 90's or even a bit earlier than that, we liked Ixion's simple yet complex in the same time formula. A formula based on the essential numbers: atmosphere, mood, good musical melodies.

On their debut album To the Void, Ixion will never be that extreme as Russian funeral doom undertakers are, and we guarantee they will never be cheesy as female fronted gothic metal bands are and probably not as trendy as today's all presumed sludgy/stony US-doom rooted bands are (a.k.a. the post Southern Lord epidemy)

In fact they essentially are a mid-tempo paced doom metal band with an Albion 90's imprinting, for all those like us who didn't forget early Anathema and My Dying Bride, with some more actual referrals in the like of Finnish atmoshepric doom metal bands (Shape Of Despair, Swallow The Sun etc) even though the role of keyboards is quite higher in Ixion, taking their sound to maybe a wider, though softer at times, level."

To the Void cover art] tracklist:

01. Beyond The Skies
02. The Plague
03. Leaving
04. New Heaven
05. Fear Of The Hidden
06. Rebellion
07. Falling To Apathy

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Source: ixiondoom.free.fr
Band profile: Ixion
Posted: 26.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Midas Fate - Two New Songs Streaming Online

Midas Fate, the progressive metal band led by guitarist Vitor Campos and featuring ex-Masterplan/ex-Riot vocalist Mike DiMeo, has uploaded two new tracks off their upcoming single What Dreams May Come. Check out "Liars In The Name Of Faith" and "History Repeats Itself" on the band's MySpace page.

January 25th, 2011 will see the worldwide release of the new Midas Fate single, What Dreams May Come. The release was mixed by Paulo Brancaccio at Diesel Studio and mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studio.

What Dreams May Come cover art] tracklist:

01. What Dreams May Come
02. Liars In The Name Of Faith
03. History Repeats Itself (exclusive single track)

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Masterplan
Posted: 26.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (2)


Foul Circle - New EP Streaming Online

Finnish melodic death metal act Foul Circle are streaming their new three-track EP, City Of Falls, on their MySpace page.

City Of Falls, which was recorded at D-studio in Klaukkala, Finland in summer of 2010, was mixed by Jonne Jauhiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila from Finnvox.

City Of Falls cover art] tracklist:

01. Mirrors Of Agony
02. Dark City Spiral
03. Revered Promise

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Source: myspace.com
Posted: 26.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Stratovarius - An Update From Jörg Michael

Back in November, the news came out that drummer Jörg Michael (ex-Rage, ex-Running Wild, ex-Saxon, ex-Mekong Delta) was diagnosed with cancer. The current Stratovarius drummer now checked in with the following message:

"Dear All, this is Jörg speaking, finally.

I hope this message finds everybody well and everybody is in an easy-peasy Christmas mood already. The first leg of the European tour with Helloween is over - time to have a few words with you.

First of all, let's not forget the brilliant emergency rescue action and playing of Alex Landenburg (Axxis, Mekong Delta, At Vance), thanx again for all what you did for the fans, the band and also for me.

Surely I hate the idea of somebdy is sitting on "my chair" but this special action needed some special treatment and I am proud and happy that it was you, Alex. Thanx again, we'll get together for a real drink, not like these other Scandinavian pussies in the band

I was overwhelmed by all the wishes, tons of emails and text messages I received from all over the world wishing me a speedy recovery. Thank you so much for supporting me, and it made me feel very strong when fighting these bastards inside of me.

I have some good news to tell you and believe me - I really enjoy to tell the world:

The surgery was done about 6 weeks ago and the first therapy is done as well. All looks good so far and as Jens told me before: "Do not worry Jörg, nothing survives in your body after all what you did to it!"

Finally he was right, there are only small bits and bobs left - I will fight those with another therapy in about 4 months time.

I think I have been very lucky that it was discovered by one of my friends in a very early state. Very good that my friend decided to become a doctor, he was very lousy when he tried playing the guitar.

Besides preparing myself for Christmas, I am currently practicing the drums to be ready and kickin' again when the tour continues in the new year. I will be back, thanx again for everything and let's get alive and kicking once again, see you in Paris and everywhere else..."

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Source: forum.stratovarius.com
Band profile: Stratovarius
Posted: 26.12.2010 by Kallis Helmi | Comments (8)


Greatest Metal Video Ever... Xmas Edition

Ah, Christmas. That most wonderful time of the year when the Metal Storm Staff is locked up in their sacred Staff Towers, totally focused on picking this year's nominees for the MS Awards - a Herculean undertaking which usually involves a lot of bitching and moaning and drawing guns at each other. Isn't Christmas just magical?

Anyway, have some schnapps on the house, and enjoy this holiday edition of the Greatest Metal Video Ever... Series!

Medeia - Antichristmas

Everybody and their mom knows that Christmas is just as metal as Jari Mäenpää is the most reliable person in the entire scene... which is why Medeia released the most anti-cliche, anti-fluffy, and batshit insane anti-Christmas video in the history of time and space... which is why there'll be no presents for Christmas for them. Ha!

Kudos are in order for Mr. 2115 for suggesting this, uh, anti-gem.

Reuben - Christmas Is Awesome

It's Christmas time and time for a carol! After all, a metalhead who doesn't like karaoke is like Metallica not releasing a good album... simply not imaginable.

Sing along, y'all!

Corey Taylor - X-M@$

Talking about sing along songs...

Sir Corey Taylor is without a single doubt the most charismatic frontman of one of the most influential metal bands of the last decade. And as most of you know, the Slipknot/Stone Sour head honcho is also a very eloquent and sophisticated man, as this video so clearly illustrates. The essence of Mr. Taylor's Christmas message: getting sloshed... cuz isn't that what X-M@$ is all about??

Instant X-M@$ cl@$$ic!

(Un)Happy Holidays!
-- The MS Staff

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Posted: 24.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (19)


War From A Harlots Mouth - Deftones Cover Online

War From A Harlots Mouth have uploaded their cover version of the Deftones track "Hexagram" on their Facebook page.

The song appears on the iTunes deluxe edition of War From A Harlots Mouth's third album, MMX, which was released last month through Lifeforce Records.

Go check it out here and spit out your thoughts in the comment section below. The original song can be found below too btw.


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Source: facebook.com
Band profile: War From A Harlots Mouth
Posted: 24.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (1)


I.C.S Vortex - Announces Solo Album Details

I.C.S Vortex (Borknagar, ex-Dimmu Borgir, ex-Arcturus) has revealed more details about his solo release, entitled Storm Seeker:

"I finally got the master tape of the first ICS Vortex album! Storm Seeker contains 11 tracks and holds 45 minutes of groovy hooks and signature clean vocals. Brewed in a dirty metal pot, ingrediens included are Stoner Rock mashed with BM, 70's prog spiked Pagan and alternative roots fried Norwegian style. Some of the song titles are "Skoal!", "Dogsmacked", "Oil in Water" and "Odin's Tree".

It's been a year of sporadic work at Toproom Studio with engineer Børge Finstad. My good old teammate from Borknagar, Asgeir Mickelson (Sarke, Spiral Architect), handles the drums, and Terje "Cyrus" Andersen added some solos. Mix was done by Børge, Asgeir and me. A record deal is in the works and we're looking at a release in good time before summer 2011.

The solo project has pretty much evolved into a band, and on future live appearances the recording line-up will be joined by Jens F. Ryland (Borknagar) on guitar and Steinar Gundersen (Spiral Architect, Sarke) on bass."

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Borknagar
Posted: 24.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (18)


Pentagram - Ink Deal With Metal Blade Records

Metal Blade Records is proud to announce the signing of legendary doom metal act Pentagram.

The band, now entering their 40th(!) year anniversary, will be releasing a full-length album titled Last Rites in the spring of 2011 featuring all new tracks with a DVD to follow in late 2011. The doomed duo of Bobby Liebling & Victor Griffin has united once again to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Pentagram! Spring 2011 will bear witness to the revered pair's first studio album together in 17 years. Only days out of the sessions, the band will unleash these newborn heavies live! Monstrous new riffs and more will be freed the nights of January 6th, at Europa in NYC and January 7th, at Club Hell in Providence, RI. Also playing live with the band will be Pentagram alumni and current full-time bass player Greg Turley with Tim Tomaselli (Place Of Skulls) filling in on drums.

Bobby Liebling comments on working with Metal Blade Records; "I reflect on how Pentagram is coming into its 40th year and how it finally feels like we are entering into the major leagues. With Metal Blade now at our side, it feels like we made the World Series! I'll quote John Lennon from "A Hard Day's Night" and ask the loyal rivetheads out there, 'Did we pass the audition?'"

Victor Griffin adds; "Neither Bobby nor myself ever imagined we'd play together again. It's an honor to be re-united and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pentagram, and the 30th anniversary of our musical relationship with a new album on Metal Blade Records! As always, we did it our way... thanks for making us survivors!"

"I am very excited to welcome Pentagram to the Metal Blade Family. It is really amazing for us to work with such a legendary band and we look forward to a great success!" comments Chairman/CEO of Metal Blade Records, Brian Slagel.

Cult rock legend Bobby Liebling has been churning out genre defining and highly admired hard rock/doom metal for over 40 years with Pentagram. Within its first decade, the band is largely regarded as co-creating two subgenres of hard rock. Heavy Metal at the birth of the 1970's and Doom towards its death.

The classic "Death Row"-era line-up and the band's debut album, Relentless (1984) was inducted into Decibel Magazine's Hall of Fame in 2010. Guitarist Victor Griffin's invention of the "Drop B" tuning is first heard here. This heavy-handed hallmark went on to influence handfuls of players and defined a subgenre. These numbers recently included Jack White and his band The Dead Weather who cover "Forever My Queen" (Liebling) live. It was also played on late night talk shows worldwide and even released as a single on White's own Third Man Records.

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Source: metalblade.com
Band profile: Pentagram
Posted: 24.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (2)


Agnostic Front - New Album In March

The Godfathers of New York Hardcore, Agnostic Front, have just finished recording their highly anticipated follow up to their 2007 release, Warriors. The yet to be titled album features 13 new powerful and anthemic songs laid down by Erik Rutan (Madball, Goatwhore, Cannibal Corpse, etc.) at his Mana Recording Studio in Tampa, FL under the watchful guide of producer Freddy Cricien of Madball. The record was mastered by Alan Douches (Nile, Mastodon, etc.) and will be released on March 4, 2011!

Vocalist Roger Miret commented on the new material: "After all is said and done we are amazed on how great our new record turned out! It's by far our catchiest record to date and it's going to make everyone want to sing along for sure. Freddy killed it on the production end, just capturing that hardcore vibe that only he can get out of Agnostic Front. The boys all put nothing but passion into the songs, and Erik Rutan just dialed it all in to make Agnostic Front sound as natural and as organic as ever. This one will definitely be a classic once it's heard worldwide!"

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Source: nuclearblast.de
Posted: 24.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Skeletonwitch - Working On New Album

Skeletonwitch just finished touring with Job For A Cowboy and Misery Index. Guitarist Scott Hedrick wrapped it up as follows:

"A huge thank you to the bands, the fans, and everyone else involved in the tour - except that one promoter; fuck you, dude! Kidding! Anyway, we had a fucking blast as usual. It's hard not to when you're traveling around the country with your best friends and your job is to party and shred.

When we wake up from the impending holiday blackout, we'll be devoting all of our time finishing the next record. So keep an eye out: as the writing process continues, we'll probably book a few dates and debut some new material. Thanks to everyone who supported us in 2010. It's been a great year!"

The band tentatively plans to enter the studio next spring to record the successor of Breathing The Fire.

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Skeletonwitch
Posted: 24.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (3)


Jeff Loomis - To Release New Solo Material

Beyond the Dark Horizon recently spoke with guitar icon, Jeff Loomis of Seattle's long running Metal tyrants, Nevermore. Loomis spoke about Nevermore's latest release, The Obsidian Conspiracy, his solo endeavors, being a guitar icon and more. You can read the whole thing here.

When asked if Loomis is planning to release a follow-up to his solo album, he answered:

"Yes I do. I actually signed on for 2 more records and I'm working on the new one right now. There's still no title yet but I'm working on the music and hoping for a mid-winter release next year."

Loomis also had the following to say about the Sanctuary reunion:

"All I know at the moment is that Warrel wanted to get the band back together and do a couple of shows and I think we're going to do some festival shows. As far as a new record, I'm not quite sure if that's going to happen yet. That's actually still being talked about. But I can say that there will be a few Sanctuary festival shows over in Germany."

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Source: beyondthedarkhorizon.com
Band profile: Jeff Loomis
Posted: 24.12.2010 by *!* | Comments (12)