Firewind will celebrate the upcoming release of the new album Days of Defiance with a limited number of special North American headlining shows. The trek, which kicks off on November 4th and runs all the way through November 7th, features Powerglove and The Absence in the support slots.

Gus G. states: "We are very happy to announce four special album release shows in North America this fall in support of our new record, Days of Defiance. It"s been awhile since Firewind played North America, as our last tour was Spring/Summer 2008. This is a very special run for us, as it will be the first time we'll play the new songs live. It also might be awhile until we come back for a full North American run, so we REALLY hope to see many of you come out to these shows. We'll be sure to rock you to the ground and that's a promise!"

November 4th - Volume 11 - Raleigh, NC
November 5th - Jaxx - West Springfield, VA
November 6th - The Gramercy - New York, NY
November 7th - Les Foufounes Electriques - Montreal, Que

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Source:	firewind.gr
Band profile:	Firewind
Event:	Firewind: US Mini Tour

Later this month, Iced Earth will be doing a four city mini-tour in the US. The show is promised to be a special night with a fan-selected Iced Earth set list, and the live debut of Sons Of Libery, the brainchild of Jon Schaffer featuring Schaffer on lead vocals. Here's the official press release:

"When Jon Schaffer does something, he does it right. Like creating an eclectic, fan-favorite set list for Iced Earth's upcoming limited-engagement U.S. tour.

"I wanted to give fans something really special," Schaffer said. "So I put together songs that include some we've rarely played live before, and at least one that reaches back to our first album. Even long-time fans of Iced Earth are going to be surprised."

Iced Earth kicks off its four-city U.S. tour on September 10 in Washington DC, followed by Chicago (September 21), New York (September 23), and West Hollywood (September 25).

But the set list isn't the only treat in store for fans of Iced Earth. Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty band, featuring Schaffer on lead vocals, makes its live debut on this tour.

"Sons of Liberty is a project that is near and dear to my heart," Schaffer said. "I'm very passionate about it. This is an opportunity for me to speak directly to the people. Hopefully, I can inspire them to look into the message and wake up to what is going on around them. This isn't about me thinking I'm a great singer or front man. In fact, through the rehearsing process my respect has only grown for Matt Barlow. Doing lead vocals presents a whole new set of challenges for me."

According to Schaffer, the response to his Sons of Liberty album Brush-Fires of the Mind has been overwhelming. It was only officially released on July 13, but already tens of thousands of copies have been sold and given away on his web site. Hundreds more are downloaded every week.

But as popular as Sons of Liberty has become, it's Iced Earth that takes center stage this month. "We haven't been this energized and passionate in a long time," Schaffer said. "We are definitely going to kick ass, and have a lot of fun doing it."

Preparing for the four-city tour isn't all that's been keeping Schaffer busy these days. He's also working on a new Iced Earth album (scheduled for release Spring, 2011), a live DVD (scheduled for release before the end of this year), and a special project he will only say fans will "freakin' love."

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Source:	icedearth.com
Band profile:	Iced Earth

Original news

In the "didn't see this one coming" department, Mike Portnoy has just announced he is quitting Dream Theater. Portnoy issued the following statement on his Facebook fan page he administers himself:

"I am about to write something I never imagined I'd ever write: after 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater... the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.

To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision... it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so....

After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail!, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater...

Please don't misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them... it's just that I think we are in serious need of a little break...

Dream Theater was always my baby... and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985... 24/7, 365... never taking time off from DT's never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was "off" between cycles)... working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band...

But I've come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out... and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.

We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a "hiatus" to recharge our batteries and "save me from ourselves"...

Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather... I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be...

While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way... so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes....

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Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Dream Theater

Death doom metallers De Profundis will be touring India this coming October.

The band wrote: "We are really excited to announce to all our fans in India, that De Profundis will be touring there this coming October. As of now we can confirm the following 2 shows. More dates to follow so stay tuned."

22nd October - Chennai - YMCA Ground (Chennai Open Festival)
24th October - Bangalore - Royal Place Ground (The Great Indian October Fest)

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	De Profundis
Event:	De Profundis

San Francisco Bay Area thrash metallers Death Angel have announced the dates for the band's first-ever headlining tour across North America early next year. The band will be touring in support of their latest studio effort Relentless Retribution, released only a couple of days ago. Support on the trek will come from Lazarus A.D., Early Man, Bonded By Blood, and Hexen. Tour dates are as follows:

Jan. 30 - Volume 11 - Raleigh, NC
Jan. 31 - The Casbah - Charlotte, NC
Feb. 01 - Jaxx - W. Springfield, VA
Feb. 02 - Crazy Donkey - Farmingdale, NY
Feb. 03 - Rocko's - Manchester, NH
Feb. 04 - Club Hell - Providence, RI
Feb. 05 - Montage Music Hall - Rochester, NY
Feb. 06 - Mod Club - Toronto, ON - CANADA
Feb. 07 - Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
Feb. 08 - Blondie's - Detroit, MI
Feb. 09 - Reggie's Rock Club - Chicago, IL
Feb. 10 - Phoenix Hill Tavern - Louisville, KY
Feb. 11 - Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
Feb. 12 - Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK
Feb. 13 - Numbers - Houston, TX (w/ D.R.I.)
Feb. 14 - Emo's - Austin, TX (w/ D.R.I.)
Feb. 15 - White Rabbit - San Antonio, TX (w/ D.R.I.)
Feb. 16 - Rail Club - Ft. Worth, TX
Feb. 18 - Club DV8 - Tucson, AZ
Feb. 19 - Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ
Feb. 20 - Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
Feb. 21 - Cheyenne Saloon - Las Vegas, NV
Feb. 22 - The Key Club - Hollywood, CA
Feb. 23 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
Feb. 24 - The Boardwalk - Orangevale, CA
Feb. 25 - Lost on Main - Chico, CA
Feb. 26 - Slim's - San Francisco, CA

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Death Angel
Event:	North American Retribution Tour 2011

Finnish progressive/melodic death metal band Crystalic are offering a free download of their sophomore release Persistence. Go to this location and get your free copy.

The band explained as follows: "So this is the way that music business works these days... We have patiently contacted record labels for over a year now and have not managed to get a single deal offered, that was nothing more than a total rip-off on the artist's expence. You really think that this material is not worth a decent release?!

We want to progress and evolve as a band and concentrate on playing live and composing new songs. This is not possible if we have an album's worth of material recorded and ready for release. Just waiting and waiting endlessly for a possible collaborator. We have waited enough and this is the only choice.

The name of the album is an indication of the last 3 years that we have managed to pull through after a near break-up and the difficult process of recording, which took almost 2 years, 3 studios and a vocalist change in the middle of it all. This album is dedicated to all of our fans, who believe in this band and to all people who fight for their dreams and never give up! So without further ado.. Download the album here, leave a comment, spread the word and LET THE METAL FLOW!"

Persistence cover art] tracklist:

01. Sub-Creatures
02. Throne of Sin
03. Wall of Sanity
04. Vanishing Act
05. Voiceless Army
06. Eulogy
07. Blastbeat of My Heart
08. New Time
09. Lord of the Mourn
10. Too Dark to See

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Crystalic

Suicidal Tendencies just released a new compilation album, called No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family. The record features re-recorded tracks from Suicidal Tendencies' second album Join The Army, as well as tunes from the second full-length from No Mercy - the speed metal band of guitarist guitarist Mike Clark and vocalist Mike Muir. Now, the first bunch of dates of the next Suicidal Tendencies US tour has been confirmed and can be viewed below. More dates will be announced soon.

Oct. 15 - Reno, NV - Knitting Factory
Oct. 16 - Portland, OR - Roseland
Oct. 17 - Seattle, WA - Showbox
Oct. 20 - San Francisco, CA - Fillmore
Oct. 22 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
Oct. 26 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep
Oct. 29 - Detroit, MI - Harpo's
Oct. 30 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles
Oct. 31 - Cleveland, OH- Peabody's
Nov. 02 - St. Louis, MO - Pops
Nov. 04 - Houston, TX - Meridien
Nov. 06 - Dallas, TX - Palladium Showroom
Nov. 07 - Austin, TX - Fun Fun Fun Fest
Nov. 09 - Tampa, FL - State Theatre
Nov. 10 - Orlando, FL - Firestone
Nov. 12 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
Nov. 13 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
Nov. 17 - Chicago, IL - Metro
Nov. 18 - Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze
Nov. 20 - Denver, CO - Summit
Nov. 21 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theatre

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Suicidal Tendencies

In November the all-star ensemble Avantasia will embark on their first worldwide indoor arena tour ever, writing "a new chapter in Heavy Metal history". Kicking off in Pratteln, Switzerland on November 30th the all-star project will set off on a three-week-journey to bring the prestigious Metal Opera event to three different continents around the planet.

Featuring some of Hard Rock and Metal's best vocalists of all times, such as Jorn Lande (Masterplan), Bob Catley (Magnum), Amanda Somerville (Aina), Oliver Hartmann (At Vance) and former Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske, another star has now been confirmed to be part of the traveling "Metal Opera"; a semi-god in Asia, Mister German Metal, formerly Helloween, now Gamma Ray: the one and only Mr. Kai Hansen!

Host Tobias overjoyed: "Kai will have a vocal role and play some guitar too. We've been friends for quite a while now. I remember, I was a little kid when I first heard Helloween's Keeper-albums. And that was the instant that lit a spark in me. Unfortunately I never got the chance to see Helloween with Michael and Kai on stage, but they'll make up for it now! Both have played an important role for me personally and for the history of Avantasia and its Metal Opera in particular. I am looking forward to sharing the stage with them and play some of our old Avantasia classics together."

The Metal Opera Comes To Town 2010 announced live shows include:

30. Nov 2010 - Switzerland - Pratteln, Z7
01. Dec 2010 - Switzerland - Pratteln, Z7
03. Dec 2010 - Germany - Lichtenfels, Stadthalle
04. Dec 2010 - Germany - Kaufbeuren, All Karthalle
05. Dec 2010 - Sweden - Stockholm, Arenan

08. Dec 2010 - Japan - Tokyo, Shinagawa Stellar Ball

10. Dec 2010 - Mexico - Mexico City, Circo Volador
13. Dec 2010 - Brasil - São Paulo, CTN
15. Dec 2010 - Argentina - Buenos Aires, venue tba

18. Dec 2010 - Germany - Fulda, Esperantohalle
19. Dec 2010 - Germany - Essen, Grugahalle

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Source:	tobiassammet.com
Band profile:	Avantasia
Event:	Avantasia

Reactivated San Francisco Bay Area thrashers Forbidden have debuted the artwork to their new studio album, Omega Wave. Omega Wave will be released in Europe on October 22 and in North America on October 26 via Nuclear Blast Records. Album details are available here.

Forbidden guitarist/songwriter Craig Locicero checks in about his collaborative process with artist Kent Mathieu, the visual elements that can be found in the album's artwork, and his concern for the future of the human race:

"As soon as Forbidden committed to writing a new record, I wondered where Kent Mathieu was. I'd always felt like Forbidden Evil and Twisted Into Form were pretty iconic album covers... when things like that actually seemed to matter; Then, the good people at Nuclear Blast actually located Kent! I got pretty excited and reached out to him immediately. He was equally excited to hear from us, too. The only real direction I gave Kent was to somehow tie the past into the future. Find a way to make the two skulls Forbidden Evil's artwork] vital again. He had worked up about 12 sketches all kinds of variously cool stuff. Out of all of the pictures he sent me, I liked the way one of them was laid out because of it's simplicity. After thinking about it for a long while, I had a concept for Kent to work with. The Omega Wave concept. The title wasn't decided until I had a good idea for the cover.

I don't want to over-explain the actual picture because there is enough symbolism for everyone to interpret everything differently. That is always a plus, in my book. What I can tell you is that the skull in the center is based upon the crystal skull of Belize. This skull was found at some of the pyramid ruins in two perfect pieces, jawbone and upper cranium. It was always quite a mystery, but some years later Hewlett Packard scientists did extensive tests on the skull and found many anomalies. One of them was that there is no way, even with our most modern technology, that we could cut into the crystal the way this skull was formed. It would shatter with any instrument we have available, even today. Another thing was the fact that no matter what temperature the skull was placed in, the skull's temperature would stay almost exactly the same. Scientists even believe the skull holds information that they could not tap into, like a giant computer chip with an impenetrable code.

So I got to thinking: Does this skull - and the other ones found throughout the most ancient places on Earth - hold something that we would need to know to possibly save ourselves? This is not an entirely new concept, but it hit me pretty hard. What could we learn about ourselves that may save us at this all-important juncture for the human race? It seems as if we've reached our Omega stage as a civilization. Meaning, we as people seem to be in a hurry to reach some sort of ending... possibly all self-manifested by accepting some sort of pre-determined fate. Or possibly just pawns in a game that was played out before and will be repeated again and again in other times and dimensions. So Omega Wave is part science fact and part from my imagination.

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Forbidden

Blind Guardian has released the following press statement:

"Triumphantly returning to North American shores in support of the Billboard-charting new album At The Edge Of Time, we are pleased to announce the western hemisphere's portion of the Sacred Worlds And Songs Divine 2010 World Tour, commencing on November 19th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and concluding on December 22nd in West Springfield, Virginia. Support acts are California's Holy Grail and Florida's Seven Kingdoms.

Hansi checks in from the secret Blind Guardian bunker about the upcoming trek: "Christmas will be a little earlier this year, 'cause The Guardian is coming to town in November and December! The band is really excited to announce this upcoming tour. Finally, we will get the chance to preach our Sacred Words and play our Songs Divine somewhere near your neighborhood. We have prepared a nice package of music and bands for our Northern American followers. Our friends from Holy Grail and Seven Kingdoms will join us on this glorious mission and will have their part in these magical nights to come. Both bands are underground now, but I can feel that the future is theirs. They really carry the spirit of a new American Power Metal generation. Touring the U.S. and Canada does always means a tremendous amount of fun, so we are really anxious to see if the people in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Albuquerque - where we have not played before - can scream as loud as their brothers and sisters in New York, Quebec, Toronto, or Hollywood. We'll soon find out when we meet you at the edge of time."

Confirmed North American dates for the Sacred Worlds And Songs Divine Tour are as follows:

Nov. 19 - The Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 20 - Nokia Theatre - New York, NY
Nov. 21 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA
Nov. 23 - Metropolis - Montreal, QC - Canada
Nov. 25 - Theatre Capitole - Quebec City, QC - Canada
Nov. 26 - Kool Haus - Toronto, ON - Canada
Nov. 27 - Royal Oak Music Theatre - Royal Oak, MI
Nov. 29 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL
Nov. 30 - The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
Dec. 01 - The Garrick Centre - Winnipeg, MB - Canada
Dec. 03 - MacEwan Hall Ballroom - Calgary, AB - Canada
Dec. 04 - The Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB - Canada
Dec. 06 - Showbox at The Market - Seattle, WA
Dec. 08 - The Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA
Dec. 09 - Henry Fonda Theatre / The Music Box - Los Angeles, CA
Dec. 10 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
Dec. 11 - Sunshine Theater - Albuquerque, NM

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Source:	blind-guardian.com
Band profile:	Blind Guardian
Event:	Blind Guardian: Sacred Worlds And Songs Divine N. American Tour

Italian doom/gothic metal band The Foreshadowing have found a new bassist, after Davide Pesola's (Klimt 1918) departure earlier this year. Here's the word from the band:

"After a long selection for the vacant role through the last year, The Foreshadowing are thrilled to announce Francesco Giulianelli from Endaemona as their new official bass player! Francesco joined us for our last two gigs at Summer Breeze and Nihil Fest and showed his great musical skills and personality. He will take part of the future studio activities too."

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	The Foreshadowing

Finnish folk metallers Ensiferum have announced a short run of tour dates in South Africa this October. Support on the tour will come from Riddare Av Koden. Dates are as follows:

27/10 - Burn Nightclub, Durban, KZN
28/10 - Cool Runnings, Fourways, JHB
29/10 - Rumours Lounge, Palm Court, JHB
30/10 - Black Dahlia (Halloween Party), Boksburg, JHB

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Ensiferum
Event:	Ensiferum

Swedish metallers Evocation will release their third album, Apocalyptic, on October 29 via Cyclone Empire Records. Also, a brand new song, "Sweet Obsession", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

The band commented: "We are exhausted and we are grumpy but we are very happy as well... This means that we are finally done with our 3rd full length album which we entitled Apocalyptic. We are very, very satisfied with the final result and we are proud to say that - fucking hell, we did it even a third time! As we speak the album is already in our record company's hands, still the one and only Cyclone Empire. Now we are breathing some air to gain new power and strength to conquer the world even more, we are aiming at Tours, Festivals and Club Shows. For the cover art this time we naturally found that Xaay (Behemoth, Nile, Vader etc.) would fit both the title Apocalyptic and our musical achievements just perfect. And it did, we can assure you we are blown away by the effort and feeling he gave it. See for your selves! We will of course not leave you starving until the release of this master piece which is announced to be in European stores the 29th of October. Therefore we decided to give you a bite of the tasty cookie, so ladies and gents we give you - "Sweet Obsession"."

Apocalyptic cover art] tracklist:

01. Sweet Obsession
02. We Are Unified Insane
03. Infamy
04. Parasites
05. Reunion In War
06. Psychosis Warfare
07. Murder In Passion
08. It Is All Your Fault
09. Curse On The Creature
10. Apocalyptic

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Evocation

Turns out that Dark Funeral is more like a sinking ship than a thriving black metal band these days. After vocalist Emperor Magus Caligula (his mommy calls him Magnus Bromberg) announced his departure in July, followed by bassist B-Force only a month later, also drummer Nils Fjellström is now leaving the group. You may remember Nils Fjellström from the Monday news report where he announced his split from his other band Aeon.

Here's the official word from founding member Lord Ahriman (his driver's licence says Micke Svanberg): "Recently, you could read about Nils "Dominator" Fjellstrom's departure from Aeon due to personal/private reasons. Today we can confirm that he'll no longer be part of Dark Funeral either. And just like Aeon, we won't comment on this subject any further.

With that being said, I/we see no reason to waste any time here. Besides a new vocalist, we are currently looking for a new drummer too. If you do believe that you have what it takes for the job, please send us a brief introduction and some audio/video files/links of your performance to: vocalist darkfuneral se

With the recent departures from the band I/we understand if this may cause some worries and/or confusion amongst you all, but you can be rest assured that everything is under total control! It's not like anyone have left the band on bad terms, but unfortunately, sometimes things like this is inventible, and needs to happen to secure the survival of a band. And there is absolutely no doubt in my/our mind that once the new line-up is complete. We will be a stronger and better band than ever.

Musically we will continue in the same paths. I'm still main responsible for all the song writings, incl. the drums. So you have nothing to worry about there. However, a new line-up will naturally color the sound in some ways, but I'm totally confident that it will only be for the better.

I've recently started writing and demoing new stuff in my home studio. And just like I - and guitarist Chaq Mol (his supermarket loyalty card says Bo Karlsson) - did when I/we worked on the pre-production for Angelus Exuro pro Eternus, I'm not only nailing down the guitar parts, I'm also programming the drums. So far it sounds totally fucking killer (of course!). However, at this point it's obviously still too early to say in what direction we'll be heading with the new material/album. We'll keep everything "wide open" until the new line-up is complete. And once complete, we'll continue to work on the new album as a full band. And this time I hope that everyone will be able to contribute with some killer material to make this to the best and strongest Dark Funeral album to date!"

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Source:	darkfuneral.se
Band profile:	Dark Funeral

Danzig are once again hosting the Blackest Of The Black tour taking place in October and November. On the 2010 edition, Danzig are taking Possessed, Marduk, Toxic Holocaust and Withered with them on their North American trek.

Blackest Of The Black tour dates:

Oct 25 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
Oct 27 - Little Rock, AR @ The Village
Oct 29 - San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
Oct 30 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Oct 31 - Dallas, TX @ The Palladium Showroom
Nov 02 - Knoxville, TN @ Valarium
Nov 03 - Louisville, KY @ Expo Five
Nov 04 - Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
Nov 05 - Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa (No Danzig)
Nov 06 - Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theater
Nov 07 - Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater
Nov 09 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Cabooze
Nov 10 - Fargo, ND @ The Venue
Nov 12 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater
Nov 14 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory Concert House
Nov 15 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
Nov 16 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

Read more ››

Source:	blackestoftheblack.com
Band profile:	Danzig
Event:	Blackest Of The Black 2010