Back in May, German gothic metallers Coronatus announced the departure of vocalists Lisa Lasch and Carmen Lorch. Back then, the band declared that, "even after such a hard strike like the loss of both of our female singers we will not give up!"

And so, since last week, Coronatus has their first new female singer, named Natalia Kempin. Natalia will take over the spot of Carmen.

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Source:	coronatus.de
Band profile:	Coronatus

Swedish progressive/experimental metallers Therion have just unveiled the artwork for their upcoming album, Sitra Ahra, due to release in September via Nuclear Blast Records. The artwork can be viewed at the band's official website, at this location:
http://main.megatherion.com/media/disco/sitraahra.png

The CD was mixed at the legendary Polar Studios in Stockholm by Lennart Östlund (Led Zeppelin, ABBA). The cover artwork was created by Thomas Ewerhard, who worked on all of the band's most recent releases in addition to collaborating with Edguy, Avantasia, Rage and Hammerfall, among others.

Sitra Ahra was mastered in New York and it features the following track listing:

01. Sitra Ahra
02. Kings Of Edom
03. Unguentum Sabbati
04. Land Of Canaan
05. Hellequin
06. 2012
07. Cu Chulain
08. Kali Yoga III
09. The Shells Are Open
10. Din
11. After The Inquisition: Children

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Source:	megatherion.com
Band profile:	Therion

Swedish Death Metallers The Crown have signed a worldwide deal with Century Media Records.

Guitarist Marko Tervonen comments: "We are happy as hell to turn a new page in The Crown's history book...and to pick up the journey with Century Media Records supporting us feels great. We can't wait to unleash Doomsday King upon you all!"

Jens Prueter (Head of A+R, Century Media Europe) adds: "Some of the very early Century Media signings have been Unleashed, Grave, Tiamat, Asphyx, Morgoth - the glory days of the first Death Metal wave. We are still in love with Death Metal and are more than proud to announce the signing of Swedish Death Metal legends The Crown. They haven't lost any aggression since the early 90's and are still a guarantee for some Death Metal Holocaust! In case of doubt, go to one of the summer festivals and hear some new songs live before the album's fall release. We will be there as well. Cheers!"

Read more ››

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

Finnish folk metal heroes Finntroll have announced their second headliner tour in support of their album "Nifelvind", to take place in Fall/Winter 2010. Support will come from Samael from Switzerland, Rotting Christ from Greece, Metsatöll from Estonia and Nothnegal from the Maledives. "That's what we call Pan-European!"

The tour dates:
26.11.2010 BE - Vosselaar, Biebob
27.11.2010 DE - Essen, Turock
28.11.2010 NL - Leuwaarden, Romein Popodium
29.11.2010 DE - Hamburg, Markthalle
30.11.2010 DE - Braunschweig, Meier Music Hall
01.12.2010 DE - Ludwigsburg, Rockfabrik
02.12.2010 DE - Berlin, K17
03.12.2010 DE - Leipzig, Hellraiser
04.12.2010 DE - Lichtenfels, Metal Meeting
05.12.2010 CZ - Zlin, Masters of Rock Cafe
06.12.2010 HU - Budapest, Wigwam
07.12.2010 SI - Ljubljana, Kino Siska
08.12.2010 IT - Milan, Generali Magazzini
09.12.2010 AT - Wien, Szene
10.12.2010 DE - Munich, Backstage
11.12.2010 AT - Kufstein, Kulturfabrik
12.12.2010 CH - Pratteln, Z7
13.12.2010 FR - Lyon, Ninkasi Kao
14.12.2010 ES - Barcelona, Salamandra
15.12.2010 ES - Madrid, Heineken
16.12.2010 FR - Toulouse, Phare
17.12.2010 FR - Limoges, CC John Lennon
18.12.2010 NL - Eindhoven, Eindhoven Metal Meeting
19.12.2010 DE - Frankfurt, Batschkapp

Read more ››

Source:	finntroll.net
Band profile:	Finntroll
Event:	Finntroll + Samael + Rotting Christ

French metallers Whyzdom have issued the following update on their MySpace blog:

"Dear friends

We are very sad to announce that Telya recently decided to leave Whyzdom.

We want to thank Telya for all the great moments we shared. They will remain in our memories forever. We wish her an enormous success and we surely will have the pleasure to hear and see her again in other projects that will reveal her great talent.

Here is the message she wanted us to pass: "Dear all! All beautiful stories come to an end. The end of an adventure for me. I'm announcing that I decided to quit Whyzdom. The reasons that led me to this choice are both personal and artistic. The band project of Vynce was a fantastic experience from the artistic as well as human viewpoint. As a young singer, it allowed me to learn many things, to meet great people, to live magical instants on stage. However, all has not been simple and easy and I've come to a time when it's difficult for me to make concessions and to go against my own choices and my artistic will. I've always been honest with my convictions and with myself, so I don't cheat with what I feel. This decision has been made very carefully, and I hope you will understand it and take it as good as possible. It is necessary to allow me to go on an artistic way that fits me better and that will make me evolve at my own pace. I'll keep you informed with my future projects via my personel MySpace. Kisses from the deep of my heart and much more..."

Of course, Whyzdom is still alive and kicking! The band remains strong and united and ready to meet all the challenges we can find!

Firstly, the band will continue to perform live with a guest singer, until we'll be able to definitely announce the name of our new front woman. More info about our guest singer will follow in the next few days.

Secondly, the composition of our forthcoming album is almost done. 14 tracks have been under work for several monthes. 11 among them stand out, so we're already working on the arrangements. 1 or 2 more songs will also be recorded to be used as "bonus" or on a potential single. The visual concept is also under work in close collaboration with Les Creations Vultus, and we are already thinking about shooting a video clip with them. The album title should be announced in the next few weeks. Whyzdom should be entering the studio next December.

It will be:
- even more symphonic,
- even more epic,

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Whyzdom

Official press release

Hour Of Penance will be part of the "Initiation Of The Misled Tour 2010" flyer] alongside extreme metal acts as Cephalic Carnage and Psycroptic together with Ion Dissonance and Dyscarnate.

Announced dates are as follows:

Sept. 10 - Darmstadt, Germany - Steinbruch Theater
Sept. 11 - München, Germany - Feierwerk
Sept. 12 - Aarschot, Belgium - Klinker Club
Sept. 13 - London, UK - Underworld
Sept. 14 - Plymouth, UK - White Rabbit
Sept. 15 - Manchester, UK - Moho Live
Sept. 16 - Colchester, UK - Arts Centre
Sept. 17 - Sneek, The Netherland - Bolwerk
Sept. 19 - Nantes, France - Le Ferrailleur
Sept. 21 - Madrid, Spain - Sala Live
Sept. 22 - Badalona, Spain - Estraperlo Club
Sept. 23 - Luynes, France - Le Korigan
Sept. 24 - Sursee, Switzerland - Kulturwerk 118
Sept. 25 - Pinarella di Cervia, Italy - Rockplanet Club
Sept. 26 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Gala Hala
Sept. 27 - Wien, Austria - Arena
Sept. 28 - Leipzig, Germany - Theater Fabrik Sachen
Sept. 29 - Prague, Czech Republic - Exit Chmelnice
Sept. 30 - Berlin, Germany - K17
Oct. 01 - Eindhoven, The Netherlands - Dynamo, Bloodshed Fest
Oct. 02 - Oberhausen, Germany - Death Feast Ultimate

In other news, Hour Of Penance will announce their new line-up soon.

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Hour Of Penance
Event:	Cephalic Carnage + Psycroptic: Initiation Of The Misled Tour 2010

Finnish metallers Medicated have issued the following update on the band's official website:

"So! It's summertime, and time for big news:

Medicated hasn't been lying around. Instead we've been recording a new 4-song EP, which is soon ready for final mixing and release. We're still pondering if we're to release it also as a CD. More news of this when things get confirmed.

And then the other big news: Medicated finally has a full line-up, newest member being the former vocalist Dani Nuutinen.

As heard before, Dani is able to work on the vocals, but on top of this he's a talented and tight guitarist with a touch and style which fit Medicated perfectly.

Dani commented: "I was almost freakin' out when I heard that I have the opportunity to join Medicated again! Good old pals and awesome music to play! I'm really looking forward to this and waiting to get the EP released and hit the stage with totally new feel and energy! Let's start medication (beer & metal!) immediately!"

Medicated is filled with new blood and energy and will soon release the new EP.

Keep your ears open and horns high - we'll keep you posted."

Read more ››

Source:

medicatedband.com

Official press release

One of metal's most intriguing, ominous and immensely talented figures, the mighty Devin Townsend, is extremely excited to announce that for the first time in his solo career he will be embarking on a headlining tour flyer]. This will be a special evening exploring a 15 year musical journey with Townsend performing songs spanning his entire vast catalog. Supporting acts will be announced soon along with East Coast shows, but see below or visit www.myspace.com/devintownsenddtb to view the initial headlining tour itinerary.

Special VIP Packages and Presale Tickets will be available for the tour. Please visit: https://tixx1.artistarena.com/devintownsend for more information.

Addicted was released in Nov. 2009 and has become his fastest selling solo record in his career. Townsend is currently working on two new albums for 2011. The new, mind-blowing offering, Addicted, was met with worldwide critical praise and scored very impressive first week numbers debuting at #168 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #2 on the Billboard Heatseakers chart.

Townsend further states: "Sitting here at the airport after months of preparation for the European festivals, getting this material ready to be heard the way it's meant to be heard has been a pretty mean task. Last night's epic rehearsal was one of those moments when you realize the work put into making it right results in an awesome sound. I have been given the opportunity now to bring this music to North America in my first ever solo headlining tour. It's not a huge tour, but I really would appreciate seeing some of the familiar faces and hopefully some new ones as well. It's cheesy to announce your touring plans as 'the biggest or best' of anything, but I love this music, we've worked really hard to get it right. If you're one of the folks that dig it, then this should be a great, heavy and fun time that sounds the way it should. I'm honored to be able to play for you after all these years. There's a ton of great tours coming up, and here is my contribution. Rock the fuck out, stay positive."

Check out some footage of Devin Townsend Project from their early 2010 tour with Between The Buried And Me/Cynic at this location.

Announced tour dates are as follows:

Oct. 08 - Vancouver, BC ? Richshaw Theater
Oct. 09 - Seattle, WA ? Studio Seven
Oct. 10 - Portland, OR ? Hawthorne Theater
Oct. 12 - San Francisco, CA ? Slim's
Oct. 14 - Hollywood, CA ? Key Club

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Devin Townsend
Event:	Devin Townsend

Swedish death metallers Revolting have issued the following update on their MySpace blog:

"The hideous creature known as Revolting has begun writing new songs and material for a 3rd album for Razorback Recordings to be released in 2011.

There is no stopping this lumbering, destructive being. Get ready for what will be the ultimate album from Revolting. Full of the Swedish death metal you love, but with so much more.

You have been warned!"

Read more ››

Source:

blogs.myspace.com

Official press release

earMUSIC, the international rock label of the Hamburg-based entertainment group Edel, has announced the signing of American/Norwegian melodic metallers Kamelot. The band's new studio album, Poetry For The Poisoned, will be released in Europe on September 3, 2010. Poetry for the Poisoned was mostly written in the remote woods of Norway to the final songwriting sessions in a remote region of Germany. The compositions take the listener through many "emotions and dynamics that touch the soul and the mind".

Kamelot Guitarist Thomas Youngblood states: "I think this album is by far our most diverse, fusing new ideas and elements along with the traditional Kamelot sound and style that we have established over the years. Poetry for the Poisoned is a mix of progressive elements, modern rock, dark arts and also power metal. It comes at a time where many people around the world are searching for something to grab on to spiritually, including myself. I recently lost my mother and to be honest it was very hard on me. So there are some melancholy moods reflected on this album."

Recordings took place in the familiar Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producers Sascha Paeth and Miro. Additional tracking also took place in Tampa, Florida as well as various studios in Sweden, Greece and the U.S. The album features guest appearances by Simone Simons (Epica), Gus G. (Firewind), Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork) and Jon Oliva (Savatage, Jon Oliva's Pain). The artwork was created by many great artists, including Seth Siro Anton, Natalie Shau and Michal Loranc.

Frontman Roy Khan assures that Poetry for the Poisoned will both please the band's existing following and expose the universe of Kamelot to a whole range of new fans. "Poetry for the Poisoned is our longest and toughest production so far, but when I hear the result I know it was well worth the struggle," he says.

Max Vaccaro, director of the earMUSIC label, commented: "If there is one thing that is absolutely clear with Kamelot, it's that the band has a unique vision of metal and they consider anything they do as the 'next step' to something bigger and better, constantly adamant to reach new ambitious artistic targets. We're happy about the fact that they have chosen earMUSIC as the partner to expand their audience with this new wonderful album."

Poetry For The Poisoned will also be available as a limited edition hard-cover digipak CD with a bonus DVD, LP and limited collector's edition featuring a bonus 45" vinyl with two rare songs only available on this strictly limited format, personally signed by the band.

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Kamelot

Official Press Release

Dragonforce, the stellar musicians whose latest Ultra Beatdown album charted strongly all over the world, have announced the release of their first live album; titled Twilight Dementia and produced by longstanding DF collaborator Karl Groom along with band guitarists Herman Li & Sam Totman, this double live set is now confirmed for a September 13th 2010 release on Spinefarm Records and Roadrunner Records (US, Canada).

Featuring 13 tracks, including such pivotal numbers as "Fury Of The Storm", "Operation Ground And Pound", "My Spirit Will Go On", "Valley Of The Damned", "Heroes Of Our Time" & "Through The Fire And Flames", this exercise in soaring vocals & advanced guitar pyrotechnics was recorded across 19 UK shows, with the very best takes lovingly compiled and mixed by Groom, Totman & Li.

Says Herman: "For years, fans have been asking us to record a live album, but honestly, we never really had the time due to our worldwide touring commitments and studio album recording. However, due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans on the "Ultra Beatdown World Tour", we decided to finally put some real thought into it. The idea was to record every single show from the last leg of the tour, so we could pick the best take of each song without needing to do any overdubs in the studio; keeping the whole thing "live" like all the classic live metal albums. These recordings really capture the raw sonic energy of a Dragonforce show in fine detail. It is so real that you can hear the noise of the crowd and experience the show as it was that night - you can even hear the guitar pedals being stepped on!"

Twilight Dementia cover art] tracklist:

Disc I
01. Heroes Of Our Time
02. Operation Ground And Pound
03. Reasons To Live
04. Fury Of The Storm
05. Fields Of Despair
06. Starfire
07. Soldiers Of The Wasteland

Disc II
01. My Spirit Will Go On
02. Where Dragons Rule
03. The Last Journey Home
04. Valley Of The Damned
05. Strike Of The Ninja
06. Through The Fire And Flames

Read more ››

Source:	dragonforce.com
Band profile:	DragonForce

Official press release

After two years of relentless touring Los Angeles based neo-classical death metal unit Exmortus is back on the war path and getting ready to head into the studio to record a follow up to their heralded debut album In Hatred's Flame released on Heavy Artillery Records in late 2008. Since the departure of former vocalist and guitarist Balmore earlier this year, Exmortus have recruited new guitarist Sean Redline while lead shredder/songwriter Conan has also taken over vocal duties giving Exmortus an even more brutal death-tinged edge than before. The band has recorded a two-track demo to give fans a taste of what to expect from the new line-up picture] and the yet-unnamed new album tentatively scheduled for release during spring 2011. Preview the first track entitled "Entombed With The Pharaohs" on the band's MySpace profile at: http://www.myspace.com/exmortus.

Catch Exmortus live at these upcoming events:

July 24th Riverside, CA @ Masters of Disasters 3 at Common Ground
July 31st Tempe, AZ @ Keep Metal Alive at Club Red
August 7th Escondido, CA @ Metaphor Café w/ Vektor

Exmortus are an entity amongst themselves and their music, both complex and thoroughly hook-laden, refuses to lend itself to easy categorization. From the technical death-thrash riffage and surgically precise drumming to their neo-classical, twin virtuoso lead guitar attack, fans of death metal, thrash, prog metal, traditional heavy metal and all true metal sub-genres alike enjoy having their craniums crushed by the fury of Exmortus.

(thanks to BudDa for posting this news)

Read more ››

Source:

blogs.myspace.com

René Pedersen from Danish metallers Mercenary has issued the following update on the band's MySpace blog:

"Hey all your crazy people out there,

I'm writing you from Hansen studios in Ribe, Denmark, where we are currently recording the 6th Mercenary studio album, and man is it gonna be a killer one I might add!

The process has been so fore filling, it has been so much fun to write this album, and we truly believe this to be our strongest release in our career.

Here is a little teaser from the studio, of Martin tracking a lead for the new album!

Stay posted for more updates."

Two other little teasers of the studio sessions can be viewed here and here.


Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Mercenary

Original news, posted on 18.06.2010

band]Darkseed vocalist Harald Winkler has issued a short update about the new album Poison Awaits:

"We are really proud to announce that we have finished recording, mixing and mastering our new album Poison Awaits which will be released July 16 on Massacre Records. We are really happy with the album and can't wait till you guys get to hear it. Stay tuned for more exciting news and song teasers on MySpace."

UPDATE (thanks to BudDa)

Audio samples of all the tracks that are set to appear on Poison Awaits, the forthcoming album from German metallers Darkseed, are available for streaming at this location.

Poison Awaits is scheduled for release on July 23 via Massacre Records.

Poison Awaits cover art] tracklist:

01. Roads
02. Incinerate
03. Poison Awaits
04. Seeds Of Sorrow
05. All Is Vanity
06. Black Throne
07. A Dual Pact
08. Torn To Shatters
09. No Promise In The Heavens
10. Striving For Fire
11. Timeless Skies
12. King In The Sun
13. The Demon Within
14. Comptine D'Un Autre Eté

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Darkseed

Album Title: 8

The cover art of the album can be seen here]

Track Listing:
01. Track One
02. Gestalt Principles of Matter Perception
03. A Linear Passage
04. Tabula Rasa
05. Private School of Thought
06. The Regulars
07. Departure Gate 8
08. Heartache Memorial
09. Let Us Blend
10. Open World
11. End Unit of The Universe

Name of record label, release date, and additional details will be announced soon.

"8", the eight full-length album from Kekal is a collection of thoughts and emotions blended together into a unique yet bold statement. Each song displays its character as a balance between electronic and organic elements, rhythm and melody, aggression and atmosphere, simplicity and complexity, beauty and the beast. With "8", Kekal redefines the term 'experimental' in its true sense, but yet listeners will find the entire album accessible and digestible.

Read more ››

Source:	kekal.org
Band profile:	Kekal