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Alchemist - Writing New Material

Australian metallers Alchemist have issued the short following update:

"Alchemist are well underway writing what will be there 7th studio album that we will hopefully record at the end of the year to be ready for shows in Australia, Europe and hopefully New Zealand and Japan.

The new material is different again, it's eathy, dark, hypnotic & heavy with some exploration with different instrumentation and rythms."

Source: alchemist.com.au
Band profile: Alchemist
Posted: 15.07.2009 by White Winter Sun | Comments (4)


Koldbrann - Part Ways With Two Members, Replacements Announced

Original news, posted on 12.05.2009

Norwegian metallers Koldbrann have issued the following statement:

"Koldbrann has chosen to end the collaboration with it's drummer through 7 years, Tom V. "Fordervelse" Nilsen, due to internal disagreements. Tom V. "Fordervelse" Nilsen has played drums on all of Koldbrann's releases and concerts to this date, and had a significant impact on the development of the band.

Shortly after this occured, Geir Antonsen stated that he wants to step down from his position as 2nd guitarist of the band, as he no longer feels that he has the necessary capasity to continue with active touring. Geir Antonsen has given his all for Koldbrann since 2004, both on stage and recordings.

The remaining Koldbrann are grateful for all the work the two of you have put into the band through the years, and we wish you the very best for the future!

These changes pose some challenges for Koldbrann, however, the creative forces in the band are still intact, and there are no plans to retire whatsoever. We are currently working hard on finding suitable replacements, and we've already found some very promising candidates. We will return with an update as soon as the last pieces of the puzzle are in place!

Kvass, Mannevond and Stian Johnskareng."

A statement from Tom V. "Fordervelse" Nilsen can be found on his MySpace site.

UPDATE (thanks to 28097)

Norwegian metallers Koldbrann have issued the following statement:

"Koldbrann have recruited two new live members for the coming live concerts. Folkedal (session for Sarkom) and Vidar "Voidar" Ermesjø (Hjarnidaudi) will handle the drums and the 2nd guitar."

Koldbrann now consists of:

Kvass - Guitar
Mannevond - Vocals
S.G.J. - Bass
Folkedal - Drums (live)
Voidar - Guitar (live)

Koldbrann is confirmed for the following festivals this summer:

Summer Breeze Open Air, Dinkelsbühl / Germany, 14.08.2009
Barther Open Air, Barth / Germany, 15.08.2009
Hole In The Sky, Bergen / Norway, 27.08.2009

Read more ››

Source: koldbrann.net
Band profile: Koldbrann
Posted: 15.07.2009 by Abattoir | Comments (1)


Revocation - New Song Online

US metallers Revocation have posted online a new song, "The Brain Scramblers", on their MySpace page.

"The Brain Scramblers" comes off the band's forthcoming album, entitled "Existence Is Futile", which will be released on September 29 in the US (October 5 in the rest of World) via Relapse Records. The album was recorded at Damage Studios in Southbridge, MA with engineer Pete Rutchko.

"Existence Is Futile" tracklist:

01. Enter The Hall
02. Pestilence Reigns
03. Deathonomics
04. Existence Is Futile
05. The Brain Scramblers
06. Across Forests And Fjords
07. ReaniManiac
08. Dismantle The Dictator
09. Anthem Of The Betrayed
10. Leviathan Awaits
11. Tragedy Of Modern Ages

Read more ››

Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Revocation
Posted: 15.07.2009 by White Winter Sun | Comments (0)


Paradise Lost - New Song Online

UK metallers Paradise Lost have posted online a new song, "As Horizons End", on their MySpace page.

"As Horizons End" comes off the band's forthcoming album, entitled "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us", which will be released on September 28 in Europe (October 6 in the US) via Century Media Records.

Nick Holmes comments: "This song is about someone who's on a downward spiral. Working too hard and trying to claw back some positive spirit by participating in all the so called joyous occasions in life, socialising and networking but to no avail, the long days have crushed the soul till only disappointment and cynicism remains. This song was inspired by the thousands of dishevelled looking middle aged businessmen I see in airports each year. This track has had a dozen face lifts since its inception and in true fashion, it was never intended to be the first track. Once it was mixed though it was hard to imagine any other song opening the album."

Gregor Mackintosh adds: "The whole point to this song was to capture a feeling of foreboding. Like when a thunderstorm is approaching. All the chord progressions are supposed to give an ominous sense of dread. The mid section lulls you into thinking that you're safe only to discover there is much bigger storm on the horizon."

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Paradise Lost
Posted: 14.07.2009 by White Winter Sun | Comments (5)


Porcupine Tree - New Album Samples Online

UK metallers Porcupine Tree have issued the following update on their MySpace blog:

"A medley of extracts from "The Incident" is now available to listen to on the Porcupine Tree MySpace page, or the Roadrunner UK website.

Written and recorded between September-May, "The Incident" is the tenth studio album by Porcupine Tree. Released worldwide by Roadrunner on 14th September (one week earlier than previously announced in order to coincide with the first tour dates), the album is a 2 disc set, the first disc containing the 55 minute title track / song cycle, and the second CD featuring 4 shorter pieces. There will be 3 editions of the album; a standard 2 CD set, a deluxe edition (contents to be confirmed), and a double vinyl version."

More details about "The Incident" were previously reported at this location.

Read more ››

Source: porcupinetree.com
Band profile: Porcupine Tree
Posted: 14.07.2009 by ArtiA | Comments (5)


Neuraxis - Part Ways With Drummer And Bassist

Montreal's Neuraxis have announced they are parting ways with drummer Tommy Mckinnon and bassist Yan Thiel.

Guitarist Rob Milley comments: "The time has come again for us to refresh the Neuraxis family as we are now seeking a new drummer and bassist. Nothing really juicy to tell. For Tommy, his priorities began to differ from ours while on the road until it became clear to us that he was no longer enjoying the touring lifestyle. He wishes to go back to school to complete his education. As for Yan its just been a case of him deciding to further his working career and he can no longer dedicate himself to the band. This has been going on for many years now and its time for us to have a full-time bassist on board. Both of them will continue playing in other musical projects. We thank our metal brothers for all the good times we had together and wish them the best for the future. Tommy and Yan will be fullfilling all our summer shows already booked ending with a fitting show in Montreal at the Club Soda on Sept 11th 2009.

With that being said, we are excited to get some new blood in the band. For those interested in auditioning for the drummer and bassist positions, visit our MySpace page to learn the following 3 songs: "Dreaming The End", "Darkness Prevails" and "Clarity" and make sure to read all the requirements before getting in touch with us. We ask you to video tape yourself playing these songs, add it to your youtube page and send us the link by myspace. Include Drummer audition and Bassist audition in the subject."

Read more ››

Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Neuraxis
Posted: 13.07.2009 by Thryce | Comments (4)


Dawn Of Azazel - Sign With Unique Leader Records

Unique Leader Records are thrilled to announce the signing of long-serving New Zealand death metal tyrants Dawn Of Azazel to the roster for the release of their third album "Relentless".

The label expects the band to turn some heads with their unique brand of angular, dissonant extreme metal and have high expectations for the album's release. Erik Lindmark adds: "Dawn of Azazel's "Relentless" will be a release that stands the test of time. So many unforgettable hooks and memorable songwriting along with some of the most original and powerful vocals used in extreme metal today, period!"

According to vocalist/bassist Rigel Walshe: "After months of delays and negotiations with labels, we are pleased to announce our alliance with Unique Leader Records for the release of our forthcoming third album "Relentless". It's an honor to be working with a label with a history of releasing some of the greatest records in the extreme metal genre, and we look forward to adding our own touch to the legacy".

The album is set for release worldwide on October 13th, with distribution through both Unique Leader and Prosthetic Records channels. Pre-order information will be available soon. For updates and news on Dawn of Azazel go to http://www.myspace.com/dawnof azazel.

Read more ››

Source: uniqueleader.com
Band profile: Dawn Of Azazel
Posted: 13.07.2009 by ArtiA | Comments (0)


Onslaught - Live Album Details

The new live album by UK thrash band Onslaught entitled "Live Damnation" will be released worldwide through Candlelight Records on Monday 20 July.

The album was recorded at last years "Damnation Festival" in Leeds, England by Ed Shackleton for Noise Recordings and mixed by Andy Sneap at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, England and contains 8 blistering tracks of 666% pure thrash metal. The sleeve artwork was designed and undertaken by the bands very own Jeff Williams.

Tracklisting as follows:

01. Killing Peace
02. Let There Be Death
03. Destroyer Of Worlds
04. Metal Forces
05. Planting Seeds Of Hate
06. Demoniac
07. Burn
08. Power From Hell

There is a live version of "Metal Forces" taken from the album, currently streaming on the Onslaught MySpace page.

"Live Damnation" will be released in a double sided CD/DVD format and contain various film footage from Damnation Festival inc Live tracks/fan cams/interviews.

Read more ››

Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Onslaught
Posted: 13.07.2009 by Bad English | Comments (8)


Cain's Offering - New Project Featuring Sonata Arctica, Wintersun, Stratovarius Members

Original news, posted on 13.04.2009

Guitarist Jani Liimatainen has revealed more info regarding his new project on his MySpace:

"I promised you I'd give you some info about what I've been working on lately (for a year now actually...). The info about the new lineup was released on this months Burrn!-magazine, so I think it's time to make it official here as well. My new band is called Cain's Offering, the official website will be up and running hopefully already next week and you can find the Myspace-site here."

"Cain's Offering are currently working on our debut album, "Gather The Faithful", which will hopefully come out by the end of the summer. The drums were recorded at Drumforest Studios last November/December, the bass at Astia Studios during February, the basic guitar tracks were laid down in the beginning of March at Studio 57, and last couple of weeks we've been camping out in the woods with Timo recording the lead vocals. We still have 2 more songs to record, but all in all things are going smoothly.

Unfortunately we cannot provide any songs or samples yet, but when we get there some will be uploaded here for your listening pleasure. In the meanwhile, those of you who like to listen a big man bang on his drums can check out this clip. It's our beloved Hurtsi rehearsing before we went to the studio to lay down the drum tracks. I think he begins with "Disciple" by Slayer, before launcing into "13th Disciple" (yes, he has some sense of humour), song that be included on "Gather The Faithful". A few other songtitles include "Stolen Waters", "More Than Friends" and "Morpheus In a Masquerade". That's about all the info I can give you at the moment, but be patient."

Cain's Offering are:

Vocals: Timo Kotipelto (Stratovarius)
Guitar: Jani Liimatainen (ex-Sonata Arctica, ex-Altaria)
Keyboards: Mikko Harkin (ex-Sonata Arctica)
Bass: Jukka Koskinen (Wintersun, Norther)
Drums: Jani "Hurtsi" Hurula

UPDATE (thanks to 22261)

Cain's Offering have posted four new tracks off their forthcoming album "Gather The Faithful". Check them out here.

In the meantime, Cain's Offering signed with Frontiers Records for the release of "Gather the Faithful" in all territories outside of Asia and Japan. The release dates are August 27th in Europe and September 11th in the USA. The "Frontiers-version" will feature a red cover artwork, while the "Marquee/Avalon-version" will sport a blue one.

Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Cain's Offering
Posted: 13.07.2009 by RhaegarTargaryen | Comments (49)


The Gathering - New Video Online

"All You Are", the new video from Dutch metallers The Gathering, has been made available online. According to the band, the video contains lots of live images shot at Graspop Metal Meeting 2009 festival.

"All You Are" comes off the band's latest album, entitled "The West Pole", which was released in Europe on May 4, 2009 via Psychonaut Records.


Read more ››

Source: gathering.nl
Band profile: The Gathering
Posted: 13.07.2009 by White Winter Sun | Comments (3)


Celtic Legacy - Have Split Up

Celtic Legacy is sorry to announce that the band is to be put on hold indefinitely with immediate effect.

A statement from the band reads as follows: "We had already begun the process of following up "Guardian Of Eternity", but financial woes have put paid to the prospect of a new album. The band is in heavy debt following the recording of the previous CD. It was hoped that sales of the last release would finance new recordings but subsequent heavy downloading massively outstripped actual album sales, effectively putting paid to any chance we had of financing new projects.

Putting it simply - we're broke. We put everything we had into the last album, but the music scene has changed to the point where we simply can't afford any further band activity, especially with the recession adding to the money squeeze. We've made back only a fraction of the money it cost us to record the last album and we can't afford to do another one. It's as simple as that.

We would like to thank everyone who supported the band since it started way back in 1997. We've had our share of ups and downs since we began, but leaving 3 albums behind - all recorded and released using our own resources is an achievement we're all very proud of.

The band's websites will remain live and the albums will still be available to buy from those locations.

All members of the band go their separate ways on excellent terms and we would not rule out a return somewhere down the line. But for the present, we need to take a long time away until things drastically improve."

Source: celtic-legacy.com
Band profile: Celtic Legacy
Posted: 12.07.2009 by Bad English | Comments (6)


Noumena - Update From The Band

Finnish metallers Noumena have issued the following update:

"No news from the Noumena camp since the dawn of modern time! Now, we are going to change this thing once and for all.

We have had a slow-motion period going on for some time. Things will change as we enter frantic rehearsing and composing stage. There are a couple of new Noumena songs written already, but we need more. Just to show Noumena is alive and kicking, please visit Noumena MySpace and get familiar with a demo version of a brand new song called "Sleep". The song also introduces a stunning new voice in Noumena soundscape. Female vocalist Suvi Uura will give you some shivers...

At the moment we don't have a record deal with any label. No need to mention, but our goal is to get one and release a convincing album in future!

We might play some gigs in Finland later this year or in the beginning of 2010. Let's see. Nothing is certain, but we shall continue our journey as stubbornly as the previous 11 years.

By the way, in Spotify you can find our latest album "Anatomy of Life" and the digital EP "Triumph and Loss". Now all you foreign fans can enjoy that release.

We want to thank you, our dear fans, for couraging words and correspondence. We won't let you down!"

Read more ››

Source: noumena.info
Band profile: Noumena
Posted: 12.07.2009 by ArtiA | Comments (4)


Demonic Resurrection - EP Available For Download

Indian melodic metallers Demonic Resurrection have re-released their 2007 EP titled "Beyond The Darkness" online for stream/download at this location.

The EP was released in 2007 by Demonstealer Records as part of a 3-way split "Rise Of The Eastern Blood" which also featured Dusk (Pakistan) and Severe Dementia (Bangladesh). The EP saw the band change from a more medieval theme and sound to a more celestial path.

"Beyond The Darkness" cover art] tracklist:

01. Journey To Solaris
02. Celestial Disharmony
03. And The Dream Will Cease To Exist
04. Beyond The Darkness
05. The Fallen Stars

All info about the band on http://www.myspace.com/DemonicResurrection.

Read more ››

Source: gimmesound.com
Posted: 12.07.2009 by Thryce | Comments (1)


Týr - Two New Songs And Video Online

Original news, posted on 02.04.2009

Faroese metallers Týr have posted online a new song, "Hold The Heathen Hammer High", on their MySpace page.

The song comes off the band's forthcoming album, entitled "By The Light Of The Northern Star", which will be released on May 29 in Europe via Napalm Records. The album was recorded in early 2009 on the band's native soil. Jacob Hansen mixed the new material and finishing touches were provided by the mastering experts at Finnvox.

UPDATED, on 16.04.2009

Faroese metallers Týr have posted online another new song, entitled "Northern Gate", on their MySpace page.

"Northern Gate" comes off the band's forthcoming album, "By The Light Of The Northern Star", which will be released on May 29 in Europe via Napalm Records.

UPDATE (thanks to 13767)

''Hold The Heathen Hammer High", the new video from Faroese metallers Týr, has been made available online.

"Hold The Heathen Hammer High" comes off the band's latest album, entitled "By The Light Of The Northern Star", which was released on May 29, 2009 via Napalm Records.


Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Týr
Posted: 11.07.2009 by Abattoir | Comments (11)


Midnattsol - Part Ways With Guitarist, Seek Replacement

Midnattsol have issued the following update through their MySpace blog:

"Recently we told you the happy news, that our guitarist Fabian Pospiech became father of a little son. Such events always also bring some changes in life, thus Fabz decided to concentrate increasingly on his family and his new job. Unfortunately this also means that Fabz won't be able to play at Midnattsol any longer. We can understand his decision very well and wish him all the best and good luck for the future!

Thus it also means for us now: Midnattsol search for a new guitarist!

To complete the line-up and blast off again we are searching for a band experienced and creative guitarist. Do you already have live experience, are you motivated and ready for headbanging? Then please write to newguitarist midnattsol com and give us a short description about yourself (if possible with a picture) and what you have musically done so far.

What you can expect at us? A record deal, a rehearsal room at Ludwigsburg near Stuttgart, festivals and tours and of course us, a bunch of Midnattsols that like to party. We are currently writing songs for our third album and would be happy if you immediately join us with this and at the forthcoming Metal Female Voices Fest in Belgium. Musicians from Ludwigsburg / Stuttgart and the greater region will be preferred.

Metal on!"

Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Midnattsol
Posted: 11.07.2009 by White Winter Sun | Comments (7)