Throes Of Dawn have posted the following album update:

"Finally, I am pleased to tell you that the recordings of the fifth album have been finished on most parts and the sound engineer will start the mixing process at the very beginning of January.

As you can guess, the recording of this album has not been an easy task. It has required the patience of a dead animal to pull this thing through. But I can guarantee you it has been well worth all the time and trouble. This album is going to be the ultimate Throes Of Dawn album, our magnum opus.

We are well behind the schedules and plans, and I´m not going to give you any release date because it will propably not hold anyway, but the most important thing is that we are actually making progress and all the work will be over very soon."

In other news, the band has scheduled the following live dates:

14.03.2009 Moscow, Relax Club - Wings of Doom Festival
15.03.2009 St. Petersburg, Orlandina Club - Wings of Doom Festival

Source:	throesofdawn.com
Band profile:	Throes Of Dawn

Singapore's Rudra have issued the following update on their MySpace page:

"The band is pleased to announce the title of the forthcoming album. The album shall bear the name "Brahmavidya: Transcendental I". It shall feature fourteen tracks with a total running time of about 70 minutes, produced by Joshua G. Nair & Sean Loo. However, the bad news is that the band had to prematurely terminate its relationship with Trinity Records Hong Kong. The band is currently shopping for a new label home or labels willing to secure territorial licenses. This setback may delay the release of the CD. More updates will be coming your way soon.

"Brahmavidya: Transcendental I" track listing:

01. Bhagavatpada Namaskara
02. Ravens Of Paradise
03. Amrtasyaputra
04. Hymns From The Blazing Chariot
05. Meditations At Dawn
06. Advaitamrta
07. Natural Born Ignorance
08. Immortality Roars
09. Reversing The Currents
10. Venerable Opposites
11. Avidya Nivrtti
12. Not The Seen But The Seer
13. Adiguru Namastubhyam
14. Majestic Ashtavakra

"Brahmavidya: Transcendental I" will be the second chapter of the "Brahmavidya" trilogy.

Read more ››

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Rudra

As posted by the band on their MySpace:

"Carpathian Forest havent played live since 2006 but its now official that Carpathian Forest will do a few selected live shows in 2009 (one of them being the Inferno Festival in Norway). The band is busy writing the follow up album to "Fuck You All!!!!" and since the band is not promoting a new album when doing these shows, the band will focus on old classics, many of which have never been played live before! Watch out for announcements of live shows near you! The shows will include guest musicians a new set list, and a new stage setting."

According to Blabbermouth sources, in addition, the live performances will be filmed for a possible Carpathian Forest DVD release.

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Carpathian Forest

Original news, posted on 10.12.2008

Dutch thrash metal band Dead Head have posted the following on their MySpace:

"Our new album "Depression Tank" is finally done. Feel free to check out the first song "Less Than Zero". It's in our player NOW! Over the next few weeks, we will disclose at least one more new song. The album will be released by Displeased Records in February."

"Depression Tank" facts:
recorded at Hooiland Studios, Zwolle
mixed and mastered by Robert Slump
artwork by Wicliff Wolda, who also did the "Haatland"-artwork.

Full tracklist:

01. Dissolved In Purity
02. Green Angel
03. Cryptocynic
04. The Swing
05. Daemonique
06. Firegate
07. Less Than Zero mp3]
08. Murder
09. Nero Dies
10. Hateland
11. Pesticide

UPDATE (thanks to ArtiA)

Another new song called "Firegate" coming from Dead Head's new album is available for streaming online.

Read more ››

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Dead Head

Stockholm-based metallers Eventide have issued the following update:

"We have a strong feeling that this new year will be a good year for Eventide. We are writing material for a full-length album that we'll start recording in a couple of months. The new songs are turning out great and we are extremely excited to show the world our new works. Hopefully we'll manage to convince a decent label that this music is worth investing in."

And from the band's MySpace:

"We finished writing yet another song last night! This means we now have 7 songs done plus alot of ideas and riffs about to take shape. The plan is to start recording sometime this spring/early summer. I can assure you that the new album will blow your heads off!!"

Read more ››

Source:	eventideweb.com
Band profile:	Eventide

German black metallers Endstille have posted the following short update:

"We booked JAKs-Hell again to record our sixth album for January/February 2009. The album will be entitled "Verführer" and will be released via Regain Records in Spring/Summer 2009. We are also planning to do a European Tour in fall. Some shows and festivals are confirmed so far."

Source:	endstille.com
Band profile:	Endstille

Swiss melodic metal band Felony have announced the addition of new female singer Melissa to the group's ranks. As the band mentioned on their official site, the new line up will make its live debut on March 7, 2009 at Downstairs in Worblaufen, Switzerland.

Source:	felony.ch
Band profile:	Felony

Devian, Sweden's blackened death/thrash commando will be touring Europe in February and March 2009 together with country mates Unleashed and Diabolical and the Austrian Belphegor. The Hammer Battalion North Tour will start in the 27th of February and end up on the 14th of March in Goteborg (Sweden).

Devian will be promoting their new release "God To The Illfated" released through Century Media. Devian's vocalist Legion comments on the coming tour: "Despite the fact that I´ve been on the road since the mid 90'ies, Scandinavia is almost untouched ground for me. It seems appropriately and fucking cool to take Devian out on our first Nordic leg of touring supporting Unleashed, one of the forefathers and iconic acts of the Northern scene. Hell over Scandinavia! Hail!!"

Hammer Battalion North Tour 2009
Unleashed + Belphegor + Devian + Diabolical

27-02-09 (EST) - Tallin / Tapper
28-02-09 (FIN) - Tampere / Yo-Talo
01-03-09 (FIN) - Helsinki / Nosturi
03-03-09 (FIN) - Turku / Klubi
04-03-09 (FIN) - Joenasuu / Kellari
05-03-09 (FIN) - Oulu / Teatria
06-03-09 (SWE) - Umea / Midnight
07-03-09 (NOR) - Trondheim / ZONE Bakgarden Scene
08-03-09 (NOR) - Oslo / tba
10-03-09 (SWE) - Orebro / Kulturhuset
11-03-09 (SWE) - Malmoe / tba
12-03-09 (DEN) - Copenhagen / The Rock
13-03-09 (SWE) - Stockholm / Klubben
14-03-09 (SWE) - Goteborg / Sticky Fingers

Read more ››

Source:	devian.se
Band profile:	Unleashed
Event:	Hammer Battalion North Tour

Dear Friends and Fans,

We just finished our European tour with Arch Enemy, Mercenary and Sister Sin, which we played with our new line-up for the first time. We're really feeling like a unity, having a great time on the road although we had to go through some technical problems here and there. It was very nice to meet our fans and friends again!

One of the finest moments on this tour was playing with Doro, celebrating her 25th anniversary together with 8.000 fans and other bands and musicians (see picture with Liv, Tarja, Floor, Sabina, Ji-In and Girlschool). We also played at the 25th anniversary of Germany's first Metal temple, the Rockfabrik Ludwigsburg, situated in our hometown. This was a very special night for everybody.

2008 has been a quite turbulent year for us, finding two new members, producing our first DVD "We Came With The Northern Winds / En Saga I Belgia" and our third full-length album. As the recordings progressed, we decided to name the album "Njord". It has a strong connection to Nordic Mythology and history. The sound is truly massive, moreover, we have raised our own musical style to a new level. We are looking forward to both releases in the up-coming year: 27.2. the Double DVD and including Double Live CD "We Came With The Northern Winds / En Saga I Belgia" will be released, and soon after around spring-time the album "Njord" will be out. 2009 will be a year of many exciting, important and positive happenings for both Leaves' Eyes and our wonderful fans. We will see you on tour!

Yours truly,

Leaves Eyes

Read more ››

Source:	leaveseyes.de
Band profile:	Leaves' Eyes

Wolfgang's Vault is reporting the following:

"AC/DC had been in existence for six years and had released as many albums when they recorded this rollicking show at Towson State College, near Baltimore, Maryland. The band was in its prime, with vocalist Bon Scott leading the group through what would later be viewed as some of their strongest material, with the Young Brothers (Angus and Malcolm) driving the guitar-boogie riffs at full throttle.

The band had just released "Highway To Hell", the album that would break the entertaining Aussie band worldwide, and was burning up the rock radio charts with a platter of classics that included "Girl's Got Rhythm," "Touch Too Much," and the title track.

Sadly, four months later, Bon Scott would drink himself to death and the band would be thrown into complete turmoil. The Young Brothers and the remaining members, however, would regroup and re-emerge with new singer Brian Johnson in 1980, as well as a new album, "Back In Black". AC/DC, as we all know, went on to superstar status, but there are those that say the Bon Scott version will never surpassed.

This concert, originally captured for the King Biscuit Flower Hour, is classic Scott era AC/DC, and one of the few professional live recordings that includes material from "Highway To Hell".

Opening with "Live Wire," the group barrels through many of their earlier classics, including: "Shot Down In Flames," "Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be," "Problem Child," "She's Got The Jack," "High Voltage," and a blistering 12-minute version of "Let There Be Rock." But, the real gems in this set are the songs from what was the current album, "Highway To Hell," and "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)"."

The concert took place on 16 October 1979 at the Towson State College in Towson, MD, and is about 76 minutes long. Quality audio of the entire show is available for streaming online, after free simple, registration, at this location.

Read more ››

Source:	concerts.wolfgangsvault.com
Band profile:	AC/DC

Just like last year, Mob Rules are wishing their fans a Happy New Year with promises for a new album. The band revealed the following:

"Meanwhile the band continues to work on the new (already 6th) album. No album title is confirmed yet, but a "hint" to the previous album "Ethnolution A.D." is likely. The main part of songs is already composed, also the band has started to record the first songs in the studio. This time Mob Rules' members work in legs to secure the best result possible. Beside the known Mob Rules qualities the new album will hold some surprises and unexpected things in store. One secret can be revealed here now: the six Northern Germans have written the longest song of their career so far and will amaze you with a real Melodic Metal pamphlet that lyrically deals with a very exciting up-to-date subject.

For 2009 we have the first shows confirmed now, also we are working to realise some very interesting tour constellations. Details to follow soon.

If you have a few minutes, check out the new Mob Rules Youtube channel. We have uploaded some unreleased video material and very soon you'll find all our official clips there."

Read more ››

Source:	mobrules.de
Band profile:	Mob Rules

Original news, posted on 29.12.2008

Dark Moor are sad to announce that Dani Fernandez has decided to parts ways with the band. "We want to thank Dani for his work and dedication all these years and wish the very best for the future!"

You can read a personal statement from the former Dark Moor bassist here:

"I will try to go straigh to the point in this statement. After thinking about this a lot, I took this tough decision that my time in Dark Moor ends here.

In the last few months my head was not with Dark Moor and this situation could have been damaging for the band and for my personal relation with Alfred, Enrik and Roberto in a near future, therefore after some conversations with the guys I have made this decision, which I think is the right thing to do.

I have spent almost 5 years in the family, almost 5 years in which I do not regret of anything, in which I have learned to be a good professional, both in studio and stage, in which I have recorded 3 works of art (Beyond the Sea, Tarot and Autumnal), in which I have shared lots of memories with the guys, good and bad, in which I have met lots of good and bad people. 5 years of concerts in which I worked my fingers to the bone in order that YOU, the fans, could enjoy Dark Moor. I could keep saying a lot but lets leave that here, I said I was going to try to be as straightforward as possible.

I will keep playing with Inntrance, my main band from this moment, in which I will give 100%

I wish all the best to the band, from the bottom of my heart, and so to Enrik (Thanks my friend for teaching me during 5 years and for being that professional), to Alfred (such good moments with you bro, I will never forget that), to Rober (who are you going to share beers with from now on? Haha, I won't forget you mate...) and to Diana (what would we do without you?). And I don't want to say goodbye without thanking you for your support, you the fans keep us alive. Thanks a lot for everything!!"

UPDATED (thanks to The Shape 1973)

Dark Moor have announced a new bass player, just one day after Dani Fernandez' exit. His name is Mario Garcia, having played in Spanish bans for 10 years, he is experienced both live and in the studio. He joins the line up as Dark Moor release their new album Autumnal in January 2009.

Read more ››

Source:	dark-moor.com
Band profile:	Dark Moor

Death metallers Resurrection have issued the following update on their MySpace page:

"The long awaited "Embalmed Existence" re-issue is finally ready for release. The official release date is March 27th via Massacre Records. This disc will include the re-mastered original recordings, both demo recordings prior to the "Embalmed Existence" album, and the original storyteller recording sessions from the album that are unedited complete stories, plus other bonus material. The CD will feature an extra large 18 page booklet with liner notes and never before seen photos and other extras. We hope that you all will enjoy this release and you might want to consider adding this to your collection as soon as it comes out as it won't be getting another release... this is it. There will be a new line of "Embalmed Existence" merchandise available by the release date of the disc."

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Resurrection

Polish Heavy metallers Crystal Viper have posted the following update on their MySpace blog:

"As some of you probably know, our live guitarist - Rafal "Guras" Gorny - had to leave Crystal Viper due to his day job. We of course remain friends, and Guras will always be part of the Crystal Viper family. Thank you for everything, brother!

We also want to announce, that Crystal Viper has new official guitarist, who filled the slot after Rafal "Guras". His name is Mateusz "Gajdek" Gajdzik (and you may also know his other band, Witchking).

Since Gajdek is band's member for just few days, and had no time to prepare all the material yet, the very next Crystal Viper live show (January 23, Valencia, Spain) will be played with a very special guest on 2nd guitar: Pete Raven of Kruk (who also played with Crystal Viper last year in Germany).

(Thanks Bad English)

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Crystal Viper

Peter Tägtgren has issued the following update, on behalf of Hypocrisy:

"There hasn't been too much going on for the past year or so, so it hasn't made sense to update... but now things are looking up. Bassist Mikael Hedlund came to the Abyss Studio the other day and between me and him we have 13 songs done, and Horgh will come to studio beginning of January and crack the drums on it. Just wanted to let you know that we still breathing. We´ll keep you updated from now on with the prossess of the making of the new album."

Source:	hypocrisy.tv
Band profile:	Hypocrisy