Metal Storm logo
Metal news




Jon Oliva's Pain - North American Tour With Circle II Circle And Manticora

The following was posted on Jon Oliva's Pain's my space page:

Jon Oliva's Pain, Circle II Circle, & Manticora will team-up for the first leg of the North American "Global Intrusions" tour this fall. This marks the first time that Jon Oliva (Jon Oliva's Pain, Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) & Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, ex-Savatage) have toured together since their days in Savatage in 1999.

"Wow, it's certainly been a while since I have been able to get back on the road here in America...it must be snowing in hell. It's going to be great touring in support of what I consider one of the best records of my career. We really pulled out all the stops for this one. Touring with Zak and the Circle II Circle guys is going to be a treat as well, especially for Savatage fans. We've got a few tricks up our sleeves so don't miss out as it may never happen again. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon" said Oliva. Stevens adds, "It's always special to perform on the same bill with Jon Oliva, especially here in the States! Obviously Jon has been a huge influence on my musical career and I remain one of his biggest fans. This tour will be a special event for all our fans that have enjoyed our work throughout the Savatage years and now into the new generation of Jon Oliva's Pain and Circle II Circle music."

Manticora's Lars Larsen states "For us, this is a great opportunity as we now get the chance to start in Europe with Oliva and then finish the party in North America with one of our biggest inspirations."

Dates to be announced soon.

Read more ››

Source: blog.myspace.com
Band profile: Jon Oliva's Pain
Posted: 07.02.2008 by Bararey | Comments (6)


Living Sacrifice - Reuniting, New Album, New Tour

Living Sacrifice has returned. Founding members Bruce Fitzhugh (Vocals / Guitar) and Lance Garvin (Drums) have reunited with Rocky Gray (lead guitar) and Arthur Green (bass). See a new band pic here. The band will be on tour this summer and we are already writing material for our brand new album, which will be released in 2008. All info on http://www.myspace.com/livingsacrifice.

Read more ››

Source: livingsacrifice.com
Band profile: Living Sacrifice
Posted: 06.02.2008 by Dane Train | Comments (4)


Moonsorrow - New EP Details Revealed

The following was posted on Moonsorrow's website: "The release date of "Tulimyrsky EP" is set to March 26th by Spikefarm Records. Although called an EP, the length of this opus is somewhere past one hour. It consists of one new song, two covers and two old demo songs reworked.

Looking like this:

01. Tulimyrsky
02. For Whom The Bell Tolls (Metallica cover)
03. Taistelu Pohjolasta (originally on "Tämä Ikuinen Talvi")
04. Hvergelmir (originally on "Metsä")
05. Back To North (Merciless cover)

The EP also sees a set of visitors in form of actor Turkka Mastomäki, Olav Eira (Áigi), Tomi Koivusaari (Amorphis), Oppu Laine (Mannhai) and Janne Perttilä (Rytmihäiriö/Moonsorrow), all of them giving their contribution to the vocals.

The "Tulimyrsky EP" was recorded and mixed at Jive studio, Helsinki by Jukka Varmo and Henri Sorvali. The cover art is made by Kris Verwimp."

UPDATED on 7 March:

Spinefarm Records will now issue Moonsorrow's new EP "Tulimyrsky" on April 30th. The release was previously expected on March 26th.

Read more ››

Source: moonsorrow.com
Band profile: Moonsorrow
Posted: 06.02.2008 by Unknown user | Comments (19)


Madder Mortem - Update From The Band

Madder Mortem has posted this update on their website:

Some people have uttered their concern about our long period of public silence. We assure you all, that there's nothing to worry about! At the moment of writing, we're in the last stages of preparation before starting to record our newest compilation of Madder Madness onto disk. There are quite some things that needs to be settled, and that's partly the reason why things have been taking such a long time, but do not fear; we're absolutely still together as the band you all know, highly alive and kicking, so look forward to more news to come, as we get into the recording process, and a new Madder era starts to take shape!

Source: maddermortem.com
Band profile: Madder Mortem
Posted: 06.02.2008 by Bararey | Comments (5)


Mayhem - Win Spellemann Metal Award

Season Of Mist are very proud to inform that legendary Norwegian black metallers Mayhem were honoured in the "Metal" category at the 36th annual Spellemann Awards (the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy Awards) for their latest release, "Ordo Ad Chao". The largest and oldest Norwegian music awards show was held last Saturday, February 2nd at the Spektrum in Oslo, Norway and was broadcast live on the Norwegian channel TV2.
Click here for a picture of the winning band receiving their Award.

The nominees in the "Metal" category were as follows:

Mayhem - "Ordo Ad Chao"
Red Harvest - "A Greater Darkness"
Dimmu Borgir - "In Sorte Diaboli"
Audrey Horne - "Le Fol"

Read more ››

Source: season-of-mist.com
Band profile: Mayhem
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Thryce | Comments (25)


Septic Flesh - New Song Online

As a teaser prior to the release of Septic Flesh's upcoming album "Communion", you can now on listen to the "Lovecraft's Death" song here.

"This song is a tribute to the well known grandmaster of science fiction / horror, H.P. Lovecraft," the band comments. "It is an imaginary story describing his final hour in this world... The lyrics are basically a strange puzzle created from the titles of his books, that are combined together in order to create the specific meaning. Enjoy the nightmare!"

"Communion" will hit the stores on March 17th, and March 25th in the USA through Seasons Of Mist.

Read more ››

Source: season-of-mist.com
Band profile: Septicflesh
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Thryce | Comments (9)


Obtest - Sign With Osmose Productions

Obtest, the metal music band from Vilnius, Lithuania, already well familiar to pagan music community all over Europe, are reaching a new goal: to conquer the rest of the world. Such scope is not without reason. The band has just inked a deal with the famous French label Osmose Productions for release of a new album "Gyvybės Medis". This company specializes in heavy music industry for almost two decades now, and during that time has deservedly earned a name of one of the most influential metal labels worldwide, discovering and raising few dozens of nowadays' worldwide acclaimed artists. Such luminaries as Immortal, Enslaved, Dark Tranquillity, Marduk, Shining, Absu, Masters Hammer, Melechesh, Sigh, Vital Remains, Impaled Nazarene, Necromantia or Angelcorpse is enough to mention to realize the impact of this company in black, death, pagan or thrash metal market.

Much like the entire catalogue of French label, new Obtest album will be distributed in music shops and via independent retailers worldwide, including Japan, Canada, Australia, USA and the entire Europe. Ledo takas, long-lived label of the band, has secured an exclusive right to release and distribute new Obtest album in the Baltic States.
"Gyvybės Medis" will be released in three different formats: digipak compact disk, picture vinyl record and collectors' A5 sized CD book. Due to peripeteia around this new deal, the release date is postponed for later time than expected before, yet it is clear and steady: the fourth Obtest album will be born on fourth day of April, the fourth month of the year 2008. New Obtest merchandise series will be presented at the same time.

"Such a twist in the new album publication was surprising. We have learned about it some time ago, and were pleasantly surprised. We hope that our new album will be available to all fans of the band even at the utmost ends of the earth" - comments Obtest.
"This deal is the most significant Obtest achievement in releasing field so far, and it is especially exciting that this pact is entered exactly with Osmose. It is an honour to put a unique music writing musicians in touch with publishing professionals who know their stuff. I am sure that this alliance will be versatilely beneficial, and we will live the first results pretty soon" - resumes Ledo Takas Records chief and Obtest manager Tadas Kazlauskas.

Read more ››

Source: ledotakas.net
Band profile: Obtest
Posted: 05.02.2008 by C. | Comments (1)


Deathchain - Part Ways With Guitarist

Deathchain has posted the following updates on their website:

"We have decided to announce this due to all questions regarding this issue: Our long-time guitar player Bobby Undertaker has decided to step off from this roaring machinery. It did not come as a complete surprise but somehow it was inevitable, as one will find out when reading the Undertakers last obituary. It is with full understanding we part our ways with long-time friend and brother, so cheers to you and may Cthulhu guard your steps!"

Bobby Undertaker has also posted his statement on the website:

"Deathchain has come to a point where in order to grow bigger and more known as a band, more and more tours outside Finland must be done. It seems that Deathchain is going to be pretty busy on that matter. That means months away from Finland and for me, also months away from my day job. In my current situation in life, that job is something I just can't afford to lose. Especially when doing tours as a support, usually there's no income of any kind and for me that situation is financially impossible. It's not fair that the whole band would be held back just because of me. Furthermore, I totally agree with the rest of the band that using someone to replace me on tours is totally lame and just plain stupid. Either you're in, or you're out and I'm sad to announce that under these circumstances, I am out of Deathchain.

This is probably the hardest decision I've ever made. Deathchain has been a huge part of my life. We have done three albums and over 100 shows all around Europe, I've made a lots of friends on our gigs and met great bands, not to mention the fellow band members who have become one of my best friends. I will continue playing and with Corpse we have agreed to work together in the future. I wish all the best for Deathchain and thank you for the best years of my life.
Stay metal,
B.Undertaker"

The band continues to post the following:

"We have found a new brother, who will join our hordes under the name of Kult! There is no need to write about his past in here, because the future will show you that he is the right man for the job. We are already writing the next opus and Kult is deeply involved in the writing process, this is how strongly we trust him. So greet him with a pint of lager when you see him on this years shows!"

Read more ››

Source: deathchain.com
Band profile: Deathchain
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Bararey | Comments (3)


Eldritch - Writing Songs For New Album

Italy's Eldritch have posted the following message on their website:

"Yo folks!! So, here we are again.... The band is working hard for the March 22nd event (plus the live DVD recording of such show). Oleg Smirnoff will surely play the old tracks from the 1st 3 albums. For the rest, there will probably be some special guest on stage, but nothing official yet... the songwriting for the new album will begin in the months to come.... What else??? Hope to see the most of you guys at the DVD gig and in the meantime the band wishes everybody to keep the faith!! Rock on..."

Eldritch will be recording their first official live DVD at the Music Street Club in Lugnano, Pisa, in Italy, on March 22nd.

Source: eldritchweb.com
Band profile: Eldritch
Event: Eldritch: DVD Recording Show
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Thryce | Comments (1)


Death Angel - E-Card Online

Nuclear Blast Records USA have released an e-card for Death Angel's upcoming album "Killing Season". Check it out at this location. "Killing Season" will be released on February 26th

Read more ››

Source: nuclearblastusa.com
Band profile: Death Angel
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Thryce | Comments (5)


Opeth - New Album Details

BW&BK has received the following press release:

New York, NY: "Swedish progressive metal titans Opeth, often credited as being forward thinkers who are a genre of one, are proud to announce "Watershed" as the title of their forthcoming album, due out on Roadrunner Records on June 2nd, 2008. The album, recorded in the band's native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt and Jens Bogren, is a masterwork that follows the time-honored Opeth tradition; its modern yet timeless, progressive yet paying homage to the sounds of classic rock.

"Watershed" is truly one of those special records that cycles through a variety of moods, speeds and textures, complete with lots of subtleties and nuances of sound. Because of its expansive scope, "Watershed" is destined to land the album atop many "Best Of" lists. Album opener "Coil" is a gorgeous acoustic number, featuring local folk vocalist Nathalie Lorichs, while "Heir Apparent" will knock listeners unconscious with its blunt force metal. Always one to defy the rules, Opeth posits sung vocals over artillery-like blast beats on "The Lotus Eater", cementing their reputation as innovators and redefiners.

"Watershed" combines elements of modern metal, prog rock, free jazz and hints of European folk music, all of which come together for a seamless, unique collection of songs that will leave an indelible mark upon all who listen. "Watershed" is the first Opeth release to feature new guitarist Fredrik Akesson and drummer Martin Axenrot and is the band's second effort for Roadrunner Records. "Watershed" is the eagerly awaited follow up to 2005's critically acclaimed Ghost Reveries."

The complete track listing is as follows:

01. Coil
02. Heir Apparent
03. The Lotus Eater
04. Burden
05. Porcelain Heart
06. Hessian Peel
07. Hex Omega

Source: bravewords.com
Band profile: Opeth
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Thryce | Comments (38)


Månegarm - Announce First Ever Russian Tour

Black/Viking Metal combo Månegarm have announced a Russian mini-tour. This will be the first time the band has graced these lands. They will be playing two shows, one in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg. The main support band will be Arkona.

Here are the dates and venues:

19.04 - Club Gorod, Moscow (with Arkona, Alkonost, Kalevala)
20.04 - Club Arktika, St. Peterburg (with Alkonost, Nomans Land, Svartby, Fearlight)

Source: manegarm.com
Band profile: Månegarm
Event: Månegarm
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Raiden | Comments (1)


Thunderstone - New Lineup Confirmed

Speculation around the line-up of Finland's Thunderstone has come to an end. The band has decided upon a new vocalist and keyboarder. While people thought that tour vocalist Tommi "Tuple" Salmela would gain permanent duties with the band, this has turned out not to be the case. The new member behind the microphone is Sweden's Rick Altzi, who some may know through his recent work with At Vance. As for the band's tour keyboarder Jukka Karinen, he has been signed to the band for a permanent position.

Here is a comment regarding Tuple from bassist Titus Hjelm: "There was no drama with Tuple. It was clear to everybody from the beginning that the deal was for the tour only and then we would check the situation again. At the end of the day we were just more comfortable with Rick's voice and we didn't want to make any compromises in this issue. Tuple is an awesome singer and we are forever indebted to him for doing the tour with us and taking us through some hard times. And we will certainly drink vodka with him in the future also!"

A full article about the new line-up can be read from this link at Thunderstone's official website.

Read more ››

Source: thunderstone.org
Band profile: Thunderstone
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Raiden | Comments (1)


Blood Red Throne - Announce New Tour Dates

Norwegian Death Metal fivesome Blood Red Throne have announced new shows around Europe. They will start with a Scandinavian show, then head towards Turkey and surrounding areas for some gigs and some festival appearances.

Here are the new tour dates:

09.02 - Voxhall, Århus, Denmark (Royale Metal Festival)
12.04 - Dynamo/Grosser Saal, Zurich, Switzerland (Heavymetal.ch Festival IV)
02.05 - TBA, Istanbul, Turkey
03.05 - TBA, Ankara, Turkey
13.09 - Caos Emergente Festival, Lisboa, Portugal

Blood Red Throne will also make appearances at Neurotic Death Fest in Tilburg, The Netherlands on the 30th May, Summer Breeze Open Air Festival in Dinkelsbühl, Germany on the 16th August and Castle Festival in Smederevo, Serbia on the 1st July this year.

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Blood Red Throne
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Raiden | Comments (0)


Darkthrone - New Album Title Revealed

Darkthrone's Nocturno Culto has posted the following message on his official myspace page regarding the band's new album:

"After some months with making riffs, recording, working, planning and generally having a blast, I suddenly remembered there's something called MySpace. Yeah, we have recorded four songs for the next album 'Dark Thrones And Black Flags', we sort of tried to keep the title 'hidden', but my mouth ran over talking to Metal Hammer (damn!!!), so anyway, that's the title, and NO, it's not punkish you bastards, it's METAL TO THE BONE!!! I tell ya, what we allow ourselves to do these days....riff wise I mean. IT'S A BLOODY FEAST!!!! The plan is to have the final recordings ready in July at latest. I know I know, this album comes fast, but not to worry, we'll use just a tad more time on the album after that."

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Darkthrone
Posted: 05.02.2008 by Mosquiller | Comments (18)