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Hammerfall - Bassist Quits

Hammerfall bassist Magnus Rosén has left the band today (Tuesday 06.03.). An official statement on the band's official website goes as follows:

"Breaking news: The bass player of HammerFall, Magnus Rosén, will not be a part of the band in the future. This is all the information available at the moment, but expect an official statement from the band as soon as possible."

Magnus Rosén became a member of Hammerfall in 1997/1998, around the recordings of "Glory To The Brave".

UPDATED on 8 March 2007:

Here's the official statement from the band members regarding the situation. English:

"Bass player Magnus Rosén has elected to step down from HammerFall to be able to focus on his own projects. While it is surprising, it's not a total shock to us since he has seemed to be unhappy with the situation in the band and on tour for quite a while. We wish him all the best with his future endeavors and turn our attention to the future, immediate and distant.

This will change nothing for us as far as booked gigs and other planned activities are concerned. Rest assured, HammerFall will continue blazing its trail just like before. The process of selecting the right replacement both musically and personally is already set in motion, and we will announce it as soon as a decision is made."

/Joacim, Stefan, Oscar and Anders

Source: hammerfall.net
Band profile: HammerFall
Posted: 06.03.2007 by =maD.Doc:. | Comments (24)


Within Temptation - New Album Samples Online

Samples for the tracks appearing on the new Within Temptation album, "The Heart Of Everything," are currently available at this location.
Also, Roadrunner UK are offering a free MP3 download of the track 'The Howling'. Says the label, "To download your copy of 'The Howling', taken from the band's forthcoming album, The Heart Of Everything, simply fill in your details here and we will send you a link to the download."

"The Heart Of Everything" will be released in Europe on March 12th through Roadrunner. A North American date has not yet been announced.

Read more ››

Source: bravewords.com
Band profile: Within Temptation
Posted: 06.03.2007 by Thryce | Comments (7)


Visions Of Atlantis - New Album Samples Online

Pre-release audio samples of each track from Visions Of Atlantis' forthcoming album, "Trinity," can now be heard using the link's on the official Visions Of Atlantis website here.

The album (artwork) will feature the following tracklisting:
01. At The Back Of Beyond
02. The Secret
03. Passing Dead End
04. The Poem
05. Nothing Left
06. My Darkside Home
07. Wing-Shaped Heart
08. Return To You
09. Through My Eyes
10. Flow This Desert
11. Seven Seas

"Trinity" will be released around May through Napalm Records.

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Source: visionsofatlantis.com
Band profile: Visions Of Atlantis
Posted: 06.03.2007 by Thryce | Comments (5)


Death Breath - New Song Online, Mini Album Details

Swedish Death Metal band Death Breath, featuring ex-Entombed songwriter/vocalist/bassist/drummer Nicke Andersson, have posted the following message on their website:

"We're sorry to inform you that our upcoming Mini Album "Let It Stink" cover art] is slightly delayed. We'll let you know the new release date soon. However, it will brutalize mass ass!
Here's the track list:

01. Giving Head To The Dead
02. His Protoplasmic Worship
03. Maimed And Slaughtered
04. Dead But Walking
05. Lycanthropy
06. Sacrifice
07. Twisted In Distaste

Head over to our MySpace page (here) and check out one of the songs, 'His Protoplasmic Worship'.

The CD version will contain a brand new version of our video for the song 'Death Breath' as well as the original one. The vinyl version will be 10 pitch black inches. You can use this link to pre order."

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Source: deathbreath.se
Band profile: Death Breath
Posted: 06.03.2007 by Thryce | Comments (1)


Celtic Frost - Announce Touring Guitarist

The following messages were posted on the Celtic Frost homepage:

"On the eve before embarking on the European leg of the "Monotheist" tour and then returning to the United States, Celtic Frost announce the band's new touring guitarist, V Santura of German black metal group Dark Fortress."

In other Celtic Frost news, the band's much acclaimed "Monotheist" album, the band's first in 14 years, has been elected "album of the year" for 2006 by Terrorizer magazine in the UK and Hard n Heavy magazine in France.

Source: celticfrost.com
Band profile: Celtic Frost
Event: Kreator + Celtic Frost: European Tour
Posted: 06.03.2007 by Warman | Comments (2)


Crematory - Busy Working On New Album

German Gothic Metal band Crematory have posted the following message on their website:

"Crematory have started to write new songs in February and the new studio album with working title *Gothic Metal* is set for a January 2008 release.

Lyrics and singing wise the songs are supposed to have a darker vibe, although the separation between Felix and Matze with the dark and the cleaner vocals will be retained. The album will have English lyrics, but the appearance of a German track finding its way on the record is not impossible.

Musically it will be a treat to the ears with the familiar catchy melodies, paired with massive guitar riffs, even more brutal and darker than in the past.

With the keyboards the sound will be like in the earlier days and orchestral arrangements will be integrated. Moving away from the technoid samples and analogue sounds, going more in the direction of the early days with strings and choirs.

Once again the record will be produced with Kristian "Kohle" Kohlmannslehner in the Kohlekeller Studios in the Odenwald, who had already produced the records "Revolution" and "Klagebilder" with the band."

Source: crematory.de
Band profile: Crematory
Posted: 06.03.2007 by Thryce | Comments (6)


Chris Caffery - New Song Available For Streaming

Guitarist Chris Caffery (known from his work for Savatage and Trans-Siberian Orchestra) has posted the title track from his upcoming third solo album "Pins And Needles" on his MySpace page.

"Pins And Needles" will be released in Europe on March 23 via Metal Heaven Records. The album will be available in North America and the rest of the world in June.

"Pins And Needles" tracklist:

01. Pins And Needles
02. Sixty-Six
03. Torment
04. Walls
05. YGBFKM
06. Sad
07. Chained
08. Worms
09. Crossed
10. The Time
11. Metal East
12. Qualdio
13. The Temple
14. Once Upon A Time

Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Chris Caffery
Posted: 06.03.2007 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Arjen Lucassen - Quits Stream Of Passion, New Ayreon Album Update

An new interview with Arjen Lucassen has been posted on the official Ayreon website. Lucassen mainly talks about what happened to him the past few months, his departure from Stream Of Passion and his work on the upcoming Ayreon album.
A couple of relevant excerpts follow, the entire interview can be found here:

* First off, a lot has happened in the past few months, we all are curious to know how you are doing.

- I'm sad to say that I've been through a personal hell the last couple of months. I worked non-stop for many years and due to living on my own after the divorce with Jolanda, I have had a new (at first completely different) lifestyle. It has taken its toll, I guess.

On top of everything else, I lost my sense of taste and smell (Anosmia) two months ago and sunk into a deep depression. With medical help and, most of all, the help of my closest friends (including Jolanda) I'm slowly climbing out of the black hole now. Last week I kicked my own butt back into the studio and fortunately the inspiration is slowly beginning to flow again.

* What are your plans concerning Stream of Passion at this moment?

- Because I will be fully concentrating on the new Ayreon for at least the next year, I have no more time for SoP, so I quit the band. It would be unfair to have them wait until I'm ready, especially now things are going so well for SoP.

* Does this mean the end of Stream of Passion?

- Fortunately not, the band will continue without me. They will write their own songs and I'm sure there's enough talent in the band to make a great new album and undertake successful tours without me pulling the strings.

* Now onto the new Ayreon:

When did you actually start recording?

- Basically I started recording a few months ago but due to my depression and the SoP tour I hadn't been in the studio until a week ago.

* Can you give us a tiny hint of what we can expect musically?

- Because of my frame of mind the material so far is quite dark. There are some pretty heavy passages and the soft parts are quite mysterious. Though, to even it out, I will probably record some folky and happier stuff in the coming months when I feel better. I do think I will succeed in having it sound different from my previous albums again. I'm also thinking of releasing a single album this time, and using the remaining tracks as bonustracks for those who are interested. As some know, I hate to repeat myself and do the expected! Don't know if I will succeed though, things often turned out differently than the way I planned them...

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Source: ayreon.com
Band profile: Ayreon
Posted: 06.03.2007 by Thryce | Comments (10)


Amon Amarth - Cry Of The Black Birds Video

A second video from MS Melodeath Award 2006 winner "With Oden On Our Side" is done.

The video was directed by William C. Schacht and was recorded in the late of January 2007.
Amon Amarth commented: "It took 20 hours of blood, sweat and pain, in minus 14 degrees celcius, to get the video done. We would like to thank the production team, for a job well done. But especially we would like to thank the generous people of Balders Hird. Without their dedication and proffesionalism this video would not have been possible."

The video can be watched and downloaded here (Windows Media) or on YouTube here.

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Source: amonamarth.com
Band profile: Amon Amarth
Posted: 06.03.2007 by LeDruide | Comments (19)


Cannibal Corpse - North American Tour Dates Announced

Cannibal Corpse has lined up the following tour dates with Job For A Cowboy and Psyopus:

Apr. 27 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar (w/ The Red Chord)
Apr. 28 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium (New England Hardcore And Metal Festival)
Apr. 29 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza (w/ Behemoth, The Red Chord)
Apr. 30 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance (w/ The Red Chord)
May 01 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theater (w/ The Red Chord)
May 03 - Sauget, IL @ Pop's
May 04 - Louisville, KY @ Headliner's
May 05 - Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero

More dates are expected to be announced soon.

Source: roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile: Cannibal Corpse
Event: Cannibal Corpse: N. American Tour
Posted: 06.03.2007 by C. | Comments (4)


Novembers Doom - New Song, Tour Dates Announced

Chicago doom metal act Novembers Doom has lined up the following dates:

April 21 - Mokena, IL @ The Pearl Room (Chicago Powerfest)
April 24 - New York, NY @ Rebel (w/ Saturnus, Thurisaz)
April 25 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx (w/ Saturnus, Thurisaz)
June 16 - Chicago, IL @ The Double Door (Alehorn Of Power Festival II)

An MP3 of the song 'Drown The Inland Mere' - coming of Novemebrs Doom latest album "The Novella Reservoir", released on February 20 via The End Records - can be found at this location.

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Source: roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile: Novembers Doom
Event: Novembers Doom
Posted: 06.03.2007 by C. | Comments (2)


Ministry - Burton C Bell From Fear Factory To Appear On Upcoming Release

"Recently the 13th Planet compound was visited by aliens from Amen and Fear Factory Casey Chaos (Amen) and Burton Bell (FF) hooked up with Uncle Al in the studio last week for some jammin'!!!" Burton C Bell is going to appear as a guest vocalist on Ministry's upcoming final record "Last Sucker". A final tour is set to follow and then Al Jourgensen will focus on running his label and recording the long overdue Buck Satan record.

In related news, 13th Planet has recently released a remix album of the Revolting Cocks' "Cocked And Loaded", titled "Cocktail Mixxx". The tracks have been remixed by Luc Van Acker, Clayton Worbeck and Phildo Owen. The tracklisting of the album is as follows:

1. Fire Engine (Gumby Mixxx) 5:08
2. 10 Million Ways to Die (Jammin' the Radar Mix) 4:20
3. Caliente (Searing Social Problem Mix) 4:50
4. Prune Tang (Prune Juice Cocktail Mix) 3:11
5. Dead End Streets (86 Mixxx) 5:49
6. Pole Grinder (It Hurts When I Piss Mix) 6:09
7. Jack In The Crack (Crackrock Mix) 3:38
8. Devil Cock (Sum Yunguy Mix) 4:00
9. Viagra Culture (Fat Juicy Hog Mix) 7:27
10. Revolting Cock Au Lait (Le Coq Au Lait Mix) 4:25
Bonus Track - CD Only
11. Fire Engine (Stayte of the Nation Mix) 6:66

Source: ministrymusic.org
Band profile: Ministry
Posted: 06.03.2007 by jupitreas | Comments (2)


Metal Storm Awards 2006 - Results

2006 was a very interesting year in Metal: a lot of releases and many by "big names." Now that the voting is over, it is time to announce what albums can truly be called Metalstormers' choice for "Best Album Of 2006" in all the different categories. It were your votes that have decided which albums deserve this title. It is also a high time to make some critical reflections on these results.

A remarkable observation is that "big names" have won in almost every genre. One could ask oneself if this is truly surprising. As striking as it is, some of the "big names" also appear in the Top 10 of Letdown of the year. Among the first six ranks alone, we find one silver second place and three golden winners of the Awards in their specific genre! Take a moment to reflect whether these bands have truly made outstanding albums or if it is their fame and reputation that has helped them on the throne once again crushing contestants on the way. Can a band's name outweigh the quality and effort?

The biggest winners of this third edition of the Metal Storm Awards are Angtoria and Moonspell, the former winning in three categories, the latter in two, and both of them winning all the categories in which they were nominated for! Talk about a remarkable performance. Angtoria has even another silver second place in The Biggest Surprise of the year, close behind Metal Storm's cuddly toy Diablo Swing Orchestra, who came second in both categories they were nominated for.

Another remarkable surprise was the battle in the Death Metal category with Cannibal Corpse taking the win. In addition the Grindcore category was pretty tense between Cattle Decapitation and Whorecore, the former becoming the winner, and with Napalm Death popping up fourth out of the blue without even being nominated! Some of the more convincing winners of their genre this year were Tool, Celtic Frost, Amon Amarth, Iron Maiden, Blind Guardian, Moonspell, Evergrey and Slayer, who all left a relatively big and sometimes even an impressive gap to gape at by their pursuers.

On a side note, Metal Storm Awards 2006 were also marked by a little "drama" which cannot stay unmentioned. Namely, the Dissection management were not pleased with the nomination of "Reinkaos" in the Melodeath/Gothenburg category, and kindly asked to pull back the bands nomination in that genre. That wish was respected. However, for the completeness of the record, "Reinkaos" ended up 9th as The Biggest Letdown of the year.

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Posted: 03.03.2007 by Ivor | Comments (39)


Megadeth - European Summer Tour Dates

Megadeth has scheduled the following European tour dates in June:

Jun. 01 - Nürnberg, Germany - Rock Im Park
Jun. 02 - Roeselare, Belgium - Schwung Festival
Jun. 03 - Nürburgring, Germany - Rock Am Ring
Jun. 07 - Tampere, Finland - Sauna Open Air Metal Festival
Jun. 10 - Dublin, Ireland - Ambassador Theatre
Jun. 12 - Glasgow, Scotland - Barrowland Ballroom
Jun. 17 - Nijmegen, Holland - Fields Of Rock Festival
Jun. 22 - Zaragoza, Spain - Monsters Of Rock
Jun. 24 - Clisson, France - Hellfest
Jun. 30 - Milan, Italy - Gods Of Metal

Source: roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile: Megadeth
Posted: 03.03.2007 by Thryce | Comments (14)


Alabama Thunderpussy - New Video Online

Check out Alabama Thunderpussy's new video for 'Words Of A Dying Man' on LiveLeak.com as well as YouTube.com. This track is off of the band's upcoming Relapse Records album "Open Fire", which release this coming Tuesday, March 6!

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Source: adrenalinepr.com
Band profile: Alabama Thunderpussy
Posted: 03.03.2007 by Thryce | Comments (0)