Belgium-based black metallers Ancient Rites have issued the following update:

"The collaboration with guitarist Raf (Jansen) came to an end as it was for the best for all parties involved. Rafs' guitar duties are taken over by Domingo (Smets) who now plays his third instrument within the band."

Upcoming Ancient Rites live dates include:

February
17 - Memento Mori Metal Fest in Oostende, Belgium

April
14 - Nepherex Fest, Zenith in Dendermonde, Belgium
27 - Gigant in Apeldoorn, Netherlands

Source:	ancientrites.be
Band profile:	Ancient Rites

The following message was taken from the ofiicial Iron Maiden website:

Always keen to take Metal to new places, Maiden will for the first time ever play in India, on the spectacular grounds of Bangalore's Palace on Saturday 17th March, marking the first time a major metal band has ever played in the subcontinent.

Iron Maiden's new album, 'A Matter Of Life And Death' reached No 2 in the Indian album charts after debuting at No 4, which is believed to be the highest chart position in India ever for any rock act. Maiden will be the first to bring in a full massive western style stage production - air freighting in almost 20 tons of backline equipment and their huge stage Production for this one show.

Another new territory for the band to visit is Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where they will headline the Desert Rock Festival on Friday 9th March. This is the 4th Desert Rock Festival and is an event which has grown steadily in stature and Iron Maiden will be the biggest act to headline the festival to date. It is expected to be the most succcessful yet. Maiden's new album was Top 5 in Arabia.

Dates announced so far are as below. Further headline shows will be released first on their website www.ironmaiden.com with full show details and ticket links.

March 2007
Fri 9th - Dubai Desert Rock Festival, UAE
Sun 11th - Hellinikon Basketball Arena, Athens, Greece
Wed 14th - Belgrade, Serbia
Sat 17th - Bangalore, Bangalore Palace, India

June 2007
Wed 6th - Ostrava Banik Football Stadium, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Fri 8th - Sudweststadion , Ludwigshafen, Germany
Sun 10th - Download Festival , Donington Park, England
Thu 14th - Heineken Jammin Festival, Venice, Italy
Sat 16th - Fields of Rock Festival, Zwolle, Holland
Sun 17th - MSV Stadium, Duisburg, Germany
Wed 20th - Olympic Stadium, Rome, Italy
Sat 23rd - Graspop Festival, Dessel, Belgium

Read more ››

Source:	ironmaiden.com
Band profile:	Iron Maiden
Event:	Desert Rock Festival

Dimmu Borgir will be be heading out on a North American tour with Kataklysm, Devildriver and Unearth. Confirmed tour dates are as follows:

April 20 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
April 21 - Detroit, MI @ Harpo's Concert Theatre
April 22 - Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus
April 23 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
April 24 - Quebec City, QC @ Theatre Capitole
April 26 - New York, NY @ Nokia Theatre
April 27 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
April 28 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
April 29 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
April 30 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend
May 4 - Minneapolis, MN @ Myth
May 5 - Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
May 7 - Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall Ballroom
May 8 - Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Centre
May 10 - Seattle, WA @ The Fenix
May 12 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre
May 13 - San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
May 15 - Magna, UT @ The Great Salt Air
May 17 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern Theatre
May 18 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
May 19 - San Diego, CA @ SOMA
May 21 - Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
May 22 - Kansas City, MO @ The Beaumont Club
May 23 - Sauget, IL @ Pop's
May 26 - Houston, TX @ Club V
May 27 - San Antonio, TX @ Graham Central Station
May 29 - Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

Dimmu Borgir will release "In Sorte Diaboli" in North America on April 24.

Read more ››

Source:	smnnews.com
Band profile:	Dimmu Borgir
Event:	Dimmu Borgir + Kataklysm: N. American Tour

Montreal's rambunctious and truly unique act Unexpect have successfully found a new violinist to join the band.

In an update posted on their website, they say: "Hello friends, un-friends, mammals and human beings in general?This announcement is based on a structural assemblage of words, necessary tool when you dwell into the theme known as: communication. Today we welcome warmly a new member into the ranks!

Let's give a round of applauses and trace some well deserved parallelograms in the air for our new official violin player, a brilliant music manipulator named Blaise. His talent will undoubtedly contribute to the developing mutation of our music.

Here are the links to his personal MySpace page & another of his musical projects:

http://www.myspace.com/blaisebl
http://www.myspace.com/tritonband

See you soon on the roaddddddddddddddd?"

Read more ››

Source:	smnnews.com
Band profile:	Unexpect

The following message was posted by the In Flames' Webmaster on the band's official website:

A couple of days ago Björn called me and said that In Flames are in the studio and recording three new demo songs. The plan is to do the whole pre production on their own.

Yesterday Daniel finalised the last song on the drums and right now Björn and Jesper is recording the guitars.

There is big excitement in the band right now, they are back in their own studio (IF studios) for the pre production and eventually recording the next record. Next, the festival in Dubai, witch is unbroken territory for In Flames. Then get back on the road to do the Norway/Sweden tour.

Be sure to keep an eye on the band photo section of the site. It will be updated frequently during the next couple of days.

Source:	inflames.com
Band profile:	In Flames

Saxon's upcoming release "The Inner Sanctum" will be available in Europe on March 5th (Germany on March 2nd) and in North America on April 3rd via SPV Records. The title will be released in a digipack edition with a bonus DVD and in a standard jewel case edition with a bonus track.

The tracklist for The Inner Sanctum (cover art):
01. State Of Grace
02. Need For Speed
03. Let Me Feel Your Power
04. Red Star Falling
05. I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)
06. If I Was You
07. Going Nowhere Fast
08. Ashes To Ashes
09. Empire Rising
10. Atila The Hun

Bonus DVD:
01. To Hell And Black Again
02. A Night Out With The Boys - The Idea
03. A Night Out With The Boys - Not Really
04. See The Light Shining
05. A Night Out The Boys - Now It Started
06. Redline
07. Suzie Hold On
08. Stand Up And Be Counted
09. Frozen Rainbow
10. Never Surrender

Audio samples of all the tracks on the CD can be found at this location.

An extensive comment about the new album can be found at the band's official website here.

Read more ››

Source:	bravewords.com
Band profile:	Saxon

The new Type O Negative track 'These Three Things' is currently streaming at the band's website. The track is from their upcoming new album "Dead Again", due out through SPV on March 13th in North America.

Source:	typeonegative.net
Band profile:	Type O Negative

According to Forsaken's official myspace, "It is with great satisfaction and elation that I Hate Records (Sweden) and Forsaken (Malta) can now officially announce that they have reached agreement on terms, which shall see Forsaken releasing their forthcoming heavy, epic doom metal opus on I Hate Records. The band's next album on I Hate Records is planned for mid-2008 and the contract that Forsaken have etched with the label, also provides the option for the release of two further albums, thereby providing for a fruitful and mutually rewarding long-term relationship between both parties."

The full announcement can be read at this location.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Forsaken

Legendary death metallers Dying Fetus have unveiled a brand new song, 'Fate Of The Condemned,' from their long-awaited new album "War Of Attrition" exclusively via the band's official website.

Dying Fetus (John Gallagher - Guitars / Vocals, Mike Kimball - Guitar, Sean Beasley - Bass, and Duane Timlin - drums) recorded "War Of Attrition" at Hit & Run Studios in Rockville, MD with longtime engineer Steve Carr. The album's artwork, designed by Orion Landau, can be previewed at this location. "War Of Attrition" is set for a March 6th (March 9/12 internationally) release date and is available for pre-order now.

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Source:	dyingfetus.com
Band profile:	Dying Fetus

Slayer have won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance for the song 'Eyes Of The Insane,' beating out Lamb Of God (Redneck), Mastodon (Colony Of Birchmen), Ministry (Lies, Lies, Lies), and Stone Sour (30/30-150).

This was Slayer's second Grammy nomination, the first being in 2002 for the track 'Disciple' (from "God Hates Us All"), also in the Best Metal Performance category.

Slayer, currently headlining a North American tour, did not attend the Grammy's presentation, but vocalist/bassist Tom Araya had this to say about the win from his hotel room in Columbus, OH: "Jeff and I put a lot into 'Eyes Of The Insane' so we're thrilled that the Grammy voters took the time to listen to it, and then vote for it. We're out here on the road and we're all really, really happy."

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Source:	grammy.com
Band profile:	Slayer
Event:	Slayer: US Tour

American Thrash outfit Shadows Fall are set to release their new album "Threads Of Life" on April 3. The band have released a new video of themselves in the studio during the making of the album. Check it out at either of these links.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NH2V4g6zNLY

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid474445597

A message from frontman Brian Fair is as follows:

"What's happening everyone!! I know it has been a while since my last update but expect to be hearing from me a lot over the next few weeks!!"

"Lots of stuff going on in the world of Shadows Fall these days. We are eagerly awaiting the release of THREADS OF LIFE on April 3rd and are currently gearing up for the Jager Music Tour with our friends in Stone Sour and Lacuna Coil. We have been at home for a LONG time so there is a lot of pent up energy set to explode when we hit the stage in March!! We plan on debuting a few new songs from THREADS OF LIFE as well as working some older tunes back into the rotation."

"This week we are launching the official Shadows Fall Youtube.com channel. To celebrate its birth, we will also begin releasing a bunch of video webisodes documenting the writing and recording process of THREADS OF LIFE. We shot a bunch of footage at our practice space, Studio 606 and a few local bars and are excited to bring you what we've cut together so you can get a glimpse into the making of the album. Keep an eye out for a few surprise guest appearances!!!"

"That it is for now but keep an eye out for more updates soon!! We'll see everyone out on the Jagermeister Music tour. Check shadowsfall.com for dates in your area. Till then crack a brew and rock some tunes!!"

Read more ››

Source:	smnnews.com
Band profile:	Shadows Fall

The British Goth metalers made the following announcement on their website:
"The UK release date for Paradise Lost's 11th studio album - 'In Requiem' has been confirmed and is set to be May 21st.
Release dates for other territories are expected in the near future, so stay tuned!"

As stated earlier this week, the artwork for the new album is to be done by "Seth Siro Anton", who was the artwork designer for the last album, "Paradise Lost". Producer of this album is Rhys Fulber and the mixing has been made by Mike Fraser - who is well known for his work with bands such as Metallica, AC/DC, Van Halen etc...

Nick Holmes also stated the following about the release:
"As the album recording process begins to close, and during a period where people decide if they love or hate something you have just spend a year painstakingly putting together, I have decided to compact some reflections over the past few months.

As this is the bands 11th album, by the time we actually get into the studio, we generally have a pretty good idea how the songs are going to sound. Prior to actually recording, 2 weeks are usually spent intensively rehearsing the songs, and maybe changing parts that didn't work during the demo stages. Which, co-incidentally are written with a guitar, software and the internet. None of us actually live near each other, so it's not always the best recipe for "jamming" besides, who wants to play the same riff for 4 hours in a cold room full of blokes?

Generally I feel we were far more prepared than the last record, particularly Jeff, with the last album he came in towards the last minute - and didn't really get the opportunity to put his "stamp" on the drumming. This time round I think you can really hear the difference, particularly as we have replaced all his drumming with samples! Joke!

Recording and studio wise, it's always a real pleasure to go to Chapel studios. Life goes in slow motion at the Chapel, and you find yourself enjoying doing laundry, having afternoon naps, and sipping tea whilst listening to Radio two, for the 2 weeks you are there. Steve, Aaron and Jeff laid down the rhythm tracks whilst Greg and I did nothing more than arrange a new song, and send each other verbal insults on messenger from our adjacent bedrooms.

The second half of the album was recorded at the awesome Strait sound studios in Gibson's, Vancouver. A beautiful part of the world without question, but with appalling routing and overzealous Customs interrogation. It took 35 hours to get from Leeds to our destination. The highlight of the outgoing trip was in Heathrow Airport when I was lucky enough to sit next to Pat Sharp from the 90's UK kids TV program "Funhouse"? yes the journey really sucked.

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Source:	paradiselost.co.uk
Band profile:	Paradise Lost

German death metal band Necrophagist has been forced to cancel the first eight dates of its previously announced "Carving Europe's Epitaph Vol. II" tour. The group's official statement reads as follows:

"We are extremely disappointed about having to inform you that due to unforeseen and out-of-our-control circumstances we will not be able to play the first eight dates of our upcoming tour with Misery Index, Origin and Burning Skies. We are very sorry about any problems that this might be causing you and thank you for giving Misery Index and Origin the chance to prove that they are well worthy of taking on our position as the headliner for these dates."

The affected dates are as follows:

Feb. 08 - Trier, GER @ Exhaus
Feb. 09 - Rotterdam, NL @ Baroeg
Feb. 10 - Essen, GER @ Turock, Essen Death Fest
Feb. 11 - Flensburg, GER @ Roxy
Feb. 12 - Aarhus, DEN @ Studenterhuset
Feb. 13 - Oslo, NOR @ Garage
Feb. 14 - Gothenburg, SWE @ Sticky Fingers
Feb. 15 - Malmö, SWE @ KB

Source:	roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile:	Necrophagist
Event:	Necrophagist: Carving Europe's Epitaph Tour

Katatonia guitarist Anders "Blakkheim" Nyström has posted the following on the band's official website:

"Since Spain was left out of the european tour back in spring last year, we're happy to be able to fullfill our fans requests and finally come down to do what we do best in April (better late than never, right?). The last time we played in Spain was over three years ago, so this is an ideal comeback. And the good news doesn't end here. We also have the honor to finally be able to play in Portugal for the first time ever (well kind of, we did play up north in a forest at a obscure festival once) and meet all our (until this day neglected) fans. All of this is bound to be an exciting spring time, so dont miss out!"

Here are all the dates for the tour:

April 11 - Teatro Sá da Bandeira, Porto, Portugal
April 12 - Paradise Garage, Lisbon, Portugal
April 13 - Sala Caracol, Madrid, Spain
April 14 - Sala Bikini, Barcelona, Spain
April 15 - Sala Tunk, Guipuzcoa, Spain

Source:	katatonia.com
Band profile:	Katatonia
Event:	Katatonia Spanish/Portuguese Tour 2007

Another live video of Exodus taken during the Monsters Of Mayhem tour is available for viewing online at the Underground Video Television (UVTV).
The live clip was filmed at The Croc Rock in Allentown PA during the Monsters Of Mayhem Tour and is for their 'eight-plus minute ass-kicking in auditory form' track "Deathamphetamine" which is loaded with tons of energy from both the band and the crowd. Watch closely around the 3:20 mark to see Rob Dukes end up leaping into the pit to mosh & surf with the fans.

After the show Exodus bassist Jack Gibson, as their tour bus was negotiating the narrow alley next to the club for the band to unload their gear, told the UVTV crew stories in amazement of how their tour bus driver in Europe drove down an elbow narrow street and then managed to back the bus out with cars parked on either side leaving barely 3-4 inches of space and did not stop once nor hit anything. "Tour bus driving is indeed an art in of itself," Jack said and expressed hopes that "as long as my hair looks good then the live videos you guys shot will be just fine - it's all about the hair," he said with a grin.

Also available at the same location listed above is the other live video UVTV filmed that evening for "War Is My Shepherd".

Read more ››

Source:	uvtv.info
Band profile:	Exodus