Veteran NWOBH-metallists Saxon have announced an (extensive!) European tour schedule for 2007 and also some for this year, including the Live 'n' Louder Festival (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina).

Here are the 2006 dates:

18.06.2006 - Monsters of Rock - Festival - Zaragoza, Spain
24.06.2006 - Hellfest - Nantes, France
25.06.2006 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, Belguim
07.07.2006 - Ruisrock - Turku, Finland
08.07.2006 - Rock Sound Festival - Huttwil, Switzerland
16.07.2006 - Evolution Fest - Brescia, Italy
21.07.2006 - Earthshaker Fest - Kreuth, Germany
22.07.2006 - Festival - Villalba, Spain
29.07.2006 - Metalway Festival - Jerez, Spain
04.08.2006 - Monsters Of Rock Festival - Varna, Bulgaria
07.10.2006 - Palacio De Los Deportes - Live 'n' Louder Festival - Mexico City, Mexico
12.10.2006 - River Plate Stadium - Live 'n' Louder Festival - Buenos Aires, Argentina
14.10.2006 - Caninde - Live 'n' Louder Festival - Sao Paulo, Brazil
18.11.2006 - Zaal Maeckeblijde - Poperinge, Belgium

And here are 2007 dates:

28.02.2007 - Garage - Glasgow, UK
02.03.2007 - Spring & Airbrake - Belfast, UK
03.03.2007 - Temple Bar Music Centre - Dublin, Ireland
04.03.2007 - Academy 2 - Manchaster, UK
06.03.2007 - Civic Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
07.03.2007 - Rock City - Nottingham, UK
08.03.2007 - Coal Exchange - Cardiff, UK
09.03.2007 - Astoria - London, UK
10.03.2007 - Hof Ter Lo - Antwerpen, Belguim
11.03.2007 - Paradiso - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
13.03.2007 - LMH - Köln, Germany
14.03.2007 - Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle, Germany
15.03.2007 - Markthalle - Hamburg, Germany
16.03.2007 - Huxleys Neue Welt - Berlin, Germany
17.03.2007 - Werk 2 - Leipzig, Germany
18.03.2007 - Stadthalle - Lichtenfels, Germany
20.03.2007 - Longhorn / LKA - Stuttgart, Germany
21.03.2007 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
22.03.2007 - Havana Cafe - Toulouse, France
23.03.2007 - TBA, Spain
24.03.2007 - TBA, Spain
25.03.2007 - TBA, Spain
26.03.2007 - TBA, Spain
27.03.2007 - TBA, Spain
29.03.2007 - Transbordeur - Lyon, France
30.03.2007 - Elysee Montmartre - Paris, France
12.04.2007 - Garage - Saarbrücken, Germany
13.04.2007 - Stadthalle - Langen, Germany
14.04.2007 - Große Elser Halle - München, Germany
15.04.2007 - Alcatraz - Mailand, Italy
17.04.2007 - Alpheus - Rome, Italy
20.04.2007 - TBA - Athens, Greece
21.04.2007 - Idrogeios - Thessaloniki, Greece
22.04.2007 - TBA - Sofia, Bulgaria
24.04.2007 - SKC - Beograd, Serbia
25.04.2007 - Boogaloo Club - Zagreb, Croatia

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Source:	saxon747.com
Band profile:	Saxon

My Dying Bride have posted some new tour dates on their official website:

Jun. 24 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, Belgium
Jul. 22 - Metal Camp - Tolmin, Slovenia
Jul. 29 - Metalway Festival - Gernika, Spain
Aug. 19 - Summer Breeze - Dinkelsbuehl, Germany - main stage
Aug. 26 - Hole In The Sky - Bergen, Norway
Sep. 30 - Bloodstock Festival @ Assembly Rooms - Derby, UK - headliner
Oct. 07 - Yeni Melek Gosteri Merkezi - Istanbul, Turkey

My Dying Bride are still hard at work in the studio recording their next album. So far five songs have been written and recorded but no track names or a title for the album have been announced yet. John (drummer from The Prophecy) has been filling in for Shaun Taylor-Steels behind the kit for the album (as he has been doing on My Dying Bride's live shows) as Shaun is still recovering from his ankle injury.

Source:	mydyingbride.org
Band profile:	My Dying Bride

Death Metallers Hate Eternal will be releasing a DVD of their recent gig in London, UK. So far the DVD has no title, but it is set to be released in October this year. The DVD will contain:

The full London set (Sunday, June 4)
An interview with the band filmed immediately after the gig
Documentary on the making of 'I, Monarch'
On-tour footage
All of the band's promo videos

The London gig at 'The Garage' was just one stage of their recent European tour, which will finish on the 10th June.

Hate Eternal is hoping to put out a good DVD with plenty of footage of crazy fans stagediving, going nuts in the pits, and overall chaos. The audio mixing will be done at Mana Recording Studios when the band gets back home.

Source:	hateeternal.com
Band profile:	Hate Eternal

Immortal frontman (when they were together) Abbath is talking about Immortal possibly reuniting. He is in the studio at the moment recording the debut album for 'I' but he spoke to German magazine 'Rock Hard' about a possible reunion.

Here is a statement from Abbath: "We will come back, stronger than ever. I recently met with Horgh (old Immortal Drummer), for the first time in over a year. He's built his new house here in Norway, right around the corner. In the next few days we will begin to rehearse our old 'Blizzard Beasts' classics. I'm already really excited about the idea."

When asked if this was just a money making ploy Abbath said: "We're not coming back for the money. If we had been only interested in the cash, we wouldn't have allowed Immortal to split in the first place."

Abbath has also said that if they do reunite then they will also tour.

Source:	blabbermouth.net
Band profile:	Immortal

In Flames will join thrash stalwarts Slayer, fellow Europeans Children Of Bodom, Lamb Of God, and Thine Eyes Bleed as part of a European "Unholy Alliance Tour" package. Dubbed the "Unholy Alliance Chapter II: Preaching To The Perverted", Slayer will lead the charge all across Europe this October hitting the following confirmed dates :

10/22 - Italy @ Milan Mazda Palace
10/23 - Switzerland @ Zurich Eishalle Deutweg
10/25 - Germany @ Dusseldorf Phillipshalle
10/26 - Germany @ Berlin Arena
10/27 - Germany @ Munich Zenith
10/28 - Germany@ Stuttgart Boblingen Sporthalle
10/30 - Wales @ Cardiff Arena
10/31 - England @ London Wembley Arena
11/01 - England @ Birmingham NEC
11/02 - Scotland @ Glasgow SECC
11/03 - England @ Manchester Arena
11/05 - Ireland @ Dublin The Point
11/07 - France @ Paria Palais Omnisport de Bercy*
11/08 - Holland @ Amsterdam Heineken Music Hall
11/09 - Belgium @ Leuven Brabanthal
11/10 - German @ Trier Messe Park
11/13 - Finland @ Helsinki Jahalli
11/15 - Norway @ Oslo Spektrum
11/16 - Sweden @ Stockholm Hovet
11/17 - Denmark @ Copenhagen Valbyhallen
11/18 - Iceland @ Reykjavik Laugardalsholl
11/19 - England @ London Carling Academy Brixton**
11/20 - England @ London Carling Academy Brixton**

* with Gojira
** without In Flames and with Mendeed

Source:	myspace.com
Event:	Unholy Alliance Tour Chapter II

Solitude Aeturnus have entered Nomad Recording studio (Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Absu, Usurper) in Carrolton TX on June 1st to begin recording their new album for Massacre Records. The album will be entitled "Alone" and will be the first to feature the bands new line-up which includes founder/guitarist John Perez, vocalist Robert Lowe, guitarist Steve Moseley and new members Steve Nichols on drums and James Martin on bass. Engineering and co-producing the album is Sterling Winfield, best known for his work with Pantera and more recently the "Rebel Meets Rebel" release. Massacre Records will release the album in late September/early October. According to guitarist John Perez the album will be a fist in the face to all trend metal and will stay true to the bands original vision of heaviness and melody with a willingness to push the boundaries of Heavy Metal music without losing its sense of tradition. A North American release is also planned but no label has been named as of yet. The band also wishes to give monstrous amounts of gratitude and thanks to all the great people that made their recent mini tour in Greece/Germany/Italy such a great success. The Greek shows were some of the best the band had played in years and the Keep it True festival was another highlight. More apologies are in order to all of those that attended the Doom Shall Rise festival as Robert Lowe was unable to attend due to unforeseen problems with his passport. The band made the best of the situation and played on with gracious help from a few other vocalists; Erico from Dantesco, Timmy from Doomshine and Gerrit from Dawn of Winter.

Source:	eternalsolitude.com
Band profile:	Solitude Aeturnus

Having recently completed the second leg of their Polish tour in support of the Demigod album, Behemoth frontman Nergal has checked in with the following update:

"It was simply a blast. Touring with such a company and playing in front of packed venues was a perfect ending for this never ending tour. I loved the fact that we also finally played a decent crowd and a nice venue in our hometown. I'm sure that none everyone who saw us in action wasn't disappointed. We gave our very fuckin' best and it feels to good to see you guys gave so much inreturn! Moreover, sharing stage with Virgin Snatch, Hermh and Corruption was an awesome experience and the whole tour turned out to be a massive success.

After few days off we are slowly moving on with the new stuff. It's all in the very early stages but the ideas are shaping up real fast. I've been thinking about this new concept for more than a year now and it's high time to get things revealed. There are some basic themes we put together before the last U.S. tour and it sounded massive. Last couple of days I've been jamming out some newest stuff and it's...just insane: heavy and epic. Some of the ideas are insanely fast and technical but we also started a slow, more epic one, which sounds amazing to me. Today we recorded one of these new tracks and...I'm blown away. There's definitely 100% Behemoth vibe in it: vital and evil but there's also something new and fresh in these tunes! I'm sure all those who loved Demigod will dig the new shit. I'll keep you posted!

My laptop is full of drafts tho no finished lyrics are ready yet. Last year I visited so many exotic places and it definitely had some strong impact on me, my views and this will be reflected in the lyrics for sure. In summer 2005 e.v. I took a trip to Kathmandu, in Nepal where I had time of my life. I went for a trek in the Himalaya mountains where my only company where books by Peter J. Carroll, Deepack Chopra and Carlos Castaneda...no music, no civilization, almost no people around (since it was a raining period in Nepal). I made lots of notes and comments. Wandering from temple to temple I got inspired by Khali cult which surprisingly is very active in this country. Khali temple is right in the centre of Kathamndu and people regularly make sacrifices and pray to this goddess of death and destruction. Among many weird places I visited, I attended a Tibetan mass in the 'temple of monkeys' which was a very cathartic experience. Some of the mantras I recorded and don't be surprised when you hear some of this crazy shit in the background of the new songs, ha ha. Pretty much every other place I've been to lately, be it Israel (Jerusalem), Mexico (the pyramids) or Haga Sophia in Turkey made a strong impact on me and there's gonna be several relations to these subjects in my lyrics. Behemoth is going even more multi-cultural. Wait and be surprised...ha ha."

Source:	behemoth.pl
Band profile:	Behemoth

Nightwish have launched an official video-blog page that will allow fans to watch the band during their rehearsals this summer. Go to http://fanblog.nightwish.com to check it out.

Nightwish have also opened up a Nightmail forum that allows fans to ask the band questions, the replies for which are posted online at the end of every month. This is just a reminder that Nightwish keyboardist/founder Tuomas Holopainen will be tackling the mailbag for June. Send your questions to him at this location.

To read the previous two Nightmail installments click the following links:

May 2006 - Emppu Vuorinen (guitars)
April 2006 - Jukka Nevalainen (drums)

The band's new DVD/CD, End Of An Era, went gold in Finland only one day after its official release. The DVD sold over 9,000 copies and the live 2 CD set over 15,000 copies.

Nuclear Blast Germany released End Of An Era on June 2nd in Europe. The DVD/CD was filmed/recorded live in the band's hometown of Helsinki, Finland at the Hartwell Arena on October 21st. It was the final show featuring singer Tarja Turunen, as she was ousted from the band shortly after the event. It will be issued in three formats: DVD, 2CD and a Limited Edition box featuring a 2CD digipack, the DVD and a concert ticket.

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Source:	bravewords.com
Band profile:	Nightwish

Today, June 6, is not only the much publicized 06/06/06, it is also the anniversary of Overlorde's naming. And the anniversary of a monumental event in world history.

D-Day: OPERATION OVERLORD

To mark the anniversaries, and to honor those who sacrificed so much, Overlorde has added a song to its MySpace music player from their 1987 EP. Titled Overlorde, the song is about D-Day and it's called "The Longest Day".

Check out the song, and read more, at this location.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Overlorde

Swedish Death Metallers Amon Amarth have been in Fascination Street studios in Sweden since May recording their 6th full length album. The recording is all done now though and the band have started the mixing process. Nine tracks have been recorded so far. The album doesn't have a name yet, but three track names have been revealed. These titles are: 'Valhall Awaits Me', 'Hermod's Ride To Hel (Loke's Trechery Part I)' and 'Runes To My Memory'.

Here is a statement from the band on their official website: "Finally after five very long - but productive - weeks all recording is done and today we started mixing the album. Nine tracks have been successfully recorded - no thanks to the huge ammount of alcohol consumed, but none the less successfully". More track titles will be revealed shortly.

In other Amon Amarth news, the band's record company Metal Blade has posted the video clip to Fate Of Norns from the recently released 'Wrath of the Norsemen' DVD online.

Download it here: http://www.metalblade.de/videos/amonamarth/AmonAmarth_FateOfNorns.wmv or just click on the link on Amon Amarth's official website.

Source:	amonamarth.com
Band profile:	Amon Amarth

It wasn't that long ago when German Power Metallers Primal Fear broke off from record company Nuclear Blast. And they haven't remained record-label-less for long as they've now re-signed to Nuclear Blast. The record label will be with them when Primal Fear releases an upcoming Best-Of Compilation. The compilation will be called 'Metal Is Forever' and will contain 16 tracks. There will also be a bonus CD accompanying it called 'Classic Metal Tracks'. The release date for the album is 29th September.

Here is what bassist Mat Sinner has said on Primal Fear's official website: "Nuclear Blast and Primal Fear will carry on their successful work to make this album a success and a worthy release, with special packaging, photos, story etc. - more information and a songlist with be follow here soon!"

Source:	primalfear.de
Band profile:	Primal Fear

Andromeda will play at Noveau Casino in Paris on September 11th and the following day (September 12th) at the Spirit of 66 in Verviers in Belgium.

One more show added on September 2nd in Copenhagen at the Rock. Also appearing on the bill is Danish band Manticora.

Source:	andromedaonline.com
Band profile:	Andromeda

The Black Lotus label is gone!

Posted by Keith on May 18th 2006 on the official website :
"I received a phone call from Black Lotus today (18th May) saying they are ending and all bands are being released. As of now, Cruachan are without a label!!!!. We have a fantastic new album ready to be released, we just need a good label to get in touch. All artwork is ready so record labels, please email me at cruachan@ireland.com"

Source:	cruachan.metalfan.nl
Band profile:	Cruachan

Danish metal band Mnemic have officially named Frenchman Guillaume Bideau (Scarve) as their new vocalist. The band recently commented on the news:

"As you've probably heard from other sources, the new singer of Mnemic will be Guillaume Bideau from Scarve. Now it's official, and it's official when we say its official. Guillaume impressed us in the rehearsal and in the studio. First off he nailed the old songs 110%, and second we did a demo one of the new songs with him, which turned out like a multilayered vocal metallic opera. He will definitely bring the sound of Mnemic to the next level and we are more than happy to have him in the band as the new frontmonster!"

A long-time member of Scarve, Bideau issued his first statement as the singer for Mnemic hours ago on the band's website:

"I'm extremely proud and happy to be joining Mnemic. This is definitely a big turn in my musical career and I feel more confident than ever. I was in Scarve for almost 8 years and I'm leaving this band today without any feuds between the guys and myself, t hey totally understand my choice and decision. Sometimes things don't go as planed unfortunately, but the band still has plenty of time to finish the new album. I really wish Scarve all the very best for the future, I know they'll move on.

Mnemic is exactly the kind of crazy shit I was expecting to be part of! It 's going to be an amazing, open minded human and musical adventure and I'll be able to be 100% myself in this band. I can't wait to join them in studio to record that damn new album! Trust me, it will be kickass!"

The band will enter Bomb Shelter Studios in downtown Los Angeles later this month to begin tracking their yet-to-be-titled third album for Nuclear Blast Records, due out in early 2007.

Source:	mnemic.com
Band profile:	Mnemic

SikTh are now sampling their entire record Death of a Dead Day at this location. The album hits stores tomorrow (6.6.06) in the US and June 26 in the UK through Bieler Bros. Records and will feature special artwork and personally autographed posters for the first ten thousand copies sold. Furthermore anyone who buys the record will be eligible to win an Ipod filled with music from Bieler Bros. Records. Visit this location for more details.

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Source:	sikth.com
Band profile:	SikTh