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User Ne - Deal With Dark Symphonies
DARK SYMPHONIES is extremely proud to announce the signing of Spain's metal clan USER NE! Having already gained worldwide acclaim with their two previous releases NÍBELUM DAS UHÖRT (2000) and TARANTOS (2003), USER NE is now prepared to unveil their most accomplished work to date with their Dark Symphonies debut entitled, ATROPA NATURA! Comprised of nine full time members, USER NE employ a diverse range of instrumentation and vocal performances, including the stunning voice of female vocalist Pantaraxia, to create some of the most unique and progressive music in the extreme metal community. The band effortlessly combines epic literary themes with dark, menacing but beautiful melodies to capture those forgotten and forsaken images within our imaginations. It was clear that after hearing the songs off the demo version of ATROPA NATURA, Dark Symphonies had no choice but to sign this very special band from Spain immediately.
Commenting on their recent signing to Dark Symphonies, chief architects of the band, Ashkar and Hils Ver IIIº offered the following insights:
Ashkar: "We are very pleased to join Dark Symphonies. They have always showed great interest for our music; this has been a very important reason for us to decide to work together with them. I look forward to great things happening with the union between USER NE and Dark Symphonies. We are already finishing the pre-production of the new album and very excited about returning to the studio".
Hils Ver IIIº : "I am very happy for our incursion in the market of the country's crazy people".
USER NE is currently putting the finishing touches on the writing for ATROPA NATURA. The band will then enter Sergio Martín Producciones Studio (www.sergiomartin.net) sometime in early February to begin the recording with chief engineer Sergio Martín. The band will assist in the final production with a total running time of approximately 60 minutes of music. The artwork and layout will be handled by the members of the band. Finally, USER NE will also shoot a special video for one of the songs off ATROPA NATURA that will be included as a bonus on the cd!
For further information as it breaks on the new video, the final track listing and official worldwide release date please continue to check the following websites for updates:
Sources: http://www.userne.net
http://www.darksymphonies.com
Commenting on their recent signing to Dark Symphonies, chief architects of the band, Ashkar and Hils Ver IIIº offered the following insights:
Ashkar: "We are very pleased to join Dark Symphonies. They have always showed great interest for our music; this has been a very important reason for us to decide to work together with them. I look forward to great things happening with the union between USER NE and Dark Symphonies. We are already finishing the pre-production of the new album and very excited about returning to the studio".
Hils Ver IIIº : "I am very happy for our incursion in the market of the country's crazy people".
USER NE is currently putting the finishing touches on the writing for ATROPA NATURA. The band will then enter Sergio Martín Producciones Studio (www.sergiomartin.net) sometime in early February to begin the recording with chief engineer Sergio Martín. The band will assist in the final production with a total running time of approximately 60 minutes of music. The artwork and layout will be handled by the members of the band. Finally, USER NE will also shoot a special video for one of the songs off ATROPA NATURA that will be included as a bonus on the cd!
For further information as it breaks on the new video, the final track listing and official worldwide release date please continue to check the following websites for updates:
Sources: http://www.userne.net
http://www.darksymphonies.com
Blind Stare - Split With Arise Records
Finnish melodic death metallers Blind Stare and Arise Records have decided to cancel their cooperation, relating to the financial decisions of Arise Records. Blind Stare has recorded some demo material for the upcoming album, and will be promoting their new material to the record companies during the first half of this year.
| Source: | blindstare.net |
To-Mera Signs To Candlelight Rec.
Yes, we're now officially a signed band! We signed a three album deal with Candlelight, a great label who have been home to the likes of Opeth, Emperor, Enslaved, Crowbar, 1349 and many many more. We're more than proud to be counted amongst such an illustrious line-up. We're working hard to make the best possible album for a release later on this year.
If you could forward this message on to your friends it'd be really appreciated.
Here's the "official" release cut/pasted for more info:
To-Mera was formed by Julie Kiss and Lee Barrett (ex:Extreme Noise Terror / Disgust / Mussolini Headkick) following her acrimonious departure from the Hungarian progressive metal band Without Face (ex: Earache / Elitist recording artists). She felt that she still had a lot more to offer musically and set about finding like-minded musicians in order to persue that goal. Fellow Hungarian Akos Pirisi, a huge fan of Meshuggah and a master of polyrhythmics, was brought in on drums. Later Tom MacLean was found after he, a big Without Face fan, recognized Julie and introduced himself at a Dillinger Escape Plan concert. Tom graduated from the Trinity College of Music in London, where he studied Jazz guitar. Although a huge metalhead, His broad musical tastes are evident in his playing, and he constantly pushes himself to attain new levels of skill.
When all was finally in place, the band recorded their debut demo in July 2005 at The Peel rehearsal rooms (Kingston-Upon-Thames) on a laptop, and it was mixed in France by up-and-coming producer Brett Caldas-Lima (Kalisia / Malmonde / Fairlight).
After the demo was recorded, the band finally found a fulltime keyboard player in the shape of Hugo Sheppard. Hugo is also a graduate of the Trinity College of Music where he studied classical piano. He has already contributed to the band's newer material, and his avant-garde, free-flowing style has added yet another dimension to To-Mera's sound.
The songs are worked almost literally around Julie's lyrics, adding flesh to the emotive, dark and esoteric bones. The mesmeric descriptive themes allow the listener a very personal look into a deeply multifarious mindset. The music as a result is a complex, heavy and at times heartfelt hybrid of powerful progressive metal, beguiling acoustic passages, enchanting keyboard soundscapes and unmistakable female vocals.
The demo was sent to many webzines and magazines, where universal acclaim was given. The band received "Demo of The Month" at Organ Magazine, Zero Tolerance magazine and Imperiumi.net (Finland). These, and many other, great reviews led to a number of interested record labels getting in touch. It soon became clear that Candlelight Records (Emperor, Opeth, 1349, Zyklon, Enslaved, etc) was the best choice for the band and a multi-album, worldwide deal was signed at the beginning of January 2006. The demo is still available for download at http://www.myspace.com/tomeraband .
Read more ››
If you could forward this message on to your friends it'd be really appreciated.
Here's the "official" release cut/pasted for more info:
To-Mera was formed by Julie Kiss and Lee Barrett (ex:Extreme Noise Terror / Disgust / Mussolini Headkick) following her acrimonious departure from the Hungarian progressive metal band Without Face (ex: Earache / Elitist recording artists). She felt that she still had a lot more to offer musically and set about finding like-minded musicians in order to persue that goal. Fellow Hungarian Akos Pirisi, a huge fan of Meshuggah and a master of polyrhythmics, was brought in on drums. Later Tom MacLean was found after he, a big Without Face fan, recognized Julie and introduced himself at a Dillinger Escape Plan concert. Tom graduated from the Trinity College of Music in London, where he studied Jazz guitar. Although a huge metalhead, His broad musical tastes are evident in his playing, and he constantly pushes himself to attain new levels of skill.
When all was finally in place, the band recorded their debut demo in July 2005 at The Peel rehearsal rooms (Kingston-Upon-Thames) on a laptop, and it was mixed in France by up-and-coming producer Brett Caldas-Lima (Kalisia / Malmonde / Fairlight).
After the demo was recorded, the band finally found a fulltime keyboard player in the shape of Hugo Sheppard. Hugo is also a graduate of the Trinity College of Music where he studied classical piano. He has already contributed to the band's newer material, and his avant-garde, free-flowing style has added yet another dimension to To-Mera's sound.
The songs are worked almost literally around Julie's lyrics, adding flesh to the emotive, dark and esoteric bones. The mesmeric descriptive themes allow the listener a very personal look into a deeply multifarious mindset. The music as a result is a complex, heavy and at times heartfelt hybrid of powerful progressive metal, beguiling acoustic passages, enchanting keyboard soundscapes and unmistakable female vocals.
The demo was sent to many webzines and magazines, where universal acclaim was given. The band received "Demo of The Month" at Organ Magazine, Zero Tolerance magazine and Imperiumi.net (Finland). These, and many other, great reviews led to a number of interested record labels getting in touch. It soon became clear that Candlelight Records (Emperor, Opeth, 1349, Zyklon, Enslaved, etc) was the best choice for the band and a multi-album, worldwide deal was signed at the beginning of January 2006. The demo is still available for download at http://www.myspace.com/tomeraband .
Read more ››
| Source: | myspace.com |
| Band profile: | To-Mera |
Kamelot - To Film Live DVD
Kamelot is pleased to announce their first Live DVD filming this February 11th, 2006 at Rockefeller Music Hall, in Oslo, Norway. The shoot will be handled by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus and promises to be full of surprises for all the fans. "This has been in the works now for more than 2 years and we are very pleased to have all the gears in motion now. This will be a very, very special event for us and all the fans of the band" - states guitarist Thomas Youngblood. According to lead singer Roy Khan the crew is already in full swing preparing for the show in Oslo, most certainly destined to be another milestone in the career of the band.
More details are expected for this much anticipated DVD, including track listings, bonus footage and special guest appearances. Release date is scheduled for Summer/Fall 2006 via SPV Records.
http://kamelot.com
More details are expected for this much anticipated DVD, including track listings, bonus footage and special guest appearances. Release date is scheduled for Summer/Fall 2006 via SPV Records.
http://kamelot.com
| Band profile: | Kamelot |
Lacuna Coil - Release Date Set
LACUNA COIL are set to release their latest full-length effort, Karmacode, on April 4th via Century Media Records. The highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed commercial breakthrough album, Comalies, was co-produced by Waldemar Sorychta and LACUNA COIL in Germany and Italy while the album was both mixed by Ronald Prent (Rammstein, H.I.M., Iron Maiden) and mastered by Darcy Proper (Steely Dan, Porcupine Tree, R.E.M.) at Galaxy Studios in Belgium. Asterik Studio (Trapt, Funeral For A Friend, The Used), the Grammy-nominated design firm, is handling the package design for Karmacode.
Says vocalist Cristina Scabbia, "I imagine it's easy for everyone to understand how truly excited we are for the world to hear the new material. It'll give everyone the chance to hear the growth that the band has experienced over the past couple of years. I simply cannot wait to get out and play the new songs live, there will definitely be a lot of energy coming from the stage next year!"
Guitarist Cristiano Migliore adds, "It's taken a long time to put together these songs and I can say they're the best ones we've ever written! Working with old friends as well as new ones has been incredibly exciting and we had the chance to mix in one of the best studios in the world so, really, what else could we ask for? I'm definitely sure our fans will love the music just as much as they'll love the artwork that Asterik has created for Karmacode!"
The track list for Karmacode is as follows:
1.Fragile
2.To The Edge
3.Our Truth
4.Within Me
5.Devoted
6.You Create
7.What I See
8.Fragments Of Faith
9.Closer
10.In Visible Light
11.The Game
12.Without Fear
13.Enjoy The Silence
"Our Truth", the album's lead track, will receive its worldwide debut on the Underworld: Evolution soundtrack on January 10th alongside Puscifer (Maynard Kennan's new project), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), Slipknot, My Chemical Romance, Atreyu, and more. "We all loved the 1st Underworld movie and soundtrack and knowing we'll be part of this soundtrack alongside all these great bands is awesome!" says Cristiano. "It's incredible to see all this interest in our band and every time something like this happens it's definitely surreal. It's also going to be a great chance to see what people think of the new stuff! Let's keep our fingers crossed!"
A video for "Our Truth" was shot in Los Angeles by Fort Awesome, a brand-new directorial duo, whose individual directing credits include Queens of the Stone Age, Linkin Park, Disturbed, Chevelle, Atreyu, Shadows Fall, and more. "The experience of shooting the video was a wonderful one, for sure" adds Cristina, "Both the band and the crew worked from sunset to sunrise in the Hollywood Hills, remaining 100% focused and after all was said and done we believe we pulled off a masterpiece of a video we're sure everyone's going to love."
Read more ››
Says vocalist Cristina Scabbia, "I imagine it's easy for everyone to understand how truly excited we are for the world to hear the new material. It'll give everyone the chance to hear the growth that the band has experienced over the past couple of years. I simply cannot wait to get out and play the new songs live, there will definitely be a lot of energy coming from the stage next year!"
Guitarist Cristiano Migliore adds, "It's taken a long time to put together these songs and I can say they're the best ones we've ever written! Working with old friends as well as new ones has been incredibly exciting and we had the chance to mix in one of the best studios in the world so, really, what else could we ask for? I'm definitely sure our fans will love the music just as much as they'll love the artwork that Asterik has created for Karmacode!"
The track list for Karmacode is as follows:
1.Fragile
2.To The Edge
3.Our Truth
4.Within Me
5.Devoted
6.You Create
7.What I See
8.Fragments Of Faith
9.Closer
10.In Visible Light
11.The Game
12.Without Fear
13.Enjoy The Silence
"Our Truth", the album's lead track, will receive its worldwide debut on the Underworld: Evolution soundtrack on January 10th alongside Puscifer (Maynard Kennan's new project), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), Slipknot, My Chemical Romance, Atreyu, and more. "We all loved the 1st Underworld movie and soundtrack and knowing we'll be part of this soundtrack alongside all these great bands is awesome!" says Cristiano. "It's incredible to see all this interest in our band and every time something like this happens it's definitely surreal. It's also going to be a great chance to see what people think of the new stuff! Let's keep our fingers crossed!"
A video for "Our Truth" was shot in Los Angeles by Fort Awesome, a brand-new directorial duo, whose individual directing credits include Queens of the Stone Age, Linkin Park, Disturbed, Chevelle, Atreyu, Shadows Fall, and more. "The experience of shooting the video was a wonderful one, for sure" adds Cristina, "Both the band and the crew worked from sunset to sunrise in the Hollywood Hills, remaining 100% focused and after all was said and done we believe we pulled off a masterpiece of a video we're sure everyone's going to love."
Read more ››
| Source: | centurymedia.com |
| Band profile: | Lacuna Coil |
Saratoga - New Drummer
Translation of the news posted on the official website on 19.12.2005:
Dani told us some time ago that he decided to leave the band and in order to avoid any misunderstanding, here's the complete statement he sent us. Saratoga wish him and his new band good luck and we thank him for all those years of work and friendship. And neither he nor us want to argue about that since it's his own decision and that it happened in a friendly way.
Dani's statement:
Hi all. I'm writing to tell you I have taken the decision to quit Saratoga. Even though Skizoo was first thought as a side-project, it grew to the point that it's impossible to handle both groups. Now, Skizoo is a band in which all the members have to be 100% involved, so that it's impossible for me to set the priority on Saratoga. The reasons of my choice are personal and I hope you will understand them. Of course, this is a friendly separation and I wish the best to the band. I want to thank all the fans of Saratoga who have supported me through all those years, I will always be indebted to you. Finally, I have to say that my involvement in Stravaganzza will not only remain the same but that this will allow to get even more involved in the band.
Cheers to all of you.
Dani.
We also want to say that everything will go on and that SARATOGA already have a new drummer, Andy C. who will be part of Saratoa's sixth line-up. Andy is an incredible musician, as you could see before in Dark Moor, among other bands. We have prepared all the songs we're going to play live and we promise we'll give out everything to you in our concerts, that you can see in the Tour section.
Salud y mucho Heavy Metal
SARATOGA
Dani told us some time ago that he decided to leave the band and in order to avoid any misunderstanding, here's the complete statement he sent us. Saratoga wish him and his new band good luck and we thank him for all those years of work and friendship. And neither he nor us want to argue about that since it's his own decision and that it happened in a friendly way.
Dani's statement:
Hi all. I'm writing to tell you I have taken the decision to quit Saratoga. Even though Skizoo was first thought as a side-project, it grew to the point that it's impossible to handle both groups. Now, Skizoo is a band in which all the members have to be 100% involved, so that it's impossible for me to set the priority on Saratoga. The reasons of my choice are personal and I hope you will understand them. Of course, this is a friendly separation and I wish the best to the band. I want to thank all the fans of Saratoga who have supported me through all those years, I will always be indebted to you. Finally, I have to say that my involvement in Stravaganzza will not only remain the same but that this will allow to get even more involved in the band.
Cheers to all of you.
Dani.
We also want to say that everything will go on and that SARATOGA already have a new drummer, Andy C. who will be part of Saratoa's sixth line-up. Andy is an incredible musician, as you could see before in Dark Moor, among other bands. We have prepared all the songs we're going to play live and we promise we'll give out everything to you in our concerts, that you can see in the Tour section.
Salud y mucho Heavy Metal
SARATOGA
| Band profile: | Saratoga |
Beyond Twilight - Announce New Singer
Only two days after the departure of their former vocalist Kelly "Sundown" Carpenter Beyond Twilight have announced Björn Jansson of Tears Of Anger as substitution. Read the entire statement below:
"We are proud to announce that our new lead vocalist is Björn Jansson. Coming from Sweden we warmly welcome him as new family member in Beyond Twilight. We are absolutely thrilled about our new reinforcement. Björn is an outstanding vocalist and fits the band perfectly. This also makes it possible for us to finally use our base in Scandinavia bringing back and setting up our camp here. No doubt this is a healthy situation for us as for playing live and touring which we have been dreaming about for a long time. Björn is experienced and you might also know him from his albums with Tears Of Anger and Bob Katsionis Imagenary. When getting in touch with Björn we found out that he had been a Beyond Twilight fan for several years. What better commitment and conditions could we ask for? What really matters to us is that within less than 24 hours Björn showed his commitment by delivering vocal recordings. Not just vocal recordings but fantastic vocals in our own humble opinion. So there you have it!"
"We are proud to announce that our new lead vocalist is Björn Jansson. Coming from Sweden we warmly welcome him as new family member in Beyond Twilight. We are absolutely thrilled about our new reinforcement. Björn is an outstanding vocalist and fits the band perfectly. This also makes it possible for us to finally use our base in Scandinavia bringing back and setting up our camp here. No doubt this is a healthy situation for us as for playing live and touring which we have been dreaming about for a long time. Björn is experienced and you might also know him from his albums with Tears Of Anger and Bob Katsionis Imagenary. When getting in touch with Björn we found out that he had been a Beyond Twilight fan for several years. What better commitment and conditions could we ask for? What really matters to us is that within less than 24 hours Björn showed his commitment by delivering vocal recordings. Not just vocal recordings but fantastic vocals in our own humble opinion. So there you have it!"
| Source: | beyondtwilight.dk |
| Band profile: | Beyond Twilight |
Peaceville - Deal With "Queens Of The Crust Age"
Peaceville Records is very proud to announce the long term signing of GALLHAMMER. Hailing from TOKYO, JAPAN - this three girl combo is anything but what you've come to expect from the polite and serene land of the rising sun (or daughter in this case).
We are currently compiling their first major European release which will be a retrospective look over their material from previous underground releases, coupled with a DVD of an awesome performance in Tokyo which has to be seen to be believed.
We apologise in advance for any fright caused when watching this CRUSTCORE combo in action. It would be lost in translation to try to explain, but they achieve some kind of trance like state fed on horrendously loud feedback which Jonas Renkse of Katatonia described as "scary".
The band will enter an, as yet un-named Tokyo studio in the Spring to record the first full album under the deal and a host of producers are being vetted for the mix.
Musically inspired by long forgotten UK crust bands Axegrinder and Amebix, but with a heavy dose of modern slime a la Autopsy and Darkthrone and a nod to Celtic Frost / Hellhammer, this outfit are a breath of stale air in a fresh market.
The band had the following to say:
"Gallhammer sign deal with Peaceville. We Peaceville fan for long time. We grown up to bands like Axegrinder, Darkthrone, Autopsy. We very glad to signed up with Peaceville. We hope work closely together for the future. And we want to make more good things"
(Vivian Slaughter/Gallhammer)
Need we say more?
We are currently compiling their first major European release which will be a retrospective look over their material from previous underground releases, coupled with a DVD of an awesome performance in Tokyo which has to be seen to be believed.
We apologise in advance for any fright caused when watching this CRUSTCORE combo in action. It would be lost in translation to try to explain, but they achieve some kind of trance like state fed on horrendously loud feedback which Jonas Renkse of Katatonia described as "scary".
The band will enter an, as yet un-named Tokyo studio in the Spring to record the first full album under the deal and a host of producers are being vetted for the mix.
Musically inspired by long forgotten UK crust bands Axegrinder and Amebix, but with a heavy dose of modern slime a la Autopsy and Darkthrone and a nod to Celtic Frost / Hellhammer, this outfit are a breath of stale air in a fresh market.
The band had the following to say:
"Gallhammer sign deal with Peaceville. We Peaceville fan for long time. We grown up to bands like Axegrinder, Darkthrone, Autopsy. We very glad to signed up with Peaceville. We hope work closely together for the future. And we want to make more good things"
(Vivian Slaughter/Gallhammer)
Need we say more?
| Source: | Peaceville Records |
Morningstar Records - New Label Run By Musicians
MORNINGSTAR RECORDS: New Norwegian label started by members of SATYRICON
live, NECROPHAGIA, KEEP OF KALESSIN, CHTON, MANES, MAX MIDSUN
First release: BLOODTHORN "Genocide" Europe FEBRUARY 2006!
The goal of Morningstar Records is to establish a solid independent label within quality metal and rock as a label run by musicians for musicians.Our intention is not to climb the ladder up through the underground, but to start no-holds-barred from the first release being "Genocide" by the Norwegian death metal-band Bloodthorn, their 4th studio album marking their 10th year from their first release in 1996.
After years of wanting to start a label focusing on the music itself and not on hype and hunt for profit, Morningstar Records was established by Keep of Kalessin mainman Arnt O. Grönbech. Arnt comments: "I was totally blown away when I heard the new Bloodthorn album 'Genocide' during their mixing-session in Godt Selskap studio, and I simply chose to buy the European rights for this crushing album. This is the album that will give the label a flying start, and prove the labels right to life!" Morningstar Records will focus on quality not quantity, and with the Head of Business and two producers from Godt Selskap Studio (known for recordings by bands like Necrophagia, Keep of Kalessin, Griffin, Chton, Manifest etc.) on board, this close co-operation with Godt Selskap gives Morningstar Records
an advantage by the possibility to secure a professional recording of their artist. Plastichead is Morningstar Records' world distributor, and will make sure the music can be found in most retail stores, as well as specialist stores, across the globe.
MORNINGSTAR STAFF_
Kim Tungvåg (Max Midsun, head of business Godt Selskap studio)
Torstein Parelius (Manes, Chton)
Arnt O. Grönbech (Keep of Kalessin, Satyricon live)
Knut V. Prytz (Necrophagia, producer Godt Selskap Studio)
Rune Stavnesli (Max Midsun, producer Godt Selskap studio)
MORNINGSTAR RECORDS DA
http://www.morningstarrec.com
info@morningstarrec.com
Phone: (+47) 45 23 83 34
P.O. Box 8809
N-7481 Trondheim
Norway
live, NECROPHAGIA, KEEP OF KALESSIN, CHTON, MANES, MAX MIDSUN
First release: BLOODTHORN "Genocide" Europe FEBRUARY 2006!
The goal of Morningstar Records is to establish a solid independent label within quality metal and rock as a label run by musicians for musicians.Our intention is not to climb the ladder up through the underground, but to start no-holds-barred from the first release being "Genocide" by the Norwegian death metal-band Bloodthorn, their 4th studio album marking their 10th year from their first release in 1996.
After years of wanting to start a label focusing on the music itself and not on hype and hunt for profit, Morningstar Records was established by Keep of Kalessin mainman Arnt O. Grönbech. Arnt comments: "I was totally blown away when I heard the new Bloodthorn album 'Genocide' during their mixing-session in Godt Selskap studio, and I simply chose to buy the European rights for this crushing album. This is the album that will give the label a flying start, and prove the labels right to life!" Morningstar Records will focus on quality not quantity, and with the Head of Business and two producers from Godt Selskap Studio (known for recordings by bands like Necrophagia, Keep of Kalessin, Griffin, Chton, Manifest etc.) on board, this close co-operation with Godt Selskap gives Morningstar Records
an advantage by the possibility to secure a professional recording of their artist. Plastichead is Morningstar Records' world distributor, and will make sure the music can be found in most retail stores, as well as specialist stores, across the globe.
MORNINGSTAR STAFF_
Kim Tungvåg (Max Midsun, head of business Godt Selskap studio)
Torstein Parelius (Manes, Chton)
Arnt O. Grönbech (Keep of Kalessin, Satyricon live)
Knut V. Prytz (Necrophagia, producer Godt Selskap Studio)
Rune Stavnesli (Max Midsun, producer Godt Selskap studio)
MORNINGSTAR RECORDS DA
http://www.morningstarrec.com
info@morningstarrec.com
Phone: (+47) 45 23 83 34
P.O. Box 8809
N-7481 Trondheim
Norway
Vanishing Point - Announce New Bassist
After searching for nearly two months, Australian Prog Metallers Vanishing Point have finally announced Steve Cox as replacement for their former bassist Joe Del Mastro. The following message has been posted at the band's official website:
"Hello to all our fans and our good friends in the media. We would like to announce officially that Vanishing Point has found a new bassist. It has been a very hard and reluctant task in finding a replacement for Joe. With over a dozen applicants stretching as far as Europe and abroad we didn't have to look further than our own back yard.
After going through several weeks of auditioning it is with great pleasure to welcome Steve Cox to his new position as our new bass player. Steve has fitted in with his new role quite nicely with his great sense of humour and professionalism towards VP is most welcom. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who did try out but who were unfortunately unsuccessful. We wish all the very best for your future and know in what ever you chose to do you will be successful."
"Hello to all our fans and our good friends in the media. We would like to announce officially that Vanishing Point has found a new bassist. It has been a very hard and reluctant task in finding a replacement for Joe. With over a dozen applicants stretching as far as Europe and abroad we didn't have to look further than our own back yard.
After going through several weeks of auditioning it is with great pleasure to welcome Steve Cox to his new position as our new bass player. Steve has fitted in with his new role quite nicely with his great sense of humour and professionalism towards VP is most welcom. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who did try out but who were unfortunately unsuccessful. We wish all the very best for your future and know in what ever you chose to do you will be successful."
| Source: | vanishing-point.com.au |
| Band profile: | Vanishing Point |
Ajattara - New Track Online
A brand-new Ajattara track, entitled "Lautuma", has been posted online. The song comes off the Finnish "black/dark metal" project's upcoming fourth full-length album, "Äpäre", due on March 22, 2006 via Spinefarm Records.
Listen to it here: http://www.spinefarm.fi/av.php
Listen to it here: http://www.spinefarm.fi/av.php
| Source: | spinefarm.fi |
| Band profile: | Ajattara |
Beyond Twilight - Singer Carpenter Out Of The Band
Beyond Twilight have parted ways with their singer Kelly "Sundown" Carpenter. The following statement was posted at the band's official website:
"Kelly Sundown Carpenter is no longer a member of Beyond Twilight. Kelly had 4 months to deliver vocal lines for the upcoming album, but did not deliver more than 30 of unusable vocals lines. Schedules and plans were pushed several times to adapt to Kelly's lack of ideas and problems. All in the Beyond Twilight camp have been more than patient with all his excuses. On the 7th of December Kelly finally got a warning. Through a period of 4 months he promised he would deliver next day, but nothing happened. His reasons were everything from personal problems, family problems, not having enough time, blaming Mike and Truls from Circus Maximus taking away his enthusiasm because Kelly felt second to them and to not having a clue of what to sing. Kelly then demanded money, else he wouldn't do the recordings. Although this is not the spirit of Beyond Twilight the band was forced to make an arrangement which was settled and Kelly was assured his wish of 500$. The 28th of December Kelly decided that the label should pay him the amount of 500$ before he left for the recordings, else he wouldn't do the recordings. Finn Zierler wrote to Kelly that the label of course was closed during Christmas and he was not even going to ask the label, but desperate to save the situation Finn offered to transfer the money to Kelly and asked Kelly to supply him with a Paypal account. Kelly did not do this, instead he started attacking the concept of the album, although he had not written any lyrics nor did he have a clue of what the concept is about. At last only one day before Kelly was supposed to fly to Europe he ended up accusing Finn for not paying him money to the account that Kelly never supplied and that he couldn't thrust Finn to give it to him and therefore he wanted to leave the band. King Kelly has decided not to cover the economical losses he has caused.
On behalf of everybody in the Beyond Twilight camp it's safe to say that we are all puzzled about Kelly, but we wish him the best for the future."
"Kelly Sundown Carpenter is no longer a member of Beyond Twilight. Kelly had 4 months to deliver vocal lines for the upcoming album, but did not deliver more than 30 of unusable vocals lines. Schedules and plans were pushed several times to adapt to Kelly's lack of ideas and problems. All in the Beyond Twilight camp have been more than patient with all his excuses. On the 7th of December Kelly finally got a warning. Through a period of 4 months he promised he would deliver next day, but nothing happened. His reasons were everything from personal problems, family problems, not having enough time, blaming Mike and Truls from Circus Maximus taking away his enthusiasm because Kelly felt second to them and to not having a clue of what to sing. Kelly then demanded money, else he wouldn't do the recordings. Although this is not the spirit of Beyond Twilight the band was forced to make an arrangement which was settled and Kelly was assured his wish of 500$. The 28th of December Kelly decided that the label should pay him the amount of 500$ before he left for the recordings, else he wouldn't do the recordings. Finn Zierler wrote to Kelly that the label of course was closed during Christmas and he was not even going to ask the label, but desperate to save the situation Finn offered to transfer the money to Kelly and asked Kelly to supply him with a Paypal account. Kelly did not do this, instead he started attacking the concept of the album, although he had not written any lyrics nor did he have a clue of what the concept is about. At last only one day before Kelly was supposed to fly to Europe he ended up accusing Finn for not paying him money to the account that Kelly never supplied and that he couldn't thrust Finn to give it to him and therefore he wanted to leave the band. King Kelly has decided not to cover the economical losses he has caused.
On behalf of everybody in the Beyond Twilight camp it's safe to say that we are all puzzled about Kelly, but we wish him the best for the future."
| Source: | beyondtwilight.dk |
| Band profile: | Beyond Twilight |
Aborted - New Lineup
A new year, a new beginning: On those notes we start off the new year, wishing everyone including all our fans the best of luck with their plans and projects for 2006.
Unfortunately we have some unpleasant news to bring as well at this point. Due to personal issues that could not be resolved, Aborted, Tace & Free had to part ways. A cummulation of smaller and bigger problems in the past so and so months has made it virtually impossible to keep cooperating together as a collective unit. Tace & Free are not vanishing, they will remain active in their other projects. People will see Free in his other band "Forced Hate" and Tace in a new band.
On a more positive note, we want to state that absolutely nobody out there should worry about shows getting canceled and so on. The February tour with Cryptopsy, Grave, Dew-Scented a.o., will go on as planned! Stepping in are Seb (Genital Grinder/Balrog) on guitar, Olivia (ex-No Return/Balrog) on bass and Matty (Emeth) on guitar as well since Steph could not commit him self to this tour due to his lady sitting at home pregnant, ready to give birth.
We have already rehearsed our setlist with the new line-up several times and things are working out perfectly. The motivation and "drive" is back in the band, something that was missing since a while ago, and it feels great to be jamming out the tunes with fresh blood incorporated. Throughout the years this band has been struggling with the line-up, having more than a couple of line-up changes. However, Aborted has proven that what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, and this time it should be no exception.
We also started working on the successor to "The Archaic Abattoir", which is set to be recorded later this year. Again we would like to thank all of those who have supported us, and we're glad you are still doing so. We will see many of you on tour in February!
Cheers,
Aborted
Unfortunately we have some unpleasant news to bring as well at this point. Due to personal issues that could not be resolved, Aborted, Tace & Free had to part ways. A cummulation of smaller and bigger problems in the past so and so months has made it virtually impossible to keep cooperating together as a collective unit. Tace & Free are not vanishing, they will remain active in their other projects. People will see Free in his other band "Forced Hate" and Tace in a new band.
On a more positive note, we want to state that absolutely nobody out there should worry about shows getting canceled and so on. The February tour with Cryptopsy, Grave, Dew-Scented a.o., will go on as planned! Stepping in are Seb (Genital Grinder/Balrog) on guitar, Olivia (ex-No Return/Balrog) on bass and Matty (Emeth) on guitar as well since Steph could not commit him self to this tour due to his lady sitting at home pregnant, ready to give birth.
We have already rehearsed our setlist with the new line-up several times and things are working out perfectly. The motivation and "drive" is back in the band, something that was missing since a while ago, and it feels great to be jamming out the tunes with fresh blood incorporated. Throughout the years this band has been struggling with the line-up, having more than a couple of line-up changes. However, Aborted has proven that what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, and this time it should be no exception.
We also started working on the successor to "The Archaic Abattoir", which is set to be recorded later this year. Again we would like to thank all of those who have supported us, and we're glad you are still doing so. We will see many of you on tour in February!
Cheers,
Aborted
| Source: | goremageddon.be |
| Band profile: | Aborted |
Blind Guardian - New Single Details Revealed
Blind Guardian frontman Hansi Kürsch has posted the following message at the band's web site right before Christmas:
"A sign of life message just to let you know that Christmas is getting closer and we are still not done with recordings, yet. But that is the good news for the album: we are still on schedule. The description 'on schedule' can be stretched (manipulated?) a little, while talking about a Blind Guardian album production, anyway. We haven't ? so far, but we could. There is only a small amount of guitars, which needs to be completed, some bass, a lot of vocals and even more mixing. We are targeting an early February deadline.
"I am very sorry we have not been able to involve you more so far, but we are so focused on the album, that we hardly find the time to eat. I turned a skinny beauty during these days. I promise to provide you with some studio shots as soon as the new year has started...
"Oh, about the single mentioned a few months earlier: We have accomplished it and I would like to provide you with some information about it, only the important ones and of course only true ones:
There will be three songs on the single:
01. Fly
02. Skalds and Shadows (acoustic version)
03. In A Gadda Da Vida
"'Fly' is a quite surprising title for a Blind Guardian song, one could think. But it lyrically fits very, very well. This song is about inspirations and how they can influence your art, your life and other people's li(v)(?)es(?). I, myself, was inspired by the movie 'Finding Neverland' when doing the lyrics. The music is mindblowing. It certainly describes how we look at music and how we see ourselves as musicians. We love to explore and assimilate. Though the song is different, it is pure Blind Guardian. I, personally, consider it to be amongst the best songs we have ever written. It is new!!! It is fresh!!! Whether you will like it or not, you will have to admit that you have never heard anything like that before. Not from Blind Guardian and neither from any other band on this planet.
"The acoustic version of 'Skalds and Shadows' completely stands in the tradition of songs like 'The Bard's Song' and 'A Past and Future Secret'. Charlie and Frederik came up with a very cool percussion arrangement and on top of it Frederik played some mindblowing flute melodies to it. We are very happy with the result and we work on a more orchestral version at the moment, which is supposed to become part of the album. This purer single version will only appear on the single. The word 'skald' is probably not very common, but is nothing else than the ancient nordic description for their bards. The nordic Edda poems have mostly been invented by Skalds and they also have kept these stories alive by traveling around and telling the stories to other people. I, as a fan of 'Die Nibelungen' and of Tolkien's work, was mostly thrilled by the 'Saga of Volsung', which the song lyrically partly scratches ? as well as the mission of the storyteller.
Read more ››
"A sign of life message just to let you know that Christmas is getting closer and we are still not done with recordings, yet. But that is the good news for the album: we are still on schedule. The description 'on schedule' can be stretched (manipulated?) a little, while talking about a Blind Guardian album production, anyway. We haven't ? so far, but we could. There is only a small amount of guitars, which needs to be completed, some bass, a lot of vocals and even more mixing. We are targeting an early February deadline.
"I am very sorry we have not been able to involve you more so far, but we are so focused on the album, that we hardly find the time to eat. I turned a skinny beauty during these days. I promise to provide you with some studio shots as soon as the new year has started...
"Oh, about the single mentioned a few months earlier: We have accomplished it and I would like to provide you with some information about it, only the important ones and of course only true ones:
There will be three songs on the single:
01. Fly
02. Skalds and Shadows (acoustic version)
03. In A Gadda Da Vida
"'Fly' is a quite surprising title for a Blind Guardian song, one could think. But it lyrically fits very, very well. This song is about inspirations and how they can influence your art, your life and other people's li(v)(?)es(?). I, myself, was inspired by the movie 'Finding Neverland' when doing the lyrics. The music is mindblowing. It certainly describes how we look at music and how we see ourselves as musicians. We love to explore and assimilate. Though the song is different, it is pure Blind Guardian. I, personally, consider it to be amongst the best songs we have ever written. It is new!!! It is fresh!!! Whether you will like it or not, you will have to admit that you have never heard anything like that before. Not from Blind Guardian and neither from any other band on this planet.
"The acoustic version of 'Skalds and Shadows' completely stands in the tradition of songs like 'The Bard's Song' and 'A Past and Future Secret'. Charlie and Frederik came up with a very cool percussion arrangement and on top of it Frederik played some mindblowing flute melodies to it. We are very happy with the result and we work on a more orchestral version at the moment, which is supposed to become part of the album. This purer single version will only appear on the single. The word 'skald' is probably not very common, but is nothing else than the ancient nordic description for their bards. The nordic Edda poems have mostly been invented by Skalds and they also have kept these stories alive by traveling around and telling the stories to other people. I, as a fan of 'Die Nibelungen' and of Tolkien's work, was mostly thrilled by the 'Saga of Volsung', which the song lyrically partly scratches ? as well as the mission of the storyteller.
Read more ››
| Source: | nuclearblast.de |
| Band profile: | Blind Guardian |
Winds - Vocals Completed For New Album
Winds' vocalist Lars Eric Si updates fans on the progress of the band's forthcoming album.
The still untitled new album, which will surface in 2006 via The End Records, is the follow-up to the well-received 2004 opus The Imaginary Direction Of Time.
"We're now done with most of the vocals and, in my opinion, they sound great. (Of course - I'm the singer...) There are some small 'details' left, but I can promise, here and now, hand on my heart, that the new album will be mind-blowingly different from the previous Winds' albums in its complexity both in vocal lines and vocal styles. A more detailed studio update will follow soon. Best regards and a happy New Year to you all! - Lars"
The still untitled new album, which will surface in 2006 via The End Records, is the follow-up to the well-received 2004 opus The Imaginary Direction Of Time.
"We're now done with most of the vocals and, in my opinion, they sound great. (Of course - I'm the singer...) There are some small 'details' left, but I can promise, here and now, hand on my heart, that the new album will be mind-blowingly different from the previous Winds' albums in its complexity both in vocal lines and vocal styles. A more detailed studio update will follow soon. Best regards and a happy New Year to you all! - Lars"
| Source: | theendrecords.com |
| Band profile: | Winds |