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Blind Guardian - New Drummer, New Website!
Hi bards,
This time it fortunately is on me to deliver some good news. Very good news in fact!
The seemingly endless time of waiting for a new drummer and speculations who could possibly be the new one has finally come to an end. We have found what we have been searching for?
A few weeks ago an unknown guy who introduced himelf as Frederik Ehmke applied for the job as a drummer in a fairly firm manner. His vital, expressive and skillful performances of some B.G. classics ("Journey Through The Dark", "Time Stands Still" and "And Then There Was Silence") blew us away completely . Pretending not to be convinced we invited him to do a shoot out recording session under real production terms to check out if the creative chemistry would also work out fine. After finishing these recordings it was obvious to us: Frederik is going to be our new drummer!
It was essential for us to find a musician, who on one side would be able to integrate old Guardian trademarks in his play, but on the other side would also be confident enough to bring in his own vision of the Blind Guardian drums in a tasteful and, for the music, suitable way. Frederik is a calm and handsome fellow, who's aware of his abilities and who also knows what he wants. For us he is the lucky draw.
We are convinced you will be as impressed by his drum performance as we are. Now we are looking forward to starting the next album production. There is a good amount of work ahead of us but we are absolutely ready to go. You can expect a very interesting album with strong songs on it. We will keep you informed.
Later,
Hansi
Also, a new website is now up.
This time it fortunately is on me to deliver some good news. Very good news in fact!
The seemingly endless time of waiting for a new drummer and speculations who could possibly be the new one has finally come to an end. We have found what we have been searching for?
A few weeks ago an unknown guy who introduced himelf as Frederik Ehmke applied for the job as a drummer in a fairly firm manner. His vital, expressive and skillful performances of some B.G. classics ("Journey Through The Dark", "Time Stands Still" and "And Then There Was Silence") blew us away completely . Pretending not to be convinced we invited him to do a shoot out recording session under real production terms to check out if the creative chemistry would also work out fine. After finishing these recordings it was obvious to us: Frederik is going to be our new drummer!
It was essential for us to find a musician, who on one side would be able to integrate old Guardian trademarks in his play, but on the other side would also be confident enough to bring in his own vision of the Blind Guardian drums in a tasteful and, for the music, suitable way. Frederik is a calm and handsome fellow, who's aware of his abilities and who also knows what he wants. For us he is the lucky draw.
We are convinced you will be as impressed by his drum performance as we are. Now we are looking forward to starting the next album production. There is a good amount of work ahead of us but we are absolutely ready to go. You can expect a very interesting album with strong songs on it. We will keep you informed.
Later,
Hansi
Also, a new website is now up.
| Source: | blind-guardian.com |
| Band profile: | Blind Guardian |
Celtic Frost - Entering The Studio
Seminal avant-garde metal pioneers Celtic Frost announce the completion of their new studio album, tentatively titled "Dark Matter Manifest", their first in 13 years and the culmination of some three and a half years of songwriting and recording work. Although the album was largely produced by the band themselves and financed by their own production company, Celtic Frost enlisted Hypocrisy/Pain mastermind Peter Tägtgren to co-produce with them the final recording and mixing sessions at Horus Sound Studio in Hanover, Germany, in August/September 2005. Negotiations with a variety of labels are currently underway, and the album is scheduled for a release in early 2006.
Having declined innumerable reunion show propositions over the years, Celtic Frost once again deemed it essential to manifest themselves creatively with a new album before embarking on the live circuit next year.
Original Celtic Frost members Tom Gabriel Fischer (voice and guitars) and Martin Eric Ain (bass) are joined by Erol Unala (guitar) and Franco Sesa (drums). The band are now managed by Antje Lange for The A Label in Berlin, Germany (info@thealabel.com). For real-time exclusive information and rare visual glimpses, see Celtic Frost's official website at http://www.celticfrost.com and Tom Gabriel Fischer's blog at:
http://apollyonsun.blogspot.com.
Having declined innumerable reunion show propositions over the years, Celtic Frost once again deemed it essential to manifest themselves creatively with a new album before embarking on the live circuit next year.
Original Celtic Frost members Tom Gabriel Fischer (voice and guitars) and Martin Eric Ain (bass) are joined by Erol Unala (guitar) and Franco Sesa (drums). The band are now managed by Antje Lange for The A Label in Berlin, Germany (info@thealabel.com). For real-time exclusive information and rare visual glimpses, see Celtic Frost's official website at http://www.celticfrost.com and Tom Gabriel Fischer's blog at:
http://apollyonsun.blogspot.com.
| Source: | celticfrost.com |
| Band profile: | Celtic Frost |
Leprechaun - Demo Out On Sell
Leprechaun, the side project of singer of Elvenking Damnagoras and bass player of Stormlord Francesco Bucci have decided to sell their demo CD, "The Ultimate Dance" as they're waiting for a good record deal to release their debut album.
Damnagoras stated in the band's website: "After I joined Elvenking back, lots of people were asking about Leprechaun's future. So it's time to clear things up a bit! As everybody may know, we have released a demo-cd for record companies only, called "The Ultimate Dance"...then we carried on writing songs and at the end we had 11 songs. So the first album is ready from the songwriting point of view. During this year we had some contacts with various record companies...but unfortunately nothing happened. We'd really like to release the first album but we will do it only when there'll be the right opportunity with the right company. Anyway we will keep on trying!
In the meantime we feel that, waiting for this "possible album" to be released, it would be cool to give to our fans the possibility of listening to the demo songs. So that's why we decided to sell "The Ultimate Dance" (write to info@leprechaun.it for info).
Talking about the line-up, for the moment there is no real line-up, but of course if something will happen in the future, me, Francesco Bucci, Whisperwind and Enrico "Soilmaster" will carry on with this, possibly with some help from our friends.
So...if you want to have news about the band, visit these pages and you'll surely know what's going on."
Damnagoras stated in the band's website: "After I joined Elvenking back, lots of people were asking about Leprechaun's future. So it's time to clear things up a bit! As everybody may know, we have released a demo-cd for record companies only, called "The Ultimate Dance"...then we carried on writing songs and at the end we had 11 songs. So the first album is ready from the songwriting point of view. During this year we had some contacts with various record companies...but unfortunately nothing happened. We'd really like to release the first album but we will do it only when there'll be the right opportunity with the right company. Anyway we will keep on trying!
In the meantime we feel that, waiting for this "possible album" to be released, it would be cool to give to our fans the possibility of listening to the demo songs. So that's why we decided to sell "The Ultimate Dance" (write to info@leprechaun.it for info).
Talking about the line-up, for the moment there is no real line-up, but of course if something will happen in the future, me, Francesco Bucci, Whisperwind and Enrico "Soilmaster" will carry on with this, possibly with some help from our friends.
So...if you want to have news about the band, visit these pages and you'll surely know what's going on."
| Source: | leprechaun.it |
Dream Evil - Peter And Niklas Left The Band
Dear followers,
Because of personal issues and the fact that Niklas has problems with constantly recurring health problems we have taken the painful decision to leave the band.
All our friends are telling us that it's a bad idea to leave the band now when it's starting to get big, but you may come to a point in your life where you have to make a choice.
We have now come to this point in our lives and the choice we have made is to put more time into our families and work.
We've known for a long time that the bigger Dream Evil becomes the more time it will take from the other important things in our lives and in time it was inevitable to make a decision.
Therefore we have decided to leave Dream Evil.
There are no hard feelings between us and the other guys in Dream Evil, We're still the best of friends and they totally understand the position we are in.
So it is with the best confidence we now pass over the mantle to the new members Jake E Berg and Tommy Larsson. They have our blessings and we are confident they will fill our shoes just perfectly and leave nothing for the fans to be desired.
We wish to thank all fans for the support through the years and for making the time in Dream Evil a memory for life.
Stay Evil In The Night
Peter and Niklas
Because of personal issues and the fact that Niklas has problems with constantly recurring health problems we have taken the painful decision to leave the band.
All our friends are telling us that it's a bad idea to leave the band now when it's starting to get big, but you may come to a point in your life where you have to make a choice.
We have now come to this point in our lives and the choice we have made is to put more time into our families and work.
We've known for a long time that the bigger Dream Evil becomes the more time it will take from the other important things in our lives and in time it was inevitable to make a decision.
Therefore we have decided to leave Dream Evil.
There are no hard feelings between us and the other guys in Dream Evil, We're still the best of friends and they totally understand the position we are in.
So it is with the best confidence we now pass over the mantle to the new members Jake E Berg and Tommy Larsson. They have our blessings and we are confident they will fill our shoes just perfectly and leave nothing for the fans to be desired.
We wish to thank all fans for the support through the years and for making the time in Dream Evil a memory for life.
Stay Evil In The Night
Peter and Niklas
| Source: | dreamevil.se |
| Band profile: | Dream Evil |
Stratovarius - Stratovarius At Wacken!
Stratovarius just performed at Wacken Open Air 2005.
This year's "Wacken Surprise Act" was Stratovarius.
Three songs were played: Hunting High and Low, Black Diamond and Maniac Dance.
Says singer Timo Kotipelto: "It was great to be back on stage!"
Says guitar player Timo Tolkki: "Hey Jens stop updating that stupid web page and come and DRINK!!!!!"
Says new bass player Lauri Porra: "Drinking????? WOOHOO"
This year's "Wacken Surprise Act" was Stratovarius.
Three songs were played: Hunting High and Low, Black Diamond and Maniac Dance.
Says singer Timo Kotipelto: "It was great to be back on stage!"
Says guitar player Timo Tolkki: "Hey Jens stop updating that stupid web page and come and DRINK!!!!!"
Says new bass player Lauri Porra: "Drinking????? WOOHOO"
| Source: | stratovarius.com |
| Band profile: | Stratovarius |
Flotsam & Jetsam - Shooting a New Video
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will shoot a video in support of their latest album, Dreams Of Death', in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday August 14th. The video will be for the song 'Straight To Hell'. The clip is expected to be finished late August and ready for national and regional video outlets by September 1st.
| Source: | flotsam-and-jetsam.com |
| Band profile: | Flotsam And Jetsam |
Nevermore - New Album Strong First Week
Nevermore's This Godless Endeavor Strong First Week Debut
NEVERMORE's new album This Godless Endeavor, released July 26th, sold over 5,200 copies in its first week. Catapulting the album to #12 on the Heatseekers Chart and #24 on the Indies Chart, the album showed the strongest first week sales in the band's 13-year history. Currently performing on the mainstage of Megadeth's Gigantour alongside Dream Theater, Fear Factory, Dillinger Escape Plan and more, the band is thrilled about fan and press reaction to the new album.
Additionally, the video for Nevermore's "Final Product" will premier Saturday, August 6th on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball. Directed by Kevin Leonard (Himsa, Terror) the song is the first single from Nevermore's new album This Godless Endeavor. Receiving rave reviews including 5/5 from Revolver, BW&BK's Brave Pick of The Month (August), and "?the best album of Nevermore's long and storied career" A.P., the album debuted at #26 in the top 100 on the German charts and #51 in the Italian charts this past week. An MP3 of "Final Product" can be found at the Century Media website, or by clicking here.
Already posted at Yahoo Music, and the Century Media website, the video was broadcast initially on Fuse's Metal Asylum last night, Tuesday August 2nd. For more information on Nevermore, This Godless Endeavor, or any other enquiries please contact me directly.
NEVERMORE's new album This Godless Endeavor, released July 26th, sold over 5,200 copies in its first week. Catapulting the album to #12 on the Heatseekers Chart and #24 on the Indies Chart, the album showed the strongest first week sales in the band's 13-year history. Currently performing on the mainstage of Megadeth's Gigantour alongside Dream Theater, Fear Factory, Dillinger Escape Plan and more, the band is thrilled about fan and press reaction to the new album.
Additionally, the video for Nevermore's "Final Product" will premier Saturday, August 6th on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball. Directed by Kevin Leonard (Himsa, Terror) the song is the first single from Nevermore's new album This Godless Endeavor. Receiving rave reviews including 5/5 from Revolver, BW&BK's Brave Pick of The Month (August), and "?the best album of Nevermore's long and storied career" A.P., the album debuted at #26 in the top 100 on the German charts and #51 in the Italian charts this past week. An MP3 of "Final Product" can be found at the Century Media website, or by clicking here.
Already posted at Yahoo Music, and the Century Media website, the video was broadcast initially on Fuse's Metal Asylum last night, Tuesday August 2nd. For more information on Nevermore, This Godless Endeavor, or any other enquiries please contact me directly.
| Source: | nevermore.tv |
| Band profile: | Nevermore |
Thy Majestie - New Song Online
Message taken from the latest newsletter from Thy Majestie:
"You can now download a mp3 from the new Thy Majestie's album "Jeanne d'Arc" : Please go to http://www.thymajestie.com
The album release is scheduled for the end of October ; not for 3rd October as previously announced.
"You can now download a mp3 from the new Thy Majestie's album "Jeanne d'Arc" : Please go to http://www.thymajestie.com
The album release is scheduled for the end of October ; not for 3rd October as previously announced.
| Source: | - Thy Majestie Newsletter - |
| Band profile: | Thy Majestie |
Dark Symphonies Sets Release Date For Elegeion CD
Taken from Dark Symphonies website:
Darkest Greetings!
We are very excited about the impending release of ELEGEION's newest masterpiece and Dark Symphonies debut "THE LAST MOMENT"! The world wide release date will be TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2005! One more bit of news about "THE LAST MOMENT": The recording was completely mastered at Crystal Mastering in Australia, and we can say that the sonic quality of this release is simply stunning! Promo kits will be going out to press & radio within the next couple of weeks. We are confident that this will be another special release from DS and really look forward to getting this cd out to all of you! We trust that you continue to enjoy your shopping experience at our webstore with hard-to-find titles from such labels as Adipocere, Avantegarde, Century Media, Displeased, Icarus, Mercenary, More Hate, Perverted Taste, Prikosnovenie, Red Stream, Scarecrow, Season Of Mist, The End Records and Waerlog (to name just a few). As always, we extend our darkest "Thank You!" to all our loyal customers who continue to support DS and our artists!
further info on: http://www.darksymphonies.com
Darkest Greetings!
We are very excited about the impending release of ELEGEION's newest masterpiece and Dark Symphonies debut "THE LAST MOMENT"! The world wide release date will be TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2005! One more bit of news about "THE LAST MOMENT": The recording was completely mastered at Crystal Mastering in Australia, and we can say that the sonic quality of this release is simply stunning! Promo kits will be going out to press & radio within the next couple of weeks. We are confident that this will be another special release from DS and really look forward to getting this cd out to all of you! We trust that you continue to enjoy your shopping experience at our webstore with hard-to-find titles from such labels as Adipocere, Avantegarde, Century Media, Displeased, Icarus, Mercenary, More Hate, Perverted Taste, Prikosnovenie, Red Stream, Scarecrow, Season Of Mist, The End Records and Waerlog (to name just a few). As always, we extend our darkest "Thank You!" to all our loyal customers who continue to support DS and our artists!
further info on: http://www.darksymphonies.com
| Band profile: | Elegeion |
Balance Of Power - Corey Brown Named New Vocalist
As previously reported, Corey Brown (Magnitude Nine, Section 16) met with London band Balance Of Power to audition as their new singer, to replace departing vocalist Jon K. Balance of Power officially announces Corey as their new vocalist and work has already begun on their 6th studio album for release next year.
| Source: | balance-of-power.com |
| Band profile: | Balance Of Power |
Sieges Even - Sign A Deal With InsideOut
The German band "signed a worldwide contract with German label Inside Out Music". Their New Album "The Art Of Navigating By The Stars" is scheduled to be released at 26 September. The tracklist of the album is as follow:
Intro: Navigating By The Stars
Sequence I: The Weight
Sequence II: The Lonely Views Of Condors
Sequence III: Unbreakable
Sequence IV: Stigmata
Sequence V: Blue Wide Open
Sequence VI: To The Ones Who Have Failed
Sequence VII: Lighthouse
Sequence VIII: Styx
The total play time of the album will be 63 minutes. You can check the cover art of the album on the band official website: http://www.siegeseven.com
Intro: Navigating By The Stars
Sequence I: The Weight
Sequence II: The Lonely Views Of Condors
Sequence III: Unbreakable
Sequence IV: Stigmata
Sequence V: Blue Wide Open
Sequence VI: To The Ones Who Have Failed
Sequence VII: Lighthouse
Sequence VIII: Styx
The total play time of the album will be 63 minutes. You can check the cover art of the album on the band official website: http://www.siegeseven.com
| Source: | - Sieges Even Newsletter - |
TempleWithin - New band w/Fates Warning Drummer
Fates Warning drummer Mark Zonder has updated his website ( http://www.markzonder.com ) with news on his side project, TempleWithin.
TempleWithin is a new band featuring the talents of Wayne Findlay, (guitars-keys-bass) Gregg Analla (vocals) and Mark Zonder (drums). Currently they are looking for the proper label for the band. A new audio clip will be posted every week or so on their website, http://www.markzonder.com/templewithin.html .
Sample clip online: 'Swept Away'
TempleWithin is a new band featuring the talents of Wayne Findlay, (guitars-keys-bass) Gregg Analla (vocals) and Mark Zonder (drums). Currently they are looking for the proper label for the band. A new audio clip will be posted every week or so on their website, http://www.markzonder.com/templewithin.html .
Sample clip online: 'Swept Away'
| Source: | bravewords.com |
Voivod - Sign With The End Records
The End Records announced the addition of Voivod to its roster. The record label launch the following message:
"The End Records, already known for its eclectic cutting-edge roster, has signed the legendary Voivod for the USA. Hailed as one of the most important groundbreakers in metal, Voivod's ever-evolving progressive mindset is a perfect fit for The End.
The band will enter the studio in the fall of 2005. Release date for the band's 11th studio album is not yet confirmed, but should appear sometime in early 2006.
Drummer Michel Langevin (aka Away) confirms that the band has completed the writing of the album, describing the material as "heavy" and "experimental".
Regarding the new partnership, Voivod states: "We are very proud to join The End Records in their quest to promote modern heavy music. A perfect home for a band like Voivod.""
"The End Records, already known for its eclectic cutting-edge roster, has signed the legendary Voivod for the USA. Hailed as one of the most important groundbreakers in metal, Voivod's ever-evolving progressive mindset is a perfect fit for The End.
The band will enter the studio in the fall of 2005. Release date for the band's 11th studio album is not yet confirmed, but should appear sometime in early 2006.
Drummer Michel Langevin (aka Away) confirms that the band has completed the writing of the album, describing the material as "heavy" and "experimental".
Regarding the new partnership, Voivod states: "We are very proud to join The End Records in their quest to promote modern heavy music. A perfect home for a band like Voivod.""
| Source: | label.theendrecords.com |
| Band profile: | Voivod |
Dream Theater - Marathon at Delicious Agony
"On August 19, beginning at 7 pm Eastern, Delicious Agony Progressive Rock Radio will be airing its Second Annual Dream Theater Marathon. For 48 hours we will suspend our regular progressive rock programming and play on Dream Theater and related projects. You will hear the music of Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Transatlantic, OSI, Yellow Matter Custard, Explorer's Club, Jelly Jam, Platypus, and many more projects. Plus, we will also throw in some music from former band members Derek Sherinian (solo work and Planet X) and Kevin Moore (solo work and Chroma Key).
We are also please to announce interviews with James LaBrie, Jordan Rudess and John Petrucci. It is going to be a great weekend. So please come and be a part of the Second Annual Dream Theater Marathon, only on Delicious Agony Progressive Rock Radio"
We are also please to announce interviews with James LaBrie, Jordan Rudess and John Petrucci. It is going to be a great weekend. So please come and be a part of the Second Annual Dream Theater Marathon, only on Delicious Agony Progressive Rock Radio"
| Source: | dreamtheater.net |
| Band profile: | Dream Theater |
Section 16/Magnitude 9 singer w/ Balance of Power?
The news is out! It appears that Corey Brown (Magnitude 9/Section16) is going across the Atlantic with his vocal skills and is currently in negotiations with London based progressive rock group, Balance of Power.
Corey voiced his thoughts on Balance of Power, Section 16, and the future of Magnitude 9 -
Recently, Corey flew to the U.K. to meet up with the band members of Balance of Power and audition for the group. There are plans for a concert with the band at this year's Fire Fest Rock Festival in Nottingham, England in November as well as a new album in spring of 2006. There are also negotiations on the table for multiple tour dates in Europe during summer 2006.
In the meantime, Corey returns to lead Section 16 back into the studio in August to wrap up new tracks for Section 16's second anticipated release (no title as of press release). Corey stated in a recent interview, "Section 16 is my band at home in the U.S. We have a sound that is very different from that of Balance Of Power, and the fact that I have Section 16 and Balance of Power allows me to explore various styles of vocal techniques and delivery. I get to have multiple channels of creative output and work with some killer musicians at home and abroad, Section 16 is my primary focus, but the chance to play in Europe with a band as established and talented as Balance of Power was too hard to pass up!"
When asked about his involvement with Magnitude 9's next album, Brown said, "I am not sure that Rob (guitarist for Magnitude 9 ) is really interested in working on another album at this point. Rob has other projects that he wants to focus his energy on, and he is trying to pursue other avenues musically, such as instructional guitar videos and the like. The last time that I spoke with Rob about doing another Magnitude 9 album, Rob said, 'I am not sure if I personally want to do another Magnitude 9 CD. I want to go in a heavier direction. I no longer want to do a CHAOS TO CONTROL or REALITY IN FOCUS type CD with long drawn out 7 minute songs. I've been there, done that...' "
Corey concludes by stating, "The future of Magnitude 9 is unknown at this time. I told Rob that I am interested in putting out another album with Magnitude 9, but I am not sure about the direction that Rob wants to go, how it might affect the overall sound of the band, or if it would appeal to the musical tastes of Mag 9's fan base. I guess the proverbial ball is in Rob's court!"
Read more ››
Corey voiced his thoughts on Balance of Power, Section 16, and the future of Magnitude 9 -
Recently, Corey flew to the U.K. to meet up with the band members of Balance of Power and audition for the group. There are plans for a concert with the band at this year's Fire Fest Rock Festival in Nottingham, England in November as well as a new album in spring of 2006. There are also negotiations on the table for multiple tour dates in Europe during summer 2006.
In the meantime, Corey returns to lead Section 16 back into the studio in August to wrap up new tracks for Section 16's second anticipated release (no title as of press release). Corey stated in a recent interview, "Section 16 is my band at home in the U.S. We have a sound that is very different from that of Balance Of Power, and the fact that I have Section 16 and Balance of Power allows me to explore various styles of vocal techniques and delivery. I get to have multiple channels of creative output and work with some killer musicians at home and abroad, Section 16 is my primary focus, but the chance to play in Europe with a band as established and talented as Balance of Power was too hard to pass up!"
When asked about his involvement with Magnitude 9's next album, Brown said, "I am not sure that Rob (guitarist for Magnitude 9 ) is really interested in working on another album at this point. Rob has other projects that he wants to focus his energy on, and he is trying to pursue other avenues musically, such as instructional guitar videos and the like. The last time that I spoke with Rob about doing another Magnitude 9 album, Rob said, 'I am not sure if I personally want to do another Magnitude 9 CD. I want to go in a heavier direction. I no longer want to do a CHAOS TO CONTROL or REALITY IN FOCUS type CD with long drawn out 7 minute songs. I've been there, done that...' "
Corey concludes by stating, "The future of Magnitude 9 is unknown at this time. I told Rob that I am interested in putting out another album with Magnitude 9, but I am not sure about the direction that Rob wants to go, how it might affect the overall sound of the band, or if it would appeal to the musical tastes of Mag 9's fan base. I guess the proverbial ball is in Rob's court!"
Read more ››
| Source: | sectionxvi.com |