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Dark Tranquillity - double CD with rarities

Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY will celebrate their 15th birthday by releasing a double CD featuring rare and previously unreleased material. A May 31 release through Century Media Records is expected.

"For many years, we've received lots of questions regarding the possibility of our pre-album material ever being released on CD, and we're very happy to provide old and new fans that are interested in the first chapter of our history with a viable alternative to forking out a small fortune on Ebay for a worn-out original copy of the demo or 7" EP," the band write on their web site.

"After a lot of digging though the vaults, the original DAT tapes for our 'Trail Of Life Decayed' demo (1991) and 'A Moonclad Reflection' EP (1992) were found, and we could happily note that they were intact and had survived the ten years in limbo remarkably well. With the help of some carefully executed mastering magic, the sound quality has been boosted a great deal.

"In addition, we have the pleasure of including a couple of songs that were recorded during the studio sessions for our last three albums. Some of these tracks, like 'Exposure' and 'Cornered', have until now only been available on limited edition versions of the albums, while some others, like 'Static', 'No One' and 'In Sight', are previously unheard by anyone outside the immediate band circle.

"As a special treat, we're also including a second disc with more than 70 minutes of live songs (the audio portion of the recently released 'Live Damage' DVD. Enjoy!

"'Exposures...' comes packaged with an extensive 20-page booklet filled to the rim with exclusive photos from all stages of the band's career as well as liner notes from noted music journalist Chris Dick (www.digitalmetal.com), a initiated long-time observer of the scene.

"The release date for 'Exposures?' will be May 31st via Century Media Records in Europe and the 2-CD will be released for the fair deal of a Single-Disc price. Further international release dates will be announced shortly!"

"Exposures - In Retrospect And Denial" 2-CD full track listing:

Disc 1 (Rare Material):

01. Static
02. The Poison Well
03. Misery In Me
04. Cornered
05. In Sight
06. No-One
07. Exposure
08. Yesterworld
09. Unfurled By Dawn
10. Midwinter/Beyond Enlightenment
11. Vernal Awakening
12. Void Of Tranquillity

Read more ››

Band profile: Dark Tranquillity
Posted: 20.02.2004 by Unknown user | Comments (0)


Meshuggah - split with the bassist

Swedish experimental extreme metal band MESHUGGAH have parted ways with bassist Gustaf Hielm and have replaced him with Dick Löwgren (ex-IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY).

"I'm saddened that they don't want me in there anymore but this is the second time I'm asked to leave so I can handle it by now," Gustaf said in a statement. "And most important, I'm still playing! That will never go away.

"As for MESHUGGAH, I'm glad I got to be in what I consider THE metal band and I wish them and their new bass player the best of luck.

"And you, the fans and listeners... I don't think there are words enough to explain my gratitude towards you. And even if there were there isn't a monitor big enough to justify the font size I'd like to use for my THANK YOU!!! You single-handedly turned seven years of my life into some of the most exciting ones and I will never forget it! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you and THANK YOU!!!"

As previously reported, MESHUGGAH have entered the studio to begin recording their much-anticipated new EP, tentatively due late spring through Fractured Transmitter Records (the label formed by MUSHROOMHEAD vocalist Jason Mann). The one-song disc, which will reportedly clock in at over 20 minutes, is being recorded at the Swedish studio jointly owned by MESHUGGAH and long-running rap-metal act CLAWFINGER.

MESHUGGAH have fulfilled their contractual obligations to Nuclear Blast Records and are currently weighing their label options before recording their next full-length album. The group's last release was the highly acclaimed 2002 effort, "Nothing".

Band profile: Meshuggah
Posted: 20.02.2004 by Unknown user | Comments (0)


Megadeth: Mustain Mixing New Album in March/April

Dave Mustaine is scheduled to begin mixing the new MEGADETH album "somewhere around the middle of March/beginning of April," the guitarist/vocalist revealed in an online posting. "The time factor is based on Jeff Balding squeezing this session into his previously booked schedule. This worked out great for me because I always wanted to get some perspective in-between and away from the sessions but never had the opportunity." A late summer release through Sanctuary Records is expected.

In other news, Mustaine recently addressed the reasons for MEGADETH's numerous lineup changes over the years and explained his decision to release a new "MEGADETH" album with a virtually entirely new band.

"I am aware of everyone's curiosity about my decisions as of late, and how things may never be as good as back when such and such was in the band," Mustaine began. "Also, that you read this guy said this, and that guy said that, in this magazine or another. It is time to address these things.

"Fortunately, I don't believe what I read from band members when they are being interviewed, because I too have been caught up in the moment when the tape is rolling, and the little 'shit stirrers' are trying to goad me into going off on someone.

"Every story ever written why people got fired, quit, or pouted about something I did had to do with either 'my keeping all the money' (which isn't true) or 'my not using their music' (which in most cases was true due to the quality).

"I have laughed over the years at the bullshit stories from former members about how they were asked to leave or quit, how the idiots from the labels back then said they were wrestling with me and what not, and I can't help but think, what fucking planet were they all on?

"If you were around when Gar Samuelson and Chris Poland were in the band, you probably felt a little uneasy when they were asked to leave. What was to become of the MEGADETH that you know and love?

"Gar and Chris were great, true, but drugs and an enormous gap in musical differences, let alone dedication to other things, left me wanting. I did have the grace of seeing Gar a few times before his untimely death, and Chris and I are friends now.

"However, when a person does an interview, something strange happens. I dunno you just become a smart-ass. So, whatever was said before this session when Chris was out here doesn't, I repeat, doesn't matter to me.

Read more ››

Band profile: Megadeth
Posted: 20.02.2004 by Unknown user | Comments (0)


Vision Divine - record deal with Metal Blade

Italian melodic power metallers VISION DIVINE, the brainchild of ex-LABYRINTH mastermind Olaf Thörsen, have signed a deal with Metal Blade Records for the international release (excluding Italy and Asia) of their third album, "Stream Of Consciousness".

The follow-up to 2001's "Send Me An Angel" features new singer Michele Luppi, "an amazing talented voice that fits perfectly into VISION DIVINE music," according to an official press release.

"Stream Of Consciousness" is described as "a new start, a new breath and something very unique," a "concept-story" based on one song (60 minutes long) divided in 14 chapters that are all linked together.

"Stream Of Consciousness" track listing:

01. Stream Of Unconsciousness
02. Secret Of Life
03. Colours Of My World
04. In The Light (instrumental)
05. The Fallen Feather
06. La Vita Fugge
07. Versions Of The Same
08. Through The Eyes Of God
09. Shades
10. We Are, We Are Not
11. Fool's Garden (instrumental)
12. The Fall of Reason (instrumental)
13. Out Of The Maze
14. Identities

"Stream Of Consciousness" is scheduled for release on May 3 through Metal Blade Records.
Posted: 19.02.2004 by Unknown user | Comments (0)


Mayhem - announced "Chimera" tracklisting

Norwegian black metallers MAYHEM have revealed the track listing for their new CD, "Chimera", due on March 29 in Europe and April 6 in the U.S. through Season Of Mist Records. The CD, which was recorded at a mobile studio in the mountains of Norway, reportedly features a musical direction that is being described by the band as "much more back to basics and much more brutal" than 2000's "Grand Declaration of War".

"Chimera" track listing (not in final order):

01. Whore
02. Dark Night Of The Soul
03. Rape Humanity With Pride
04. My Death
05. You Must Fall
06. Slaughter Of Dreams
07. Impious Devious Leper Lord
08. Chimera

MAYHEM's European tour (which will reportedly include Poland's DECAPITATED and Japan's DEFILED) will officially commence on April 10, beginning with an appearance at the Inferno Festival in Oslo, according to a posting on the band's web site. The European leg of the tour will conclude May 17. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.

Band profile: Mayhem
Posted: 19.02.2004 by Unknown user | Comments (0)


Einherjer Splits Up

A message from Einherjer

EINHERJER SPLIT UP

After 11 years, 4 albums and 2 mini-albums we've decided to split up Einherjer. We feel that
we've made the album we wanted with Blot and therefore a journey of 11 years has come to an end.
We would like to thank everybody who has supported us through the years.

For us, it is time to move on. We are definitively not retiring as musicians, so you haven't
heard the last from us yet?

Regards
Frode, Aksel & Gerhard
www.einherjer.com

Band profile: Einherjer
Posted: 18.02.2004 by Undercraft | Comments (0)


Iron Maiden Among The Top Earners Of 2003

Long-running British heavy metal band IRON MAIDEN has made it into a list of the music world's biggest earners.

The band made £17.9 million (approx. $34 million) last year thanks to the massive success of their world tour in support of their last studio album, "Dance of Death", according to Heat magazine's annual rich list. They makes their entry into the chart at No. 9.

Heat bases its rich list on estimated earnings from record and DVD sales, tour revenue, merchandising, music publishing royalties and other income.

2003's top 10 earners in music world, according to Heat magazine:

01. ROLLING STONES (£55.3 million)
02. SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY (£40 million)
03. SIR ELTON JOHN (£34 million)
04. ROBBIE WILLIAMS (£30 million)
05. COLDPLAY (£25.3 million)
06. STING (£25.1 million)
07. PHIL COLLINS (£25.1 million)
08. FLEETWOOD MAC (£23.5 million)
09. IRON MAIDEN (£17.9 million)
10. DIDO (£15.8 million)

Band profile: Iron Maiden
Posted: 18.02.2004 by Undercraft | Comments (0)


Razorback - details of the new album

RAZORBACK, the new band consisting of Rolf Munkes (guitar, MAJESTY, ex-VANIZE), Stefan Berggren (vocals, ex-COMPANY OF SNAKES), Marcus Bielenberg (bass, ex-VANIZE), Pierre Fienhold (drums, ex-VANIZE) and Chris Heun (guitar, ex-SHYLOCK), have set the tentative track listing for their self-titled debut, tentatively due on March 29 through Massacre Records.

"Razorback" track listing (in no particular oder):

01. The Hymn
02. One By One
03. A New King In Town
04. Release Me
05. Lone Wolf
06. Fire And Rain
07. The Eye Of The Storm
08. Bastard
09. Kiss Of Death

RAZORBACK are expecting to finish mixing the album around February 23. More information will be made available soon.
Posted: 17.02.2004 by Unknown user | Comments (0)


Sentenced - No New Album Until 2005

Finland's SENTENCED have announced plans to play a few European festivals during the summer, including Summer Breeze, which is set to take place August 19-12, 2004 in Abtsgmünd, Germany.

"We will throw in some brand-new stuff during our show this summer, because we don't want to play a 'best of SENTENCED' kind of set this time around. That would be too boring," drummer Vesa Ranta said.

The band are currently writing and rehearsing the new material.

"We haven't worked on too many new songs yet as a band, but I know that Miika , Sami and Ville have written lots of new material . We are now rehearsing at a small studio and it's a very good place to build new songs.

"We are going to enter the studio next autumn, so I guess that the new album will arrive in the beginning of the next year. But it's up to record company of course...

"I guess it will take about two months to record the new album... It's a lot longer than it used to take during the old days when we used to record albums in a week... For example, it only took ten days to make 'North From Here'," Ranta laughed.

Read more ››

Band profile: Sentenced
Posted: 16.02.2004 by Unknown user | Comments (0)


Tuska Open Air Metal Festival 2004: first artists

The seventh annual Tuska Open Air Metal Festival has now confirmed its
first artists for the 2004 festival.

The headliner for Saturday, the 17th of July, will be Nightwish, who will
release their much-anticipated new album, "Once" in June. Nightwish will
be mainly touring Europe and the United States next summer and their
Tuska-performance is going to be one of their three finnish shows.

Another headliner at Tuska during 16.-18.7.2004 will be the legendary
King Diamond. This pioneer of black metal has been touring the world for
almost three decades, sold millions of records and inspired four
generations of metalheads. Also appearing at Kaisaniemi Park are swedish
melodic-deathmetal groups Soilwork and Dark Tranquility and german
thrashers Dew-Scented.

Besides Nightwish, Tuska-festival will once again present the hottest
finnish metal acts. During the weekend, performances by Impaled Nazarene,
Sonata Arctica, Sinergy, Suburban Tribe, Mokoma, Kotiteollisuus and Timo
Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus will be taking place. The new generation
of finnish metal will be represented by the highly acclaimed Swallow the
Sun, Diablo, Machine Men, Kilpi and Twilightning.

Over the course of three days more than 30 bands will be appearing on
three different stages.

In addition to the festival itself, the evening-clubs will entertain the
festival crowd from Thursday through Sunday on four different locations.
More than 30 up-and-coming acts will be performing in the evening-clubs,
styles ranging from deathmetal to goth, industrial and cover-material.

Tickets for Tuska 2004 will go on sale in May through Tiketti
(www.tiketti.fi), Lippupalvelu (www.lippupalvelu.fi) and the new addition
of Menolippu (www.menolippu.fi). Tickets will also be available at
selected record stores. Tuska 2004 is an all-ages festival.

www.tuska-festival.fi
Posted: 13.02.2004 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Lake Of Tears to enter the studio this weekend

Sweden's LAKE OF TEARS will enter the studio on Friday, February 13 to begin recording the follow-up to 2002's "The Neonai", entitled "Black Brick Road". "The album cover will be done by the brilliant artist Kristian Wåhlin, who painted all of the previous LAKE OF TEARS covers except 'Forever Autumn'," according to a post on the band's web site. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "The Greymen", "Black Brick Road", "Making Evenings", "Crazyman" and "A Trip With The Moon".

LAKE OF TEARS have scheduled the following summer 2004 European festival appearances:

Jun. 10/12 - Sölvesborg, SWE @ Sweden Rock
Jul. 02/04 - Leipzig, GER @ With Full Force
Aug. 19/21 - Abtsgmünd, GER @ Summer Breeze

Band profile: Lake Of Tears
Posted: 12.02.2004 by Deadsoulman | Comments (0)


Infernal Majesty - Sign With Galy, April Release Set

Cult Canadian Thrash Titans Infernal Majesty have posted the following on their website http://infernalmajesty.ca/index1.html

Infernal Majesty signs with Galy Records, new album due out April 6th, 2004 Canadian act Infernal Majesty the band who released 1987's cult classic "None Shall Defy" have set "One Who Points to Death" as the title of their upcoming new album, due out April 6th, 2004 through Galy Records. The CD, which was recorded by Sho at Profile Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada and mastered by Pierre Remillard at Wild Studios in St-Zenon, Quebec, Canada, contains the following track listing:

01. Death of Heaven
02. Pestilential Eternity
03. Angels and Acid
04. Honey Tongue of Satan
05. Hysterion Proteron
06. Cathedral of Hate
07. Virgin Blood Tastes Purest At Night
08. One Who Points To Death

"One Who Points to Death" is packed with old school thrash crunch and modern death metal intensity. Get ready for some infernal mayhem!

Upcoming shows:

February 13 - The Cobalt, Vancouver, BC.
March 26 - The Brickyard, Vancouver, BC.

Stay tuned for Canadian Tour dates

Band profile: Infernäl Mäjesty
Posted: 10.02.2004 by Søren | Comments (0)


Dragonland - Now On Century Media Records

Century Media Records proudly presents the new signing DRAGONLAND. The melodic metal six-piece from Gothenburg signed a worldwide multi-album deal. "We are really happy to have found a new home with Century Media Records", states lead-guitarist and founder of the band Nicklas Magnusson.

After their formation in summer of 1999 DRAGONLAND have already released the two albums The Battle Of The Ivory Plains and Holy War via the Greek label Black Lotus Records and even toured Japan in May 2003. Most of the musicians are known by playing in bands like Prophanity (Nicklas Magnusson) or Nightshade (bassist Christer Pedersen). Keyboardist Elias Holmlid did not only play for Ironware, but also during King Diamond's tour in 2001 and recorded keyboards for Falconer's second album.

DRAGONLAND are currently working on their forthcoming album. "It's needless to say that it will be our best material ever", reveals Nicklas. Century Media Records is looking forward to releasing new melodic metal tunes from DRAGONLAND around fall 2004.

http://fade.to/dragonland

Band profile: Dragonland
Posted: 10.02.2004 by Unknown user | Comments (0)


Judas Priest - Metalogy Boxset details

JUDAS PRIEST SCHEDULED TO RELEASE CAREER-SPANNING BOX SET 'METALOGY' ON MAY 4 ON SONY MUSIC/LEGACY RECORDS

FOUR-CD, 65-TRACK SET TOTALING MORE THAN 5 HOURS OF MUSIC INCLUDES HITS, RARITIES AND MORE ENCASED IN LEATHER-AND-STUDS DELUXE PACKAGING

LIMITED EDITION LIVE DVD ADDED BONUS IN INITIAL PRESSING

Judas Priest has reigned supreme for 30 years as the most influential and commercially successful pure heavy metal band, and the masters are being honored with the career-spanning, four-CD, 65-track box set 'Metalogy' scheduled for release on May 3rd for Europe and the UK and May 4th 2004 for the US and Canada, by Sony Music/Legacy Records. The worldwide reverence for Judas Priest has resulted in sales of 20 million albums and countless sold-out concerts.

'Metalogy,' the first-ever Judas Priest box set, was assembled with the full participation of the band and it covers music recorded worldwide for the Gull, Sony Music/Columbia, CMC International, SPV, Atlantic and JVC labels between 1974 and 2002. Remastered hits, fan favorites, live rarities, B-sides and a previously unreleased demo are included. And as a bonus, the initial pressing of 'Metalogy' will include a live DVD of a complete concert filmed on December 12, 1982, at Mid South in Memphis, TN, on the 'Screaming for Vengeance' tour. This show was released on home video as 'Judas Priest Live' but it has been out of print for many years, and fans have often requested that it be reissued. This new DVD is mastered in pristine 5.1 Surround Sound for the ultimate Priest live concert experience.

Fans will be thrilled with the packaging of 'Metalogy.' The 7"x7" box is appropriately wrapped in leather and metal studs. The 7"x7" full color book features a full discography, biographical essay, timeline and numerous previously unpublished photos.

The CD track listing is as follows:
CD 1
1. Never Satisfied (4:52)
2. Deceiver (2:44)
3. Tyrant (4:39)
4. Victim Of Changes (Live) (7:11)
5. Diamonds & Rust (Live)** (3:28)
6. Starbreaker (Live)** (7:19)
7. Sinner (6:40)
8. Let Us Prey (6:12)
9. Dissident Aggressor (3:02)
10. Exciter (5:33)
11. Beyond The Realms Of Death (6:51)
12. Better By You Better Than Me (5:19)
13. Invader (4:10)
14. Stained Class (5:12)
15. The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown) (Live)* (4:42)

CD 2
1. Killing Machine (3:02)
2. Evening Star (4:06)
3. Take On The World (3:03)
4. Delivering The Goods (4:16)

Read more ››

Band profile: Judas Priest
Posted: 10.02.2004 by Deadsoulman | Comments (0)


Flotsam & Jetsam DVD in Spring

According to Flotsam drummer, Craig Nielsen: "...The DVD will come out late April/early May
and the Metallica tribute DVD should be scheduled for release very soon. A couple of different bigger labels are looking at picking it up..."
Posted: 10.02.2004 by Deadsoulman | Comments (0)