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Katatonia - new compilation & DVD
"Peaceville will be issuing a limited edition compilation entitled 'The Black Sessions' featuring selected material from the "new era" (defined 1998-2004) as opposed to the "old era" material covered in 'Brave Yester Days' at the end of January. The packaging will be a box set of two discs featuring all the single's b-sides, cover songs and selective songs off 'Discouraged Ones' up and til 'Viva Emptiness' (including one unreleased track from this recording session). There'll also be a third disc in the form of a live DVD with a Katatonia live show from April 2003 that was shot in Kracow, Poland. The layout of a 12 page booklet + poster will be handled by Travis Smith.
The official DVD release that has been in the works since over a year and a half has been postponed to a yet undecided future date, likely during the later part of 2005. Reason is we didn't feel entirely happy with the way it was shaping up and it wouldn't meet our own demands of what should be Katatonia's first offical DVD release. A new main show for this DVD will be planned and shot with more careful directing behind it during next year (tba). We're also pretty far on our way of gathering cool backstage and bootleg shots with our own handycam, that will in the end make up some great bonus footage for a well worthwhile killer release".
On the other hand, Anders posted a statement concerning the reissue of "Dance of December Souls", declaring the band doesn't support it.
"It has been known to us, that Black Lodge records are going to re-issue the old classic 'Dance of December Souls' album. Although the CD could just as well have been re-pressed with the original cover and old logo, it now ridicules both the past and present by showing up with a new pathetic cover trying to depict elements from our last album and the abuse of the "new era" logo on something that was released more than 10 year ago. Don't be fooled into confusing this is for a new Katatonia release. Consequently, we do not support this re-issue and take complete distance from its existance".
souce & more info: www.katatonia.com
The official DVD release that has been in the works since over a year and a half has been postponed to a yet undecided future date, likely during the later part of 2005. Reason is we didn't feel entirely happy with the way it was shaping up and it wouldn't meet our own demands of what should be Katatonia's first offical DVD release. A new main show for this DVD will be planned and shot with more careful directing behind it during next year (tba). We're also pretty far on our way of gathering cool backstage and bootleg shots with our own handycam, that will in the end make up some great bonus footage for a well worthwhile killer release".
On the other hand, Anders posted a statement concerning the reissue of "Dance of December Souls", declaring the band doesn't support it.
"It has been known to us, that Black Lodge records are going to re-issue the old classic 'Dance of December Souls' album. Although the CD could just as well have been re-pressed with the original cover and old logo, it now ridicules both the past and present by showing up with a new pathetic cover trying to depict elements from our last album and the abuse of the "new era" logo on something that was released more than 10 year ago. Don't be fooled into confusing this is for a new Katatonia release. Consequently, we do not support this re-issue and take complete distance from its existance".
souce & more info: www.katatonia.com
| Band profile: | Katatonia |
Rata Blanca - Delay in new album
The band Rata Blanca extended some months the recording of its next record work. Now one calculates that the same one will leave just the next year on sale, to give time to finish it them as it corresponds. Nevertheless they speculate whereupon by the end of year they can present live some subjects of the future plate. The name of the disc continues without defining.
www.rataweb.com.ar
www.rataweb.com.ar
| Band profile: | Rata Blanca |
October 31 - Mp3s from new album posted online
Check out the Mp3 page(http://truemetal.org/october31/mp3.html) for 2 mp3s from the new album "No Survivors". These are unmastered songs right from the final mix. There are also mp3s there from past OCTOBER 31 releases.
View the front cover here(http://truemetal.org/october31/no_survivors_cover.jpg).
Also the band in previous report:
Recordings for the new album "No Survivors" will begin in late September. In OCTOBER 31 tradition, it will again be recorded at Oblivion Studios, Maryland with Mike Bossier at the board.
Tracklist
01. Powerhouse
02. Rivet Rat
03. Commit To Sin
04. No Survivors
05. What Waits Beyond
06. Back Alley Murders
07. Wrecking Crew (OVERKILL cover)
08. Misfortune
http://truemetal.org/october31/
View the front cover here(http://truemetal.org/october31/no_survivors_cover.jpg).
Also the band in previous report:
Recordings for the new album "No Survivors" will begin in late September. In OCTOBER 31 tradition, it will again be recorded at Oblivion Studios, Maryland with Mike Bossier at the board.
Tracklist
01. Powerhouse
02. Rivet Rat
03. Commit To Sin
04. No Survivors
05. What Waits Beyond
06. Back Alley Murders
07. Wrecking Crew (OVERKILL cover)
08. Misfortune
http://truemetal.org/october31/
Richard Barbieri - Solo album on the way
Richard recently completed the recording of his solo album at Bryn Derwen studios in Wales. Guesting on fretless bass is Percy Jones (Eno, Brand X ), and on acoustic / electronic drums Andy Gangadeen (Massive Attack, The Bays). It's expected that the album will be available online before Christmas, and in stores early next year. More details soon.
In the meantime "Cosmic Prophets" is an audio sample CD recorded by Richard Barbieri and Japan based musician Jan Linton. It was originally released for the Japanese market a few years ago, but the PT Store has acquired a limited quantity. Please note this is not a conventional album, but a sample CD of sounds, textures, loops and FX that can be sampled and used in a musical (or non musical) context. It features vintage synthesisers such as the Prophet 5 and Roland System 700.
Finally, Richard will be guesting with The Bays for a late night improvised session at The Jazz Cafe in London on October 22nd.
www.porcupinetree.com
In the meantime "Cosmic Prophets" is an audio sample CD recorded by Richard Barbieri and Japan based musician Jan Linton. It was originally released for the Japanese market a few years ago, but the PT Store has acquired a limited quantity. Please note this is not a conventional album, but a sample CD of sounds, textures, loops and FX that can be sampled and used in a musical (or non musical) context. It features vintage synthesisers such as the Prophet 5 and Roland System 700.
Finally, Richard will be guesting with The Bays for a late night improvised session at The Jazz Cafe in London on October 22nd.
www.porcupinetree.com
| Band profile: | Porcupine Tree |
Testament - live bootleg in DVD
San Francisco Bay Area thrashers TESTAMENT are currently offering another live "bootleg" in DVD format for sale in the "Merch" section of the group's official web site. "Testament - Live at the Omni 1988" was filmed at the Omni in Oakland, CA on December 30, 1988.
"Testament - Live at the Omni 1988" (view cover here) track listing:
01. Into the Pit
02. The Preacher
03. Alone In the Dark
04. The New Order
05. First Strike Is Deadly
06. Disciples of the Watch
07. C.O.T.L.O.D.
08. Burnt Offerings
09. Do or Die
10. Day of Reckoning
11. Eerie Inhabitants
12. Trial by Fire
The video is available for $18.00 in the U.S. or $23 overseas (+ $5.00 shipping & handling). For more information, go here: http://www.testamentlegions.com/merch2.htm
"Testament - Live at the Omni 1988" (view cover here) track listing:
01. Into the Pit
02. The Preacher
03. Alone In the Dark
04. The New Order
05. First Strike Is Deadly
06. Disciples of the Watch
07. C.O.T.L.O.D.
08. Burnt Offerings
09. Do or Die
10. Day of Reckoning
11. Eerie Inhabitants
12. Trial by Fire
The video is available for $18.00 in the U.S. or $23 overseas (+ $5.00 shipping & handling). For more information, go here: http://www.testamentlegions.com/merch2.htm
| Source: | blabbermouth.net |
| Band profile: | Testament |
Nightwish - good news for US fans - DVD & EP
"On November 30th Century Media will make available for the first time in the U.S. two previously unavailable Nightwish releases the End Of Innocence DVD and the Over The Hills And Far Away EP. Fans will revel in the detailed film footage and interview history as well as videos, live footage, and photo gallery found on the DVD. The EP's title track is one of the band's most coveted singles, and the additional three studio tracks and six live tracks round out this magnificent experience. Additionally, Century Media will be releasing Nightwish's From Wishes To Eternity DVD on January 25th, 2005. Content details for all the Nightwish releases can be viewed at the band's website, and they will be available from the Century Media website".
www.nightwish.com
www.centurymedia.com
www.nightwish.com
www.centurymedia.com
| Band profile: | Nightwish |
Dark Tranquillity - new album details
Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY have set "Character" as the title of their new full-length album, due on January 24 in Europe and January 25 in North America. An EP, entitled "Lost To Apathy", will precede the album on November 15. Both releases will surface through Century Media Records, who recently signed the band to a brand-new three-album deal.
Commented Leif Jensen of Century Media's European A&R department: "DARK TRANQUILLITY are the originators and innovators of the melodic death metal style and a total favourite band for Century Media's staff, so we are all extremely proud about the professional and very successful co-operation we managed to have with the band so far! And this is only the beginning because the band has signed a new worldwide contract with Century Media and we are looking forward to break new ground for them with their outstanding next album 'Character'. This one won't leave you unimpressed...watch out!"
The band added: "We are exceptionally satisfied to announce that we've chosen to continue our cooperation with Century Media for another three albums. After lengthy negotiations with several prolific labels, the dotted line was finally signed and we have full confidence that we've made the right choice and that there are some excellent years ahead ? both for us and for Century Media. As some of you know, the new CD is already recorded and mixed, and the response for the live previews of the song 'One Thought' has been truly great throughout the summer festivals, so we're eagerly anticipating the release of the album."
DARK TRANQUILLITY will be supporting thrash metal icons KREATOR all over Europe on the lengthy "Enemy Of God" tour beginning on February 2. Two additional support acts will be announced soon. Prior to the KREATOR tour, DARK TRANQUILLITY will play a special Metal Hammer-sponsored U.K. one-off gig with labelmates ARCH ENEMY and THE HAUNTED on December 17 at the Forum in London.
Commented Leif Jensen of Century Media's European A&R department: "DARK TRANQUILLITY are the originators and innovators of the melodic death metal style and a total favourite band for Century Media's staff, so we are all extremely proud about the professional and very successful co-operation we managed to have with the band so far! And this is only the beginning because the band has signed a new worldwide contract with Century Media and we are looking forward to break new ground for them with their outstanding next album 'Character'. This one won't leave you unimpressed...watch out!"
The band added: "We are exceptionally satisfied to announce that we've chosen to continue our cooperation with Century Media for another three albums. After lengthy negotiations with several prolific labels, the dotted line was finally signed and we have full confidence that we've made the right choice and that there are some excellent years ahead ? both for us and for Century Media. As some of you know, the new CD is already recorded and mixed, and the response for the live previews of the song 'One Thought' has been truly great throughout the summer festivals, so we're eagerly anticipating the release of the album."
DARK TRANQUILLITY will be supporting thrash metal icons KREATOR all over Europe on the lengthy "Enemy Of God" tour beginning on February 2. Two additional support acts will be announced soon. Prior to the KREATOR tour, DARK TRANQUILLITY will play a special Metal Hammer-sponsored U.K. one-off gig with labelmates ARCH ENEMY and THE HAUNTED on December 17 at the Forum in London.
| Source: | blabbermouth.net |
| Band profile: | Dark Tranquillity |
Ayreon - "Actual Fantasy: Revisited"
A studio report came online earlier today on the official website www.ayreon.com
Arjen is currently putting the finishing touches on the Actual Fantasy 2004 edition named Actual Fantasy: Revisited. It features, among other things, a CD of the 2004 recording and a bonus DVD with a 5.1 surround sound remix of the 2004 recording. At the end of September Ed Warby recorded drums for this edition, and recently Peter Vink recorded bass guitars. Time to catch up with Arjen on how the process of revitalizing the 1996 recording has been so far.
After mixing "Star Child" in dolby pro-logic and "Day Eleven: Love" in 5.1, Arjen couldn't wait to mix an entire album 5.1. The first real opportunity came up when InsideOut began planning their release of the old Ayreon albums. He figured it would be great to give the least selling and seriously overlooked 2nd Ayreon album Actual Fantasy some new attention.
For years Arjen had wondered what Actual Fantasy would sound like with real drums, instead of the drum computer. And when Arjen began working with drummer extra-ordinaire Ed Warby on Ayreon and Star One recordings, the idea grew: wouldn't it be great to record the album with real drums? It was a daunting task that kept Arjen from considering it seriously. However, in order to make a 5.1 mix work for the album he had to re-record a number of elements that were lost, and remaking the album by recording real drums became a serious option.
"After I was finished with 'The Human Equation', I took some time to think it over. I knew it would be a lot of work and would cost a lot of time, effort and money. How could I know it would be worth it? But then I talked it over with Ed, I knew I just had to do this. Of course at the time back in 1996 it was my intention to make the album completely electronic to match the themes of the songs, but what a waste when you have someone like Ed who can really make the album come alive with his drums. In fact Ed himself recently told me that when he heard Actual Fantasy for the first time (we hadn's met yet back then) he told people he should have drummed it instead of a computer!"
"The recording process is completely different from recording a new album. Even though I could replay the guitar and the bass parts, all vocals and most of the keyboards were set in stone. Ed Warby had less room to move and the margin of error was very small, but on the other hand he could now interact with the vocals and solos that were already recorded. As we all know by now Ed is such a skilled drummer and as expected he did a great job. He found enough room to be creative and innovative. I can't begin to describe how great it was to hear the album coming together in a new style in the recording studio."
Read more ››
Arjen is currently putting the finishing touches on the Actual Fantasy 2004 edition named Actual Fantasy: Revisited. It features, among other things, a CD of the 2004 recording and a bonus DVD with a 5.1 surround sound remix of the 2004 recording. At the end of September Ed Warby recorded drums for this edition, and recently Peter Vink recorded bass guitars. Time to catch up with Arjen on how the process of revitalizing the 1996 recording has been so far.
After mixing "Star Child" in dolby pro-logic and "Day Eleven: Love" in 5.1, Arjen couldn't wait to mix an entire album 5.1. The first real opportunity came up when InsideOut began planning their release of the old Ayreon albums. He figured it would be great to give the least selling and seriously overlooked 2nd Ayreon album Actual Fantasy some new attention.
For years Arjen had wondered what Actual Fantasy would sound like with real drums, instead of the drum computer. And when Arjen began working with drummer extra-ordinaire Ed Warby on Ayreon and Star One recordings, the idea grew: wouldn't it be great to record the album with real drums? It was a daunting task that kept Arjen from considering it seriously. However, in order to make a 5.1 mix work for the album he had to re-record a number of elements that were lost, and remaking the album by recording real drums became a serious option.
"After I was finished with 'The Human Equation', I took some time to think it over. I knew it would be a lot of work and would cost a lot of time, effort and money. How could I know it would be worth it? But then I talked it over with Ed, I knew I just had to do this. Of course at the time back in 1996 it was my intention to make the album completely electronic to match the themes of the songs, but what a waste when you have someone like Ed who can really make the album come alive with his drums. In fact Ed himself recently told me that when he heard Actual Fantasy for the first time (we hadn's met yet back then) he told people he should have drummed it instead of a computer!"
"The recording process is completely different from recording a new album. Even though I could replay the guitar and the bass parts, all vocals and most of the keyboards were set in stone. Ed Warby had less room to move and the margin of error was very small, but on the other hand he could now interact with the vocals and solos that were already recorded. As we all know by now Ed is such a skilled drummer and as expected he did a great job. He found enough room to be creative and innovative. I can't begin to describe how great it was to hear the album coming together in a new style in the recording studio."
Read more ››
| Band profile: | Ayreon |
Mystic Prophecy - Release Party & Acoustic Show
Mystic Prophecy will celebrate the release of their new album "Never-Ending" (due on October 25th) with a big party plus acoustic gig in Athens, Greece. The event shall take place on October 23rd in Athens' Texas Club.
www.nuclearblast.de
www.nuclearblast.de
| Band profile: | Mystic Prophecy |
Hammerfall - first live show for 2005 confirmed
From the Nuclear Blast website:
"Guitarist Oscar Dronjak announced the first Hammerfall live show 2005 on the
band's official website: It's Bloodstock 2005 in Derby, England, on September 2nd, and will be Hammerfall's second appearance in the UK ever.
"This makes me feel especially happy, as I was pretty much solely responsible
for us not making it to last year's festival (the motorcycle accident, remember?)" Oscar
writes in his statement. "This time, I promise you, there will be no cancellation."
More concerts are going to be announced within the next months.
In addition, work on the new Hammerfall album (due in March 2005) is progressing very well.
For more information, check out Oscar's studio diary, also to be
found on www.hammerfall.net".
"Guitarist Oscar Dronjak announced the first Hammerfall live show 2005 on the
band's official website: It's Bloodstock 2005 in Derby, England, on September 2nd, and will be Hammerfall's second appearance in the UK ever.
"This makes me feel especially happy, as I was pretty much solely responsible
for us not making it to last year's festival (the motorcycle accident, remember?)" Oscar
writes in his statement. "This time, I promise you, there will be no cancellation."
More concerts are going to be announced within the next months.
In addition, work on the new Hammerfall album (due in March 2005) is progressing very well.
For more information, check out Oscar's studio diary, also to be
found on www.hammerfall.net".
| Source: | nuclearblast.de |
| Band profile: | HammerFall |
The Clan Destined - Demo on the way
The band performing Martin Walkyier (ex-Sabbat, ex-Skyclad) and Iscariah (Necrophagia, ex-Immortal) between others, put an update on their website:
Recordings are taking place as we speak on various locations around the UK with top of the notch producers. So far drums, guitars and bass are done. The band will reveal more information about this in the coming days together with photos, video-clips and sneak previews. Info on this debut along with release date, which will only be released in a strictly limited edition through this website, will also follow shortly. Stay tuned for more...
Also the band previously post the name and track list of the demo:
The demo we're about to record will be entitled "In The Big Ending?" and will feature the following six songs; "Swinging Like Judas", "More Than War", "I Am Because We Are!", "We're Wolves", "A Beautiful Start To The End Of The World", plus a cover-version of a Julian Cope track called "T.C. Lethbridge".
www.theclandestined.com
Recordings are taking place as we speak on various locations around the UK with top of the notch producers. So far drums, guitars and bass are done. The band will reveal more information about this in the coming days together with photos, video-clips and sneak previews. Info on this debut along with release date, which will only be released in a strictly limited edition through this website, will also follow shortly. Stay tuned for more...
Also the band previously post the name and track list of the demo:
The demo we're about to record will be entitled "In The Big Ending?" and will feature the following six songs; "Swinging Like Judas", "More Than War", "I Am Because We Are!", "We're Wolves", "A Beautiful Start To The End Of The World", plus a cover-version of a Julian Cope track called "T.C. Lethbridge".
www.theclandestined.com
| Band profile: | Skyclad |
Marduk - release date of the new album
Regain Records has set a November 22 European release date for the new album from Swedish black metallers MARDUK, entitled"Plague Angel". The CD, which was recorded at Endarker studio in Norrköping, Sweden with producer Devo Andersson, will be the band's first release with new singer Mortuus (previously a member of FUNERAL MIST and TRIUMPHATOR under the alias Arioch). A video for the track "Throne of Rats" is currently being produced by director Roger Johansson (THE HAUNTED, IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL) and is being described as "a morbid masterpiece and a tribute to death and war."
"Plague Angel" track listing:
01. The Hangman of Prague
02. Throne of Rats
03. Seven Angels, Seven Trumpets
04. Life's Emblem
05. Steel Inferno
06. Perish In Flames
07. Holy Blood, Holy Grail
08. Warschau
09. Deathmarch
10. Everything Bleeds
11. Blutrache
MARDUK will embark on a massive world tour beginning in December. The European portion of the trek, dubbed "Deathmarch 2004/2005", will be divided into two parts, with the first taking place in December and the second during spring 2005. A complete list of currently confirmed tour dates can be found here.
"Plague Angel" track listing:
01. The Hangman of Prague
02. Throne of Rats
03. Seven Angels, Seven Trumpets
04. Life's Emblem
05. Steel Inferno
06. Perish In Flames
07. Holy Blood, Holy Grail
08. Warschau
09. Deathmarch
10. Everything Bleeds
11. Blutrache
MARDUK will embark on a massive world tour beginning in December. The European portion of the trek, dubbed "Deathmarch 2004/2005", will be divided into two parts, with the first taking place in December and the second during spring 2005. A complete list of currently confirmed tour dates can be found here.
| Band profile: | Marduk |
Shaman - In the studio
Also SHAMAN are just in the "Gate Studio" in Wolfsburg to work on their (still untitled) new album. The EP of the Brazilian band around vocalist Andre Matos (ex-Angra) will be in stores in January 2005.
www.afm-records.de
www.afm-records.de
| Band profile: | Shaman |
Six Feet Under - Enter in the studio
Tampa Florida death-metalers Six Feet Under headed into Morrisound studios Friday, October 1st to start laying down tracks to their next full length follow-up to Bringer of Blood. Right now the band is recording all the music and then Chris Barnes will head over to the Hit Factory to lay down the vocals. Once again Chris Barnes will be the producer and Chris Carroll will be handling engineering and mixing. As far as what this CD's subject matter will be about, Chris Barnes says, "the material is dark and demented, and is not uplifting." More information on the new album and studio updates from Chris Barnes will be made available in the coming weeks.
In other news SFU will be playing Puerto Rico on 10/29 and Trinidad and Tobago on 10/30, both shows with Hatebreed.
www.metalblade.com
In other news SFU will be playing Puerto Rico on 10/29 and Trinidad and Tobago on 10/30, both shows with Hatebreed.
www.metalblade.com
| Band profile: | Six Feet Under |
Enthroned - New album announce
The Belgium Black Metal mongrels, ENTHRONED, have completed work on their upcoming album XES Haereticum (01 Nov) and are more than satisfied with the results. Nornagest describes the new album as having "a more mature, varied, and darker aspect than previous releases, yet more intense and aggressive than ever before." XES Haereticum is scheduled for a 1 Nov release and will be available as a regular and limited edition. The limited edition digipack version includes 3 bonus tracks!
http://www.napalmrecords.com/
http://www.napalmrecords.com/