French melodic death metallers Winds Of Torment have parted ways with their vocalist Xavier. He has since been replaced with Pierre Arnoux of the French death metal band Aabsinthe.

The band posted the following: "The members of Winds Of Torment are pleased to announce the official arrival of Peter (Aabsinthe) as vocalist, replacing Xavier. Effective since the beginning of the year. The arrival of Peter is a boost to the group as they are currently finalizing the composition of their second album."

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Winds Of Torment

"Refined In The Fire", a brand-new track from US deathcore act Winds Of Plague, has been made available for streaming over at this location.

"Refined In The Fire" comes off the band's upcoming new album Rise Against The World, which will be released on April 18th in Europe and April 19th in North America through Century Media Records. More album details were previously reported over here.


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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Winds Of Plague

US metallers Winds Of Plague will release their new album, Against The World, on April 19 via Century Media Records.

The CD was recorded at a Los Angeles studio with renowned producer Matt Hyde (Slayer, Hatebreed) and will feature guest appearances by Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed, Drew York of Stray From The Path, Terror guitarist Martin Stewart and Mattie Montgomery from For Today.

Against The World Tracklist:

01. Raise The Dead
02. One For The Butcher
03. Drop The Match
04. Built For War
05. Refined In The Fire
06. The Warrior Code
07. Against The World
08. Monsters
09. Most Hated
10. Only Song We're Allowed To Play In Church Venues
11. California
12. Strength To Dominate

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Source:	bravewords.com
Band profile:	Winds Of Plague

While Shadows Fall are out on this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival (with Korn, Rob Zombie, Lamb Of God etc.) they are also going to be playing a few off dates in select cities. The band will be teaming up with their friends in Winds Of Plague on all of the dates and Chimaira on one show. The dates are as follows:

07/12 Bend, OR @ Bend Event Center
07/22 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
07/26 Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights (with Chimaira)
08/02 Charleston, SC @ The Oasis
08/09 Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Shadows Fall

Original news, posted on 04.07.2009

Winds Of Plague have posted a new song "Soldiers Of Doomsday", on their MySpace page. The track comes off the upcoming new "The Great Stone War" album.

UPDATE (thanks to 28097)

US metallers Winds Of Plague have posted online another new song, "Forged In Fire", on their MySpace page.

"Forged In Fire" comes off the band's forthcoming album, "The Great Stone War", which will be released on August 11 via Century Media Records.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Winds Of Plague

Winds Of Plague recently stirred up some controversy as their much-anticipated new video for the track "The Impaler" (taken from "Decimate The Weak" album) was rejected by MTV for it's supposed "graphic language and questionable content". However, this didn't deter MySpace Metal from stepping up to the plate and debuting the clip on their site, which has just gone live. Click on this link to check it out now.

Johnny (vocals) further states:

"We wanted to create a video that was entertaining and a bit outside the box as far as metal videos go. We were torn between an over the top epic metal video and a more fun, rap club style video, so we decided to combine the two worlds since we have been known to cross over genres anyways. We had a lot of our good friends come down to the location in Los Angeles and just had a blast putting this video together. Despite being really sick, it was one of the most fun days of my life. Director Jake Avignone was amazing to work with and I was really impressed with how efficient and smooth the whole operation went. I hope it confuses the hell out of everyone and makes traditional metal patrons heads explode."

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Source:	www2.centurymedia.com
Band profile:	Winds Of Plague

The track 'Convictions And Contradictions' from Norway's classical/progressive metal supergroup Winds' upcoming album "Prominence And Demise" (out September 4th, 2007 on The End Records), has been posted at the official The End Records MySpace.com site.

In update about the mp3 and the band, keyboardist Andy Winter says, "We are now only 3 weeks away from the release date of our new album "Prominence And Demise" and with that in mind, we think it is a suitable time to post one of the new songs on the web for everyone to hear. The new track is called 'Convictions And Contradictions'. All the tracks on the new record are distinctly different from one another and this track definitely contains some unique contributions from everyone in the band. It's also what we in the band refer to as the 'duet' song, as it features synchronized vocals from Agnete (M. Kirkevaag; Madder Mortem) and Lars. In other news, we will be re-launching our official website at www.winds.ws on September 4th to coincide with the release date of the new album. I will be heading to The End's offices in New York in a couple of weeks to do some promotion for the new record. Finally the moment is almost here for the new record to be unleashed! "

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Source:	theendrecords.com
Band profile:	Winds

The following message was posted on Winds's label website The End Records:

"The Norwegian classical/progressive metal band Winds is back with the follow-up to their acclaimed 2004 opus "The Imaginary Direction of Time". The band has worked extensively on the new record over the last three years, and after undergoing the most complex recording process in the band's career so far, the new album finally saw completion in April of 2007.

This is the band's fourth recording together as a unit, and although the four individuals behind Winds have been making music together for over ten years already, they are probably still more known for their individual efforts with their other bands rather than their collective work in Winds. This may very well be about to change with the September 4th release of "Prominence and Demise".

Back this time with a massive undertaking that clocks in at over 55 minutes of music, Winds delivers once again their most elaborate and trilling effort so far. "Prominence and Demise" is a more edgy album than its predecessor, it contains longer tracks, and it can easily be called the band's heaviest album to date. Yet it still retains the classical elements and virtuoso guitar work that makes up the trademark of Winds' sound.

(To read the full press release got to this location.)

"Prominence and Demise" features the creative core of Winds:
Lars E. Si - Vocals (Age of Silence, Before the Dawn, ex. Khold, Sensa Anima, Tulus)
Carl August Tidemann - Guitars (Tritonus, ex. Arcturus)
Jan Axel von Blomberg - Drums (Age of Silence, Arcturus, Mayhem, Dimmu Borgir, ex. Kovenant)
Andy Winter - Keys (Age of Silence, Sculptured, ex. Subterranean Masquerade)

Four esteemed guests:
Agnete M. Kirkevaag - Soprano Voices (Madder Mortem)
Lars Nedland - Alto Voices (Age of Silence, Borknagar, Solefald)
Dan Swanö - Tenor Voices (Edge of Sanity, Nightingale, Second Sky, ex. Bloodbath)
Øystein Moe - Bass (ex. Tritonus, Ulver)

Also appearing from the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra:
Andre Orvik - First Violin
Vegard Johnsen - Second Violin
Dorthe Dreier - Viola
Hans Josef Groh - Cello

The artwork (click here to watch it) was created by Travis Smith (Opeth, Amorphis, Devin Townsend), who has been a collaborator with the band ever since the first full length album. The album was recorded in various studios around Norway, mixed at Hipposonic in Vancouver, Canada, and mastered at Sterling Sound in New York. The End Records invites you to step into the universe of Winds, and to partake in the profound journey known as "Prominence and Demise".

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Source:	theendrecords.com
Band profile:	Winds

The following message was posted on Winds's official website:

"Winds is entering the studio on April 4th to complete the work on their long anticipated fourth recording. The laying down of the tracks was finished gradually over the past three years, and now ready for the task of mixing, Winds has chosen Hipposonic Studios in Vancouver and mixing engineer Shaun Thingvold for the task. Shaun Thingvold has previously worked with bands like Fear Factory, Paradise Lost, Lamb Of God, Strapping Young Lad and Devin Townsend Band.

As previously reported, guest performances on the follow-up to 2004's The Imaginary Direction of Time have been completed by Dan Swano, Agnete M. Kirkevaag, Lars A. Nedland and Oystein Moe, along with a classical string ensemble from the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. It has also been confirmed that graphic designer Travis Smith has completed the cover layout, and that a title for the record has been known within the band for several years already. The album title, along with a complete track listing, front cover and release date, will all be announced in the not too distant future".

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Source:	winds.ws
Band profile:	Winds

Winds' guitarist Carl August Tidemann recently posted a message on the Winds' forum stating that he has now completed the solo-guitar recordings for the upcoming album. The rhythm guitars were already completed last year and the recent completion of the solos now concludes all the guitar recordings for the fourth Winds album.

Winds - comprised of singer Lars Eric Si (Khold), guitarist Carl August Tidemann (Arcturus), keyboardist Andy Winter (Age Of Silence) and Jan Axel Von Blomberg (Arcturus, Mayhem) - have also confirmed recent suspicions of a guest performance by Dan Swano (Edge of Sanity, Nightingale).

As explained by Andy Winter: "Dan recorded his parts at his own studio in Sweden. We sent him the tracks we wanted him to sing on, along with a few words of what we were looking for. He then came back with some, according to him ''suggestions,' but they were great performances that we intend to keep, and they will surely add to this record in a very positive way."

As previously reported, Winds has already confirmed guest appearances from Agnete M. Kirkevaag (Madder Mortem, Frantic Bleep), Lars A. Nedland (Borknagar, Solefald), and Oystein Moe (Ulver, Tritonus) for their upcoming album, the follow-up to 2004's creative The Imaginary Direction of Time (on The End Records)

The band will be taking a small break over the summer, but will continue finishing up the recordings and eventually mix the new album sometime in the fall.

Source:	winds.ws
Band profile:	Winds

Winds is hereby announcing the following guest appearances on their upcoming album:

Agnete M. Kirkevaag - Madder Mortem, Frantic Bleep
Lars A. Nedland - Borknagar, Solefald
Øystein Moe - Ulver, Tritonus

Andy Winter, piano player and main songwriter, comments:

"These guys were selected by the four of us based on our deep admiration for their talents, and we are both honored and grateful that they chose (and found in time in their busy schedules) to participate in enhancing our new record with their presence."

Winds is currently working on completing the remaining recording sessions for their fourth record, the follow-up to the well-received 2004 offering "The Imaginary Direction Of Time". The upcoming album will be mixed and completed during late summer or early fall of 2006. The album will be released on The End Records sometime before the end of the year.

Source : http://www.theendrecords.com

Band profile:

Winds

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"

Source:	theendrecords.com
Band profile:	Winds

Norway's progressive metal act Winds will be entering the studio this week for continued work on their as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2004's "The Imaginary Direction of Time" (to be released via The End Records).

Commented Tidemann: "We are entering the studio once again for the continued recording of the fourth WINDS album. The process of making this happen has taken a lot more time than first expected, both due to the complex material and a very busy schedule for everyone involved. We are entering studio again on December 16th for more recording sessions, expected to end around Christmas day.

"This session will include recording of the string section as well as all the vocal tracks. After this, all that remains to be recorded is my lead work and Andy's keys, which we will begin in January 2006. Strings will be recorded on location in a carefully selected timber church that was built in 1776 to achieve the best possible acoustic environment. To record the string section, we have hired famous Norwegian producer/engineer Truls Birkeland, who has worked with some of Norway's biggest names in pop and jazz. Truls has vast experience with location recording and we expect nothing less than a superb result with him in charge.

"The material on the new album is the most progressive and technically challenging, yet most melodic so far in the history of Winds. This is also the first time around we are bringing in additional voices for some of the lead vocal parts, which will add a new dimension to the classic Winds sound. We are really looking forward to this release, and hope everyone will enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed making it. Thanks a lot to everyone who is supporting our work!"

Source:	blabbermouth.net
Band profile:	Winds

In the latest End Records Newsletter the keyboardist Andy Winter talks about his projects:

"Greetings everyone! As we're getting closer to the half way mark of the year, I guess this is as good a time as any to write an update about what's been going on lately, and more importantly what's to come. On May 3rd I released a mini CD containing a solo performance with classical piano music. This release is my first solo release and it is called Shades of Light Through Black and White. It is available exclusively through The End Records, and the cover art is graced with some unique black and white photographs. The disc is a 1000 copy limited edition release.
As reported some time ago Winds has already completed the basic material for the fourth album, and the drums were recorded last year. At this time we are making the preparations to continue the recordings, meaning that Carl August Tidemann will find himself in and out of the studio for several months starting after his summer vacation. I have also completed the lyrical concept, and earlier this week I talked to the guys about the musical direction of the next record. There is still a lot to be determined about the sound and the details, and we are still in the midst of discussing all of this, but already the entire band agrees that what we are on the right track for something new, and that what we are about to embark on will pretty much blow everything we have done so far out of the water. Maybe that is an overused cliché that every band nowadays uses when they put out a new record, but I believe we have the merits to back up our claim, and in this case there is no doubt that this will be the most different record we have ever done. I can also say that this record won't see the light! of day until some time in 2006, so that we will have spent over 2 years making it from the recordings started until they finish should be an indication of how much effort we are putting into it. I know I previously stated that we would not take two years to make the next album, but what can I say, I will have to admit I was wrong and correct myself in this matter. I may also have to correct my previous statement about not involving any guests on the new record, but that part still remains to be seen, and I guess only time will tell.
On to Age of Silence news, we are currently in the studio working on the follow-up to Acceleration, and although we already have enough material to fill a full length album I can hereby make it official that we will be releasing a mini CD prior to the next full length. Jan Axel von Blomberg (Hellhammer) recorded the drums in March, and the guitars are currently being tracked right at this moment. It is the plan to finish everything by the end of the ! summer, and hopefully to release it on October 11th. The musical direction of the new Age of Silence midi CD will change into what some might call a darker, slower paced, more atmospheric and heavier/more extreme sound, while still retaining the progressive and intriguing elements Age of Silence is known for. The lyrical concept is already written by Lazare (Lars Nedland), and in my opinion it is the perfect continuation to where Acceleration left off. It is not a direct continuation of it in any means, but it deals with themes that are very familiar to the Age of Silence concept.

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Source:	- The End Records Newsletter -
Band profile:	Winds

"Over the summer we entered Panser Studio in Oslo, Norway to record drums for the next and upcoming Winds album. We had written nine compositions and felt the time was ready to begin manifesting the basic tracks for this effort. These compositions are in no way finished at this point, but Jan Axel laid down some of his most challenging and creative drumwork to date, which will serve as the foundation of what the record will be built upon.
The entire studio process went really well, and we have to extend our gratitude to BT Pro Audio, SE Electronics, and not the least Audio Media Professional AS who were majorly involved in providing us with the mics and other gear we needed for these drum recordings. We will not speculate on when the next album will be ready, but we hope it will see a release towards the end of 2005, at which point you can expect to hear another fabulous yet also very different Winds album."

http://label.theendrecords.com/

Band profile:

Winds