Abysmal Dawn have posted the following update on their official site:

"After almost five years together Abysmal Dawn have parted ways with guitarist Jamie Boulanger. Currently Jamie has other priorities that he needs to take care of in his life, including his new baby girl. We wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

We are proud to announce Ian Jekelis of Aartisan as our new second guitarist. Ian filled in for our past two tours and we're proud to have him as a permanent member. Check out Ian playing "Servants To Their Knees" with us on the Contamination tour here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCn4-0G7MY4".

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Source:	abysmaldawn.com
Band profile:	Abysmal Dawn

German Power Metallers Edguy have scheduled the following European tour dates:

10.01.09 - Carling Academy Islington, London, United Kingdom
12.01.09 - Elysee Montmatre, Paris, France
13.01.09 - Theatre Barbey, Bordeaux, France
15.01.09 - La Copera, Granada, Spain
16.01.09 - La Rivera, Madrid, Spain
17.01.09 - Rock Star Live, Bilbao, Spain
18.01.09 - Razzmatazz, Barcelona, Spain
20.01.09 - Transbordeur, Lyon, France
21.01.09 - Rolling Stone, Milano, Italy
23.01.09 - Filharmonie, Filderstadt, Germany
24.01.09 - All Kart Halle, Kaufbeuren, Germany
25.01.09 - Z7, Pratteln, Switzerland
27.01.09 - Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen, Germany
28.01.09 - Live Music Hall, Köln, Germany
30.01.09 - Jako Arena, Bamberg, Germany
31.01.09 - Halle Gartlage, Osnarbrück, Germany
01.02.09 - Docks, Hamburg, Germany
02.02.09 - Lisberghallen, Götheborg, Sweden
04.02.09 - Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
05.02.09 - KB, Malmö, Sweden
07.02.09 - Wartenberg, Fulda, Germany

This European tour will be in support of Edguy's upcoming album "Tinnitus Sanctus" which will be released around 16th November this year.

Source:	edguy.net
Band profile:	Edguy
Event:	Edguy: European Tour

German metallers Die Apokalyptischen Reiter have posted the following message:

"Hello friends,

Our new album "Licht" (Eng. "Light") is on myspace. All songs, all madness, the whole album. Check it out. NOW

"Licht" will be in shops next friday 29.08.2008
Limited edition comes with bonus DVD, featuring the first Reiter flashgame "Monsterball", new videos and video making of."

Streaming of the new album will be available until the 29th of August. So to hear the album, have a gander over to their myspace site here:

http://www.myspace.com/reitermania

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Die Apokalyptischen Reiter

Artillery are set to re-release their classic 80's album "Terror Squad" with remastered tracks and bonus songs. It will be in a new digipak edition limited to 2000 copies. The release date is scheduled for 29th September.

Here is the complete tracklist:

Disc 1
01. Challenge
02. In The Trash
03. Terror Squad
04. Let There Be Sin
05. Hunger and Greed
06. Therapy
07. At War With Science
08. Decapitations of Deviants

Disc II (Bonus Tracks)
01. The Challenge
02. In The Trash
03. Therapy
04. Let There Be Sin
05. All For You (With Per Onink)
06. We Are The Dead
07. Too Late To Regret

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Source:	metalmind.com.pl
Band profile:	Artillery

Canadian metallers Into Eternity have posted the a new track entitled "Time Immemorial" on their MySpace page. The track comes off the band's upcoming album "The Incurable Tragedy" cover].

In other news, the band recently shot a new video for the track "Time Immemorial" acclaimed director Craig Bernard (Theory Of A Deadman).

Comments bassist Troy Bleich:

"We ended up making it to Montreal just in time for our video shoot for 'Time Immemorial.' The location was awesome, as it was apparently a haunted house. Didn't see any ghosts, though. That would've been cool, as it might have filled in the 13 hours of time spent waiting for Stu's acting career to take flight! In all seriousness, it was a very cool experience and I think the video is going to be awesome. Thanks to the director Craig and the rest of the crew for making it a time that was truly...immemorial."

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Source:	centurymedia.com
Band profile:	Into Eternity

Swedish metallers Dark Tranquillity have posted the following update on their website:

D.T. has parted ways with longtime bass player Michael Nicklasson. All booked shows will go on as scheduled with a session bassist. We thank Michael for his time in the band and wish him the best of luck in future endeavours. Here is a statement from him.

"After almost 10 years and tons of tours and festivals, I chose to leave D.T. for personal reasons. It's been so cool all this time to meet all the people and the tons of fans around the world, and all the friends that I got during this amazing journey - crew, fans and all the people I (we) worked with. I can't name everyone, as the list would take up all the space on the web site, but I'm going to miss all of you that worked and supported us (me) during these years, but this is the right thing to do, I really need a break."

"There are no hard feelings in the band, it's a thing that we all felt was the best for D.T.. Now I'm going to kick back for a while, and then I'll see what's in the future for me. I wish the best for the rest off the boys in my old crew, and to all: I'm coming back in one way or another......thanx to all off you! Cheers!"

Source:	darktranquillity.com
Band profile:	Dark Tranquillity

Metallica have just released the first single off their upcoming album, Death Magnetic. The epic track is entitled "The Day That Never Comes" and it's now available through iTunes. The band recently filmed a video for the track with Danish film director Thomas Vinterberg which will premiere soon.

Check out the track which is now streaming on www.Metallica.com at this location:

http://www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=601119

or on MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/metallica

"The Day That Never Comes" is also available through iTunes now:

iTunes

Death Magnetic the new album from Metallica will be available worldwide Friday, September, 12, 2008.

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Source:	totalassault.com
Band profile:	Metallica

Cardamon announces temporary addition of bassist Luuk van Gerven (After Forever)

Utrecht-based rock/metalband Cardamon is happy to announce the temporary addition of bassplayer Luuk van Gerven to the band. Luuk is well known as the bassplayer of Dutch melodic metal maestros After Forever.

'We are very excited to be able to play with Luuk. Besides the well-working personal chemistry, his skills and talent enable Cardamon to focus on the band's main priorities at this moment; writing new material and playing gigs instead of having to worry about finding the right bandmember. It's not clear for how long Luuk will play with Cardamon, but it is definitely the best solution for now.'

Luuk: 'In Cardamon I found a devoted band with talented musicians. I'm sure that we'll have great times together, both on a musical and a personal level!!!'

Cardamon self released it's debut album 'The Primrose Path' at the end of 2007, which was reviewed very well amongst well respected Dutch media such as Oor, Live XS, Aardschok and online magazines like Musicfrom.nl and metalfan.nl. The band was chosen to be featured on the prestigious 'Sonic Cathedral: A world of sirens' release, a double cd featuring top acts from the international female fronted metal scene.

Source:	cardamon.nl
Band profile:	Cardamon

German metallers Anti have issued the short following update:

''The process of the creation has begun... there are no limits... no borders... no dates... For sure... the next album will be a concept album... straight out of the mental-hospital... it isn't a circle... it's a cannonball and you have to find the core... The blessed one...''

Source:

blog.myspace.com

Norwegian metallers Satyricon have issued the following update:

"We have completed the new album "The Age Of Nero" in its entirety and we are very very proud of it! The release date is 3 November and will be followed by a full European headlining tour opening in Stavanger, Norway 12 November and ending in Hamburg, Germany 20 December. Check out all the dates here.

A few more shows will be added soon. Opening act on the tour is Evile and the direct support act will be added soon.

Expect updates with tons of information on the new album and the tour, competitions, interviews and music in the next few weeks!"

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Source:	satyricon.no
Band profile:	Satyricon

Mötley Crüe have confirmed shows in Mexico, Argentina and Japan for October of this year.

Latin American Tour:
03.10.2008 - Mexico, Guadalajara at Arena VFG
05.10.2008 - Mexico, Mexico City at The Sports Place
07.10.2008 - Mexico, Monterrey at Monterrey Arena
11.10.2008 - Argentina, Buenos Aires at Pepsi Festival

Japanese Tour:
19.10.2008 - Japan, Saitama City at Saitama Super Arena Loudpark Festival]
21.10.2008 - Japan, Fukuoka at Zepp
22.10.2008 - Japan, Hamamatsu at Actcity
23.10.2008 - Japan, Nagoya at Zepp
25.10.2008 - Japan, Osaka at Jo Hall
26.10.2008 - Japan, Tokyo at Super Arena

Tickets details will be posted on their Myspace and official website as they become available.

In other news (credit to abattoir), the band has posted new video online here], for the song ''Motherfucker Of The Year," which comes from the band's latest album entitled "Saints Of Los Angeles"

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Mötley Crüe
Event:	Mötley Crüe: Latin America Tour

Swedish band Engel have split with bassist Michael Håkansson.

Michael Håkansson states:

"To all you great people out there who has shown your big support and interest in my participation in Engel. I am sad to announce my departure from Engel. It hasn't been an easy decision for me to make... It was a really hard one but at this time I felt it was the right one for me to make. I am not leaving for another band or for any personal or business related issues within the band. Not at all!

It's been a blast to be a part of this fantastic band and one part of me would still like to be a part of Engel's future. For I see nothing but success for Engel, the potential has no limits with these guys. I've been given a once in a life-time offer that I just couldn't say no to. I am now leaving my other big dream in life.

I want to thank the wonderful guys in the band... Niclas, Mojjo, Marcus and Mangan… you guys rule! Thanks for 2 fantastic years together and all the fun we had during the recording of the album and the tours we did together.

And last but not least... Maria Ouelette of SPV, Nasrin, Peter, and Sascha of Pirate Smile. Thanks for great times together!"

The band comments:
"Final comment from us... We totally respect Michael's decision and wish him the very best in his future endeavors. Thanks for those years and all the laughs. Of course it's sad to lose a member but rest assured the Engel machinery is working on like before. "

Source:	engelpropaganda.com
Band profile:	Engel

American progressive metallers Suspyre have announced the addition of April Sese to the group's ranks:

"It didn't occur to me at the time to ask them if they needed a keyboardist, but as soon as I saw the audition bulletin on MySpace a year later, I jumped at the opportunity," April said, "Everything happened so quickly. It still feels like a dream. I can't believe I'm actually performing the keyboard and orchestral parts I only fantasized about playing a year ago. The guys are great. They're so talented, original and creative. Not to mention it's so easy to get along with them. They definitely know how to get a musician to evolve."

Vocalist Clay Barton comments:
"We are very grateful to have April in the band because she is an amazing keyboardist with a diverse musical background. The song "April in the Fall" and others mean so much more having keyboards behind it for our live performances so we are extremely happy to have an official keyboardist now."

Background information on April:

April Sese photo] was born into a musical family. Her grandfather founded a professional 7 piece band in the 70s that included her mother on drums, father on guitar, aunt on vocals, uncle on sax and keys, plus family friends on bass and male vocals. Her family exposed her to a wide range of musical genres. Needless to say, she has been an eclectic music lover her entire life. She began her classical training on piano at the age of 7 and continued on for thirteen years under Yoomi Choi from the Manhattan School of Music. During high school she accompanied choral groups, sang for jazz band and participated in various music-related competitions and events. She currently takes private music theory lessons at The Collective in New York City under Hernando Fernandez and Bob Quaranta.

April has a deep appreciation for originality and integration of various musical elements and genres, which is what drew her toward Suspyre like a moth to a flame. Ironically, April first discovered Suspyre through her friend's radio show in the summer of 2007 with the song "April in the Fall." Shortly after looking them up on MySpace and leaving comments about the "awesome keys" and bizarre parallels between her and the character April in A Great Divide, she met with Gregg Rossetti and Rich Skibinsky, with other fans, over dinner.

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Source:	sayitdigital.com
Band profile:	Suspyre

Lamb Of God have commenced recording on the follow up to 2006's Grammy-nominated "Sacrament". Their new album is scheduled for release in February 2009 and will be produced by Josh Wilbur. Josh Wilbur is well known for his Grammy Award winning work with Steve Earl. The album will be recorded in New York City; Virginia Beach, VA; Richmond, VA; and New Hampshire.

The album will see a North American release on Epic Records with Roadrunner Records handling all NON North American releases.

Band drummer Chris Adler states, "We are excited change things up this time and work with Josh. We've never stayed in one place too long, and the evolution continues. There is an aggressive shift in the material and our approach. The bar has been raised."

Lamb Of God shipped gold with their double DVD "Walk With Me In Hell" and after five weeks are rapidly approaching platinum status.

Following production, Lamb Of God will head out on an extensive world tour commencing with their support slot in December with Metallica.

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Lamb Of God

The seventh edition of Dutch Doom Days will take place on the 25th and 26th of October in Baroeg. Besides the previously announced headliners Worship and Skepticism the Italian Forgotten Tomb and the Swedish Isole are confirmed!

The organisation succeeded to establish a strong program which gives a good insight into the cross section of the doom metal genre. This special form of metal can be defined by its down tempo and (in most cases) filled with emotional loads. Black Sabbath can be seen as one of the founders of this genre.
Besides the well known confirmed names Baroeg knows how to present the best new upcoming bands at the festival year after year, what is truly appreciated by true fans of the doom genre. Bands such as Griftegård, The Lamp of Thoth and Wizards of Doom are top-class bands that will debut in the Netherlands at DDD7. During this years edition two Dutch bands, Faal and Hooded Priest will be introduced. In total sixteen bands will play, besides the previous mentioned bands Pantheïst, Mourning Dawn, SubRosa, Beneath The Frozen Soil, Faith, Fall Of The Idols and Ophis will play at the festival as well.

For more information and tickets on the festival please visit http://www.baroeg.nl/ddd and http://www.myspace.com/dutchdoomdays.

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Event:

Dutch Doom Days VII