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Symphony X - Bassist Is Fully Recovered

Michael LePond, the bassist from Power/Progressive/Symphonic Metal band Symphony X has fully recovered from Crohn's Disease. The bassist was diagnosed with the bowel disorder earlier this year, and the band was forced to cancel some European tours. He was discharged from hospital a couple of months ago, but he still wasn't 100% well. He's made a full recovery now though, and he says he feels "...strong as ever."

Here is a statement from LePond, taken from Symphony X's official website: "Hello everybody!! First of all, I want to let you that I am now fully recovered. I have gained all of my weight back and feel as strong as ever. My bass chops are back up to speed, just in time for the recording of the new CD.

Secondly, I want to give my deepest thanks to all of you for your sympathy and support during my illness. I read every single e-mail that was sent to me. It was better than any medicine I could have taken. I will never forget the kindness you guys have shown me.
I love all of you.."

Source: symphonyx.com
Band profile: Symphony X
Posted: 21.07.2006 by Raiden | Comments (3)


Dark Tranquillity - Set To Tour Australia

Dark Tranquillity have joined the list of bands that will be performing upcoming shows in Australia. They will be covering most Australian states and will start the tour in mid September. There will be three 18+ gigs and two shows for all ages.

Here are the dates for the upcoming shows:

September 15 - Capitol - Perth (18+)
September 16 - Unibar - Adelaide (All ages)
September 17 - Manning Bar - Sydney (All ages)
September 18 - Basement - Brisbane (18+)
September 19 - Hi Fi - Melbourne (18+)

Tickets will go on sale on August 3. Support acts will be announced soon.

Source: blabbermouth.net
Band profile: Dark Tranquillity
Posted: 19.07.2006 by Raiden | Comments (5)


Vanishing Point - New Album On The Way

Vanishing Point have announced that a new album will be recorded soon. The band has been writing material for the album, and they've said that they will be hitting the studio in September to start recording it. They will be using Palm Studio for the recording.

Here is a statement by the band taken off their official website:

"We are currently busy writing and preparing ourselves for our fourth album for Dockyard 1, we are booked to go back into the recording studio in September with Endel Rivers at Palm Studio's (Black Majesty, The Eternal and many others) and things are going really well, what can we say about the new material so far? It's probably the heaviest music that we have come up with in some parts within the Vanishing Point style, we still have the melodic edge, symphonic arrangements and thought provoking lyrics as usual that you would expect on a Vanishing Point album, we are very excited about the new material and we hope that you guys stick around for the next album!

Oh yeah, this time the album will not take years to complete, we want to have it ready for early next year and yes as many people are asking the songs will be shorter, at least the majority of them will be."

Source: vanishing-point.com.au
Band profile: Vanishing Point
Posted: 19.07.2006 by Raiden | Comments (1)


Dockyard 1 - Newsletter July 2006

This is the last newsletter of the German label, Dockyard 1!

New Signings:

- DEADSTAR ASSEMBLY:
This is really a couple of new signings in a row, and DeadStar Assembly are the outstanding first: DEADSTAR ASSEMBLY are sunny South Florida's dark side. The troupe of musical avant-gardes deliver a sinister sound so intense and fierce that it burns. Like demented seraphim, DSA's poisonous blend of death-pop industrial rock is setting the world ablaze with no apologies. Formed in 2002 by singer Dearborn, DSA was a meticulous formation that was birthed before any additional members even joined the band. The selftitled debut sold over 10.000 units independently four years ago, now the German press is raving about the successor "Unsaved". And we'll release it to you!

- F- RONTSIDE:
FRONTSIDE is Europe's answer to bands like Bleeding Through and Killswitch Engage! FRONTSIDE already won a Grammy in their native country Poland for non-compromising death metal in the vain of SLAYER or VADER mixed with the power of hardcore heroes like BIOHAZARD or HATEBREED. Their upcoming album was already released Polish-only, we will offer you the English translation "Twilight of The Gods. A First Step To The Mental Revolution" on August 28th.

Nergal of BEHEMOTH fame comments on them:
"This band proves that metalcore may have BIG balls! Mindblowing energy with lots of melody. Awesome band!"

Martin from DECAPITATED adds:
"These guys are one of the best bands I've seen on stage in last few years! Their music is fresh and powerfull, a must have!"

- WINGDOM
Ex-Sonata Arctica keybordist MIKKO HARKIN and ex-RHAPSODY bass player ALESSANDRO LOTTA collaborating with other talented Finnish musicians like JUKKA RUOTSALAINEN, SAMI ASP and MARKUS NIEMISPELTO - the outcome is very melodic music with progressive elements and a sharp metallic edge. This cought the interest of Timo Kotipelto of STRATOVARIUS fame. He enjoyed the fresh and original appearance of the music and offered to release the album "Reality" through his own label High and Loud.
"This was the first band that really impressed me so much that I wanted to sign it to my label", says Timo. "We are really happy to work with Timo. Hes a good friend and that makes our cooperation very comfortable", smiles Mikko.

- REDKEY
A new star's up on the firmament of Power Metal: REDKEY are hailing from the town in Germany where VW started to run around the globe, and the members of REDKEY are also long-distance runners: Former HEAVEN's GATE singer Thomas Rettke and guitar player Sascha Paeth didn't play together for 15 years. Till now! Now they're back. Back with a new outfit called REDKEY and the new album "Rage Of Fire", out in September. But REDKEY isn't a simple succession of HEAVEN'S GATE, it's a new step: This is NWoBHM translated to the 21st century, mainly influenced by mighty Judas Priest plus the sound of US-metal in the likes of Racer X or Vicious Rumours.

Read more ››

Source: dockyard1.com
Posted: 18.07.2006 by Jeff | Comments (1)


Rhapsody - Renamed Rhapsody Of Fire

Due to copyright and trademark issues the band formerly known as Rhapsody has changed its name. The band members consider this a great new start, reflecting the emboldened and increasingly grandiose direction that their music has taken. "The power of the dragonflame will burn brighter than ever before," says guitarist/songwriter Luca Turilli. Keyboardist/songwriter Alex Staropoli adds, "The name Rhapsody Of Fire better represents the energy that has always been present in this band and its music."

With a new record company in Magic Circle Music, a new tour planned and a new album on the way, Rhapsody Of Fire will continue to explore musical fantasy worlds with the precision musicianship and unique symphonic concepts that their fans have come to expect and adore. Fresh on the heels of the band's first live album release, Live In Canada 2005 - The Dark Secret, a new name and renewed vigor ensure that Rhapsody Of Fire still hold the passion and power that have always been associated with their music.

Source: rhapsodyoffire.com
Band profile: Rhapsody
Posted: 14.07.2006 by wrathchild | Comments (51)


Tristania - New Album Delayed, European Tour Cancelled

The release of the new Tristania album 'Illumination', originally scheduled for September, has been postponed slightly due to technical reasons. The new release date will be announced soon. Also, samples from 'Illumination' will be published online in the near future.

The September tour has been cancelled due to outside issues. Vibeke (vocals) will be finishing her education as a teacher, in addition to which she will be working as a teacher while studying. Thus, this makes it difficult for her to do long tours at the moment. Finishing off her education is something she has postponed for a long time due to her duties with Tristania - and she feels it is finally time to do it.

'Illumination' was recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany with producer Waldemar Sorychta (Lacuna Coil, Tiamat). Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Sanguine Sky", "Open Ground", "Lotus", "Down" and "Mercyside".

The band had previously stated about the upcoming CD, "True to tradition, we have made an album with a definite and unmistakably Tristanian sound, but which also brings a lot of new and fresh material. The album is another evolutionary step and lets us explore new areas while staying true to our roots. On every track, the moods and elements are plentiful; ranging from doom to industrial, from soothing synthesizer passages to technical metal riffs, from dark ballads to classic goth rock - it's all there. We've used a string quartet on several tracks, which attributed yet another dimension to those songs."

Source: blabbermouth.net
Band profile: Tristania
Posted: 14.07.2006 by DarkStone | Comments (9)


Edguy - Confirmed For Korea's Busan International Rock Festival

German melodic metallers EDGUY have been confirmed for the 2006 Busan International Rock Festival, set to take place August 5-8 in Busan, Korea. Also scheduled to appear are UFO, ANDREW W.K. and TESTAMENT.

EDGUY are continuing to tour in support of their latest album, "Rocket Ride", which entered the German national album chart at position No. 8 upon its release in late January. The CD also came in at No. 8 in Sweden, No. 25 in Finland, No. 32 in Hungary, No. 48 in Japan, No. 50 in Switzerland, No. 50 in Austria, No. 79 in Norway and No. 81 in Italy.

Source: blabbermouth.net
Band profile: Edguy
Posted: 14.07.2006 by DarkStone | Comments (0)


Insomnium - Join Enslaved, 1349, Zyklon For UK Tour

Insomnium will tour in September with Enslaved, Zyklon and 1349 in the following cities:

05 - (IRL) Dublin, The Village
07 - (UK) Colchester, Arts Centre
08 - (UK) Sheffield, Corporation
09 - (UK) Glasgow, The Garage
10 - (UK) Manchester, Academy 2
11 - (UK) Birmingham, Carling Academy
12 - (UK) London, Mean Fiddler

They will open each gig, followed by Keep Of Kalessin.

Source: insomnium.net
Band profile: Insomnium
Posted: 14.07.2006 by Daru Jericho | Comments (1)


Slayer - Studio Footage Online

Previously unseen footage of SLAYER in the studio recording their upcoming album, "Christ Illusion", has been made available at the Warner Bros. web site:

Quicktime:
200k (http://streamos.wbr.com/qtime/wbr/slayer/071006/slayer_vocals_220.mov)
450k (http://streamos.wbr.com/qtime/wbr/slayer/071006/slayer_vocals_450.mov)
700k (http://streamos.wbr.com/qtime/wbr/slayer/071006/slayer_vocals_700.mov)

Windows Media:
220k (http://streamos.wbr.com/wmedia/wbr/slayer/071006/slayer_vocals_220.wvx)
300k (http://streamos.wbr.com/wmedia/wbr/slayer/071006/slayer_vocals_300.wvx)
450k (http://streamos.wbr.com/wmedia/wbr/slayer/071006/slayer_vocals_450.wvx)
700k (http://streamos.wbr.com/wmedia/wbr/slayer/071006/slayer_vocals_700.wvx)

"Christ Illusion" is SLAYER's first new studio album since 2001, and the first recorded by the band's original line-up - Kerry King (guitar); Tom Araya (bass, vocals); Jeff Hanneman (guitars); Dave Lombardo (drums) - since 1990's "Seasons In The Abyss". "Christ Illusion" was produced by Josh Abraham and executive-produced by Rick Rubin. The album is scheduled for release on August 8, 2006 via American Recordings/Warner Bros. Records.

Read more ››

Source: blabbermouth.net
Band profile: Slayer
Posted: 14.07.2006 by DarkStone | Comments (2)


Lifeforms Agency - Organizing Grind Tour The Pologne VI

In autumn LIFEFORMS TOUR AGENCY will be organizing GRIND TOUR DE POLOGNE VI in
Poland. Tour starts at 13.10.2006 and stop at 22.10.2006. There will be playing three bandsOn this tour: INGROWING (Grind Core from Czech Republic), THE ARSON
PROJECT (Grind Tornado from Sweden) and SCABIES (Ex - Psychoneurosis - Grind
Core from Poland). More information soon!!!

Source: Press Info
Posted: 12.07.2006 by Herzebeth | Comments (0)


Iced Earth - Officially Launch Bassist Search

Iced Earth has officially launched the search for a new bassist. All interested parties are encouraged to send their bio packs to Iced Earth mainman Jon Schaffer's store at the following address:

Jon Schaffer
Spirit of 76 Collectibles, Inc.
1728 17th St
Columbus, IN 47448

Iced Earth recently announced the addition of Elkton, MD guitarist Ernie Carletti to the group's ranks.

Mastering his craft beyond 19 years and teaching guitar lessons to 100 students weekly in excess of 16 years, Carletti is equally versed in styles such as classical and jazz but his first love is heavy metal "shredding."

The central figure of Iced Earth is guitarist and songwriter Jon Schaffer, who originally formed the band as Purgatory in 1984. Though the band has undergone numerous lineup changes since its inception, Schaffer has remained steadfast in his passion to thrash. Schaffer officially announced the addition of Carletti on the band's message board on Friday, June 30.

Schaffer is currently working on a concept album based on the "Something Wicked This Way Comes" story that first appeared on Iced Earth's 1998 album of the same name. A 2007 release is expected.

Iced Earth's last release was the "Gettysburg (1863)" DVD, which came out in June 2005. The main program, a CGI-rendered video presentation of the epic "Gettysburg" trilogy from 2004's acclaimed album "The Glorious Burden", drew praise from fans and media alike. The DVD was also reportedly being used as a teaching tool in several high schools across the country.

Source: roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile: Iced Earth
Posted: 10.07.2006 by DarkStone | Comments (1)


Ragnarock Festival (Norway) Has Been Cancelled

After W.A.S.P., Twisted Sister and Kamelot cancelled their appearance at the Ragnarock Festival (Oslo, Norway), the entire event has been cancelled by the organizers, with no reasons given. The only message on the festival's site states:

"Keep the tickets and send a e-mail with account number(for other countrys then Norway, please use your paypal account) We do have all the buyers registered and it will not be payed out any money if the name don't accour on this list."

Source: ragnarock.as
Event: Ragnarock Festival (CANCELLED)
Posted: 10.07.2006 by Ivan | Comments (0)


Fear Factory - Touring Australia In September

Industrial Metallers Fear Factory have announced that they will be touring Australia this September. They will playing with support act Devildriver. Fear Factory will still be touring in support of their Transgression album. Tickets can be purchased from July 21. Fear Factory join a list of bands that will be touring Australia in the next few months, including Kreator and Cannibal Corpse.

Here are the Australian dates for Fear Factory:

September 15 - Brisbane, The Tivoli
September 16 - Sydney, Big Top Luna Park
September 17 - Melbourne, The Palace
September 19 - Perth, Metropolis Fremantle

Source: brismetal.com
Band profile: Fear Factory
Posted: 10.07.2006 by Raiden | Comments (1)


Anathema - To Play In Jordan / Various Updates

Anathema have announced their first-ever appearance in Jordan. The concert will take place on August 25 at the Al-Ahlyyiah Amman University Arena in Amman.

In other news, Anathema have added a third date to their upcoming Russian tour, which is scheduled to take place in September. The details are as follows:

Sep. 22 - Tochka Club - Moscow, RUS
Sep. 23 - Port Club - St. Petersburg, RUS
Sep. 24 - Youth Hall - Ekaterinburg, RUS

As previously reported, Anathema will be embarking on a full South American/Mexican tour in October. The trek will include stops in Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Mexico. A UK tour will take place in early September.

Metal Mind Productions released a new Anathema DVD, entitled "A Moment in Time", on June 19. The main part of DVD was recorded in Poland at the famous Metal Mania Festival 2006 (the biggest hard rock/metal festival in Eastern Europe). The set list included their best songs plus a cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb". The guest performance was done by a string quartet. Bonus material includes live video footage, video clips, and a documentary. The DVD will be available also in a limited edition with bonus audio CD.

Anathema are currently unsigned as a result of having been dropped by BMG/Zomba after their previous label, Music For Nations, was folded into parent company Zomba Records Group (the world's largest independent music group).

Source: blabbermouth.net
Band profile: Anathema
Posted: 10.07.2006 by DarkStone | Comments (1)


Obituary - To Record Their First Ever DVD In Poland

The following message has been posted by frontman John Tardy at thhe legenadry Death Metal band's official website:

"Where do I start! First, thanks to our crew and all our fans that came out to support us this festival season. Without you guys all this would not be possible!!!".

"I did not have Internet for the last few shows, so I could not update the website until now. I think the last I updated was in Italy. Since then we had two shows in Germany and one in Austria!".

"I am at home and trying to get things 'back to normal.' Yesterday we got together with friends and celebrated the 4th of July with some grilling, cool ones, fireworks and World Cup football! What an end to that Germany / Italy game. Our crew were from Germany, so I felt bad for them, but congratulate Italy on a big win. I am looking forward to the game today, it should be a good one. It was also great to see the Space Shuttle Discovery go up! I don't know if there is any better display of fireworks then watching that thing launch! Awesome! We are a few hundred miles from the Space Center, but can still see the shuttle from my house. It is really something and I congratulate NASA on a beautiful launch".

"We are home until the end of August , then we head back to Europe to record our first DVD, in Poland! I think we could be the last band on the planet to do one, so we are really excited about this. While we are there we will also be playing the Up From The Ground Festival in Germany".

Links:http://www.obituary.cc/

Source: metal-temple.com
Band profile: Obituary
Posted: 08.07.2006 by Lupas | Comments (3)