HATE ETERNAL guitarist Erik Rutan has posted the following message on the group's web site:

"Hello, my evil friends. Rutan here. I apologize for the lack of updates on our site but we've been touring forever. We finished the ARCH ENEMY tour, the HATEBREED tour, and then the DEICIDE/KRISIUN tour and our headliner in Europe with DYING FETUS, DEEDS OF FLESH and PREJUDICE. We did 8 full tours for this album and it was all an incredible success. We, HATE ETERNAL, personally want to thank all the listeners, fans and friends of this band that have helped us become what we are today and for showing your incredible support for us, through our accident and the rough times and all the good times. You guys keep us inspired. Leading on to what's going on with us right now, we are currently working on new material for our 3rd album, which we will record in the late summer, hopefully with a winter 2004 release or early next year. All I can say is that fans of HATE ETERNAL and fans of my old material with MORBID ANGEL will be so very pleased, for this album has all those elements and more! The material is very diverse in an evil and heavy, dark way. Still intense, still fast, still heavy, still lots of twisted melodies but I think this album is going to make some waves. We've never been more focused than we are right now and I wanted to let everyone know what is up with HATE ETERNAL. Keep looking on our site for more info. We will be making changes in the site very soon and once again thank you for your patience and your support. You guys rule."

Having realized two albums on two independent labels, the french band YYRKOON works now with Osmose Productions for their futur albums. Their music is a mix between a powerfull thrash metal and a raw death metal, the whole linked by solos and melodic parts.

Their third album titled "Occult Medicine" will be out in september 2004. It plunges you into a horror/fantastic context, where the imagination and creativity of a mad doctor take a dementia shape. Recorded & mixed in Denmark at Hansen Studios, this album is endowed with a very good sound quality. This album will contain 12 madness songs.

A bonus video-clip at the tone of this album will be done soon and a bonus track shall enrich the LP version. Don't miss it !!

www.yyrkoon.net / www.osmoseproductions.com

Band profile:

Yyrkoon

MY DYING BRIDE's video for the song "The Prize Of Beauty" has been posted online here (courtesy of Launch.com).

An eagerly awaited return to film for the band, the clip was shot over two days using the famous Rio's nightclub in Bradford as a studio. Using one of the band's massive backdrops, the main dancing space of the club was reportedly transformed into an area lit and set for video filming.

"The Prize Of Beauty" comes off MY DYING BRIDE's eighth album, "Songs Of Darkness, Words Of Light", available now through Peaceville Records.

Recorded at Academy Studios under the watchful eye of Mags, "Songs of Darkness, Words of Light" features what is being described as the six-piece band's most commercial song to date ? the graceful "My Wine In Silence". Album artwork was conceived by Andy Green, who has previously worked with the band on 1996's "Like Gods of the Sun"

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Band profile:

My Dying Bride

French black metal band SETH have pushed back the release date of their fourth album, "Era-Decay", to September 6.

" 'Era-Decay' was supposed to come out , but after talks with Avantgarde Music, it seemed necessary and unavoidable to push back the release," the band write on their web site. "We lost quite some time finishing mixing this fourth album, and the mastering is still not over yet. decision was not an easy one to make, but we have to be patient to release this album in the best possible conditions. We'll do our best to offer you an exclusive track on our website around June/July."

SETH's lineup during the recording sessions for "Era-Decay" consisted of the following: Heimoth on guitars, Alsvid on drums, Black Messiah on vocals, Helldryk on bass, and the newest addition, Cyriex on guitars.

"Era-Decay" track listing:

01. Marchemergence
02. March Of The Consistory
03. Umbilical Cutting
04. A Pallbearer's Gloom
05. Ascention
06. H-Eradicate
07. Xtasian Ostix
08. Co-Existent Species
09. The Blade Upon Mankind

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After much controversy the Seattle-based band NEVERMORE have officially re-signed with Century Media Records worldwide and are now preparing for a slew of activity in support of Enemies of Reality, their latest effort. The dynamic quartet will embark on a headlining U.S. tour this summer with support acts to be announced soon. NEVERMORE wrapped up a highly successfully tour alongside Dimmu Borgir, Children of Bodom and Hypocrisy last fall and look forward to getting back on the road and being able to play a longer set. The group will also be featured on the upcoming New England Metal and Hardcore Festival DVD compilation. Enemies of Reality, their fifth full-length release, showcases the band's aggressive songwriting style with a dizzying array of solos, easily satisfying any metal fan's expectations. A video clip for the track "I, Voyager" will also be shot early next month.

Warrel Dane (vocals) checks in with the following update, "The members of NEVERMORE would like to announce that after long negations, we have re-signed to Century Media Records. Both sides worked very hard to repair past problems and in the end, after fielding numerous offers, we felt this was the best to carry us into our future. We are currently writing new songs in our downtime and preparing for our first release under our new contract. We have four solid songs down at the moment and hope to hit the studio in early fall. In the meantime, we will be doing some major festivals in Europe, a headlining U.S. tour and a new video. All is well in NEVERMORE, and expect another major announcement to be made soon."

Band profile:

Nevermore

Ex-STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto was asked by Skipmag.de last month if he has any intentions of performing with his former bandmates at their scheduled appearance at Germany's Rock Hard festival in late May. "Let me put it like this," Timo replied. " One and a half weeks ago I played a festival in Spain. I really tried to give my best to the fans and to sing as good as possible. Jörg did the same. But the other guys, especially Tolkki and Johansson, messed up the whole show. That really pissed me off! I don't know if you've already read it somewhere but after the first song Mr. Boss left the stage and return later really drunk. And then Johansson did something that really shouldn't be done on stage (Johansson urinated on Tolkki's leg during the song "Forever" ? Ed.). That's simply not fair. I try to give my best for those people who paid all that money for their tickets. And I really don't want all this shit to happen on the stage. That really sucks! It was already hard enough for me to go to the rehearsals and then on stage with those people. If they do such shit then, it's not fair. At the moment I'm really not interested in playing another show with these people. But this can change within one month. I also think that these shows will take place, though I heard that Tolkki has in mind to dissolve the band. But I think there are many fans that want to see us live and also people that want to see me sing live and never saw us live or missed the last tour. I think we should try to do all this professional . I don't have to talk to these people after the show and they don't have to talk to me, but I think if these gigs take place, that every one of us should play as good as possible instead of doing all this shit."

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Band profile:

Stratovarius

DIMMU BORGIR have won the Norwegian Grammy award "Spellemannsprisen" for their current album "Death Cult Armageddon". The band outrivaled ENSLAVED and OLD MAN'S CHILD that were nominated in the "Metal" category as well.

Band profile:

Dimmu Borgir

A live video of Swedish death metallers Hypocrisy performing the track "Adjusting The Sun" on their recent American tour has been posted online in Quicktime and Windows Media formats at this location: http://www.mentalsuplex.com/media.html
(courtesy of MentalSuplex Productions).

Hypocrisy have just launched the European No Mercy Festivals 2004 tour with Cannibal Corpse, Kataklysm and Vomitory, among others.

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Band profile:

Hypocrisy

RHAPSODY will be issuing a new mini-CD, entitled "The Dark Secret", on May 29 through Magic Circle Music/SPV. The group's as-yet-untitled new full-length album will follow in September.

"The Dark Secret" track listing:

01. Unholy Warcry (short version)*
02. Thunder Mighty Roar*
03. Sacred Power Of Raging Winds
04. Guardians Of Destiny (English version)*
05. (T.B.C.)

* Titles will not appear on the upcoming studio album

The mini-CD will be packaged with a limited edition bonus DVD containing "Making of" footage for the new album (incl. interview sequences with Christopher Lee) and a 5.1 Mix of "Unholy Warcry" (short version).

As previously reported, RHAPSODY's new album will feature a very special appearance by acclaimed actor Christopher Lee ("Star Wars - Episode 2: Attack of the Clones", "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", "Gremlins II", "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"). Mr. Lee is no stranger to music and recording studios as he is a classically trained opera singer himself. He will be providing a powerful narration on the forthcoming self-produced CD of the Italy-based group.

Among other well-known narrators and London actors, Lee will guide the listeners in the role of a king through a unique saga invented by RHAPSODY's founding members Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli. As a special surprise, Mr. Lee's daughter Christina Lee will also appear in the part of a warrior princess. Incidentally this will mark the first time father and daughter will work together.

RHAPSODY's new CD is being recorded in four different studios in Europe with appearances by more than a dozen international guest soloists. Also appearing on the album will be the entire Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra from the Czech Republic as well as a 50-piece choir.

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Source:	blabbermouth.net
Band profile:	Rhapsody

Reunited San Francisco Bay Area thrashers HEATHEN have encountered unforeseen problems in the manufacturing of their new CD, "Recovered", and have been forced to delay its release until mid-April.

Commented the band: "We are currently experiencing difficulties with our manufacturer in getting the new CD out. Unfortunately this will set production back by two weeks. We do apologize for any inconveniences this may cause. We do appreciate your patience and we'll do our best to make sure you get your CDs as soon as possible."

"Recovered" features covers of songs from QUEEN, THIN LIZZY, TYGERS OF PAN TANG and SWEET SAVAGE, as well as an original track, "In Memory of?", written and dedicated to former band member Randy Laird and lead vocalist David White's brother Jeffrey, whose untimely losses occurred in 1991.

HEATHEN will appear on Billy Steel's "Metal Zone" show on San Francisco radio station 107.7 The Bone on Friday, April 2. The show will air between 9:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. PST. For those of you not in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can still listen in with The Bone's streaming media player at this location.

HEATHEN will be headlining the "Thunder In the North" mini-festival, scheduled to take place Saturday, July 31 at Imusicast (5429 Telegraph Avenue) in Oakland, California. The show, which will feature "six of the best metal bands in Northern California," will include appearances by OSMIUM, IMAGIKA, KURU, DISHARMONY and MUMMIFICATION.

Band profile:

Heathen

Tuska-Festival which takes place in Helsinki, Finland during July 16-18th
2004 has confirmed more artists, nearly completing the line-up for this
year's festival.

Fear Factory from Los Angeles, California will be appearing on the
mainstage on Sunday the 18th of July. Fear Factory has been a pioneer in
combining modern metal with industrial beats and synthesizers and their
seventh full length album, entitled Archetype, will be released in April.

On Saturday the 17th of July, another California act, legendary Bay Area-
thrashers Death Angel take the stage. Their debut album, The Ultra
Violence was released in 1987 and their latest effort, The Art Of Dying
will be released this spring.

Old School death metal will be represented at Tuska 2004 by Dismember
from neighbouring Sweden. This Stockholm outfit have just released their
new album entitled Where Ironcrosses Grow.

The Tuska 2004 Festival gets the most intense start possible in the form
the swedish grindcore act Nasum. The band has just recently added second
guitar player to the line-up and their Tuska-show will be the band's
first time in Finland as a four-piece.

For domestic additions, industrial-flavoured Drive has been added to the
roster, as well as folk metal group Turisas who were just recently signed
to Century Media Records. Also, the spacey stoner rock band Blake will be
appearing at this year's festival.

In addition to these confirmed artists, we are still seeking several acts.

Ticket sales for Tuska 2004 start earlier than previous years. Tickets
will go on sale on the 5th of April through www.tiketti.fi,
www.lippupalvelu.fi and www.menolippu.fi. One day ticket costs 30? and
three day ticket 65?, respectively.

Tuska 2004 roster looks currently like this:

DIO (USA)
In Flames (SWE)
Nightwish
Fear Factory (USA)
Death Angel (USA)
Kotiteollisuus
Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus
Suburban Tribe
Sonata Arctica
Dismember (SWE)
Soilwork (SWE)
Diablo
Dark Tranquillity (SWE)
Charon
Mokoma
Dew-Scented (GER)
Impaled Nazarene
Nasum (SWE)
Sinergy
Beseech (SWE)
Blake
Chaosbreed
Swallow The Sun
Trollheim's Grott
Machine Men
Kilpi
Twilightning
Turisas

Additional information: www.tuska-festival.fi

New version of ALKEMYST official website !!!

WWW.ALKEMYST.NET

This is the third version of this site since 2000. We hope that you appreciate it. Take a look to our Galleries and let a message in our Guestbook.

On the other hand, the band will open for LOUDBLAST at Le Brise-Glace in Annecy (74) on April, 2. Everyone welcome!

Reservations on www.fnac.com

Band profile:

Alkemyst

JAG PANZER guitarist Mark Briody has issued an update on ICED EARTH's much-anticipated "Gettysburg" DVD, which he is currently producing for his recently formed video production company. According to Briody, "the DVD is still in production so don't look for it in the stores just yet. It's coming out very cool. Jon 's got some excellent ideas and I'm working hard to make them happen. I can't give out anymore information, that's something for Jon or SPV to do. But I just thought I'd say that the DVD is coming out excellent. I probably have another 4 to 6 weeks of production time left. There are issues beyond just making a killer DVD. Things like historical accuracy. I can't have a still from Sharpsburg in there, this is Gettysburg. The flags, maps and everything need to be historically accurate. At the same time it needs to be very entertaining for the average metal fan. To get an idea of the work involved, I have 2 terabytes of data (yes, 10 200-gig drives) in use for this project."

ICED EARTH will kick off a U.S. tour with CHILDREN OF BODOM and EVERGREY on April 18 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Band profile:

Iced Earth

The Catholic church's lawsuit against ANCIENT CEREMONY founder/vocalist Chris Anderle over a series of "blasphemous" photos posted on the German black metal band's web site has been given a new court date: May 26 at Landgericht Trier. Lawyers for both parties are currently working towards a possible out-of-court settlement.

The band are said to be "rather pissed off with this soap opera", and are concentrating on finishing up their new mini CD, "P.uritan's B.lasphemy C.all (Ruf-Mord)" . The highly controversial album, which is being observed by the German censorship authorities even before its release, is tentatively scheduled for release in June on Irond Records. A full-scale European tour will follow.

With "Hellfire Club", EDGUY already now have their most successful album ready to go! The single "King Of Fools" has been staying in the German single charts for already six weeks and got presented two times in the McDonalds Chart show on Pro7. On Monday, March 15th, EDGUY's new album "Hellfire Club" got in stores and hit the german charts on #26. Also the album reaches the following positions.

Here they are:

#22 Finland
#6 Sweden
#69 Austria
#81 Switzerland
#54 France
#35 Hungary

Band profile:

Edguy