German Power Metallers Primal Fear have posted the following update:

"Well, the time has come to start officially with the writing sessions for our new album! We will be in Sweden at Magnus studio in September to write a bunch of new tracks and do some pre-production. We've collected already some ideas and it sounds very promising. We will try to keep the great vibe of the live shows in the band... Of course, we will try to surprise all of you again with a new direction :-) - cheers, PF"

Source:	primalfear.de
Band profile:	Primal Fear

Swedish metallers In Flames have announced a North American headline tour for 2008. Support on the tour comes from All That Remains, Gojira and 36 Crazyfists.

Full North American tour dates:
November 6 - Montreal, QC - Metropolis
November 7 - Toronto, ON - Sound Academy
November 8 - Detroit, MI - Emerald Theater
November 10 - Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
November 12 - Minneapolis, MN - Myth
November 14 - Calgary, AB - MacEwan Hall
November 15 - Edmonton, AB - Events Center
November 17 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore
November 18 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Sodo
November 19 - Portland, OR - Roseland
November 21 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield
November 22 - Los Angeles, CA - The Nokia Club
November 23 - Las Vegas, NV - House Of Blues
November 24 - Phoenix, AZ - Marquee Theatre
November 25 - Albuquerque, NM - Midnight Rodeo
November 26 - Denver, CO - Fillmore
November 28 - Dallas, TX - Palladium
November 29 - Austin, TX - La Zona Rosa
November 30 - Houston, TX - House Of Blues
December 02 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live
December 03 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle
December 04 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva
December 05 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live
December 06 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
December 07 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
December 09 - St. Louis, MO - Pageant
December 10 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave

In Flames' European tour has also had a date added to it. Due to public demand a second show in Stockholm has been included. The show will take place on 29th October at Annexet in Stockhom, Sweden.

Source:	inflames.com
Band profile:	In Flames
Event:	In Flames: N. American Tour

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".

Read more ››

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

Nine Inch Nails has announced a large batch of new tour dates for the fall. Here are the new US tour dates:

10.23.08 - San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
10.25.08 - New Orleans, LA Voodoo Festival, City Park
10.28.08 - Orlando, FL UCF Arena
10.29.08 - Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
10.31.08 - Nashville, TN Sommet Center
11.01.08 - Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center
11.03.08 - Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex
11.05.08 - Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena
11.08.08 - Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena
11.09.08 - Worchester, MA DCU Center (rescheduled from previous date)
11.11.08 - Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place
11.12.08 - Montreal, QC Bell Centre
11.14.08 - Hamilton, ON Copps Coliseum
11.15.08 - Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
11.17.08 - Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
11.18.08 - Fort Wayne, IN Memorial Coliseum
11.20.08 - Cedar Rapids, IA US Cellular Center
11.21.08 - Columbia, MO Mizzou Arena
11.22.08 - Tulsa, OK BOK Center
11.25.08 - Minneapolis, MN Target Center (rescheduled from previous date)
11.26.08 - Council Bluffs, IA Mid-America Center
11.28.08 - Rapid City, SD Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena
11.29.08 - Billings, MT MetraPark Arena
12.01.08 - Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre
12.04.08 - Kelowna, BC Prospera Place
12.05.08 - Victoria, BC Save On Foods Memorial Centre
12.07.08 - Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
12.08.08 - Nampa, ID Idaho Center
12.09.08 - Missoula, MT Adams Center
12.12.08 - Sacramento, CA Arco Arena
12.13.08 - Las Vegas, NV Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino

The announcement also comes with a cryptic message of: "Those of you outside North America, have faith... you never know what could happen!"

Source:	nin.com
Band profile:	Nine Inch Nails
Event:	Nine Inch Nails: Lights In The Sky Over North America 2008

The following update was posted on Soilwork's official Myspace site:

"As many of you may have noticed, we have a new session guitarist in our ranks - none other than Mr. Sylvain Coudret of Scarve! Sylvain's doing an amazing job so far and it's a blast to have him around. He is with us for our last three fests: Germany's Summer Breeze, Brutal Assault (in rainy Czech Republic from where I'm writing this) and Bloodstock in Derby, UK... so come and enjoy a little round of Soilwork live annihilation this weekend!"

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Soilwork

Swedish Heavy Metallers Dream Evil has revealed the details behind their forthcoming 2CD & DVD retrospective package, "Gold Medal In Metal" which can be viewed below.

Gold Medal In Metal (Alive & Archive) DVD+2CD:

Gold Medal Disc - DVD (100:45):
Live Maerd (67:45)
1. "United"
2. "Blind Evil"
3. "Fire! Battle! In Metal!"
4. "In Flames You Burn"
5. "Crusaders' Anthem"
6. "Back From The Dead"
7. "Higher On Fire"
8. "The Prophecy"
9. "Made Of Metal"
10. "Heavy Metal In The Night"
11. "Let Me Out"
12. "The Chosen Ones"
13. "The Book Of Heavy Metal"
14. "Chasing The Dragon"
15. "Children Of The Night"

Video Clips (14:16)
- "Fire! Battle! In Metal!"
- "Blind Evil"
- "The Book Of Heavy Metal"
- "Children Of The Night"

Interview (18:44)

Silver Medal Disc - Alive CD (67:00):
Audio live-album with same tracklisting as Live Maerd DVD section.

Bronze Medal Disc - Archive CD (63:36):
1. "Dominator" (3:23) *
2. "Fight For Metal" (3:52) *
3. "December 25th" (4:16) *
4. "Pain Patrol" (3:14) **
5. "Lady Of Pleasure" (3:27) **
6. "Chapter 6" (4:03) ***
7. "Gold Medal In Metal" (3:11) #
8. "Point Of No Return" (3:52) ##
9. "The Enemy" (3:15) ***
10."Hero Of Zeroes" (4:30) ###
11. "Bringing The Metal Back" (3:43) #
12. "Betrayed" (4:01) +
13. "Evilized" (4:56) +
15. "Take The World" (4:09) +++
14. "Dragonheart" (3:35) ++
16. "Crusader's Anthem" (4:03) °
17. "Touring Is My Life" (1:56) °°

* Brand new, exclusive and previously unreleased studio tracks from 2007.
** Japanese bonus tracks from "United" album. Unreleased elsewhere.
*** Japanese bonus track from "The Book Of Heavy Metal" album. Unreleased elsewhere.
# From "The Book Of Heavy Metal" sessions. Previously unreleased.
## From "The Book Of Heavy Metal" sessions. Previously only released on the "The First Chapter" CD-Single.
### From "The Book Of Heavy Metal" album sessions. Previously only released on the "New Found Power" Compilation CD
+ From "Evilized" sessions. Previously only released on the "Children Of The Night" MCD.
++ Previously only released on the "Children Of The Night" MCD and on the Japanese version of the "Dragonslayer" album.

Read more ››

Source:	dreamevil.se
Band profile:	Dream Evil

Italian metallers Ephel Duath have updated their myspace page with news regarding their upcoming album. The band has just completed recording their album entitled "Through My Dog's Eyes," which took place in Rome at Outer Sound Studio with producer Giuseppe Orlando (Novembre, Klimt 1918).

Giuseppe Orlando states:

"Ephel Duath's new work is fkin awesome.... it's the best example for intense, precise and focused songwriting. A very power and forceful statement of the band. I'm very happy and proud to being part of this album!".

The album will be mastered by Mika Jussila (HIM, Nightwish) at Finnvox Studios, Finland.

Through My Dog's Eyes tracklist:

01. Gift
02. Promenade
03. Breed
04. Silent Door
05. Bella Morte
06. Nina
07. Guardian
08. Spider Shaped Leaves
09. Bark Loud

Read more ››

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Ephel Duath

Norwegian metallers Gorgoroth have posted the following update:

"Gorgoroth will enter the studio in their home town of Bergen, Norway on August 25, 2008. Eight new tracks composed by King will be recorded for an as yet untitled new album. Along with Gaahl, King and Frost on drums, the full recording line up will include Teloch and Ice Dale . Enslaved's Herbrand Larsen will once again produce Gorgoroth in the studio."

Read more ››

Source:	gorgoroth.org
Band profile:	Gorgoroth

Canadian metallers Beneath The Massacre have posted a new song, entitled ''Our Common Grave'', on their MySpace page.

The song comes off the band's forthcoming album, which is called ''Dystopia''. The album was recorded again with St-Amand (Despised Icon, Ion Dissonance, Neuraxis) and featuring artwork from Felix Rancourt.

''Dystopia'' will be released on October 28th via Prosthetic Records.

Read more ››

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Beneath The Massacre

Power metallers DragonForce have their upcoming album "Ultra Beatdown" available for streaming on their MySpace page.

The album is scheduled to be released on 26 August in North America and on 27 August for a worldwide release via Roadrunner Records.

Album tracklist:

01. Heroes Of Our Time
02. The Fire Still Burns
03. Reasons To Live
04. Scars Of Yesterday
05. Heartbreak Armageddon
06. The Last Journey Home
07. Inside The Winter Storm
08. The Warrior Inside

Read more ››

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	DragonForce

Swedish metallers Amon Amarth have posted new track entitled "Twilight Of The Thunder God" for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song is the title cut of the band's new album and it features a guest appearance by Children Of Bodom guitarist Roope Latvala.

"Twilight Of The Thunder God", will be released on September 19 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy; September 22 in the rest of Europe; and September 30 in North America. The album was recorded at Fascination Street Studio in Örebro, Sweden.

Read more ››

Source:	amonamarth.com
Band profile:	Amon Amarth

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.

Read more ››

Source:	sayitdigital.com
Band profile:	Suspyre

Swedish metallers The Haunted have posted a new song online entitled, "Moronic Colossus". You can check it out on the bands official Myspace page. The song comes from the bands forthcoming new album, "Versus" which is scheduled to be released on the following dates:

Sweden: Wednesday, September 17th
Germany / Austria / Switzerland / Benelux / Italy: Friday, September 19th
UK / France / Greece / Denmark / Norway / Rest Of Europe: Monday, September 22nd
Spain / Portugal: Tuesday, September 23rd
Finland / Hungary: Wednesday, September 24th

The album was recorded in part at PUK studio in Denmark with producer Tue Madsen (Heaven Shall Burn, Dark Tranquillity, Moonspell, etc), who previously worked with the band on its two recent LP's, "rEVOLVEr" (2004) and "The Dead Eye" (2006).

"Versus" tracklisting:

01. Moronic Colossus
02. Pieces
03. Little Cage
04. Trenches
05. Ceremony
06. Skuld
07. Crusher
08. Rivers Run
09. Iron Mask
10. Faultline
11. Imperial Death March

Read more ››

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	The Haunted