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Agnostic Front - New Album In March

The Godfathers of New York Hardcore, Agnostic Front, have just finished recording their highly anticipated follow up to their 2007 release, Warriors. The yet to be titled album features 13 new powerful and anthemic songs laid down by Erik Rutan (Madball, Goatwhore, Cannibal Corpse, etc.) at his Mana Recording Studio in Tampa, FL under the watchful guide of producer Freddy Cricien of Madball. The record was mastered by Alan Douches (Nile, Mastodon, etc.) and will be released on March 4, 2011!

Vocalist Roger Miret commented on the new material: "After all is said and done we are amazed on how great our new record turned out! It's by far our catchiest record to date and it's going to make everyone want to sing along for sure. Freddy killed it on the production end, just capturing that hardcore vibe that only he can get out of Agnostic Front. The boys all put nothing but passion into the songs, and Erik Rutan just dialed it all in to make Agnostic Front sound as natural and as organic as ever. This one will definitely be a classic once it's heard worldwide!"

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Source: nuclearblast.de
Posted: 24.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Skeletonwitch - Working On New Album

Skeletonwitch just finished touring with Job For A Cowboy and Misery Index. Guitarist Scott Hedrick wrapped it up as follows:

"A huge thank you to the bands, the fans, and everyone else involved in the tour - except that one promoter; fuck you, dude! Kidding! Anyway, we had a fucking blast as usual. It's hard not to when you're traveling around the country with your best friends and your job is to party and shred.

When we wake up from the impending holiday blackout, we'll be devoting all of our time finishing the next record. So keep an eye out: as the writing process continues, we'll probably book a few dates and debut some new material. Thanks to everyone who supported us in 2010. It's been a great year!"

The band tentatively plans to enter the studio next spring to record the successor of Breathing The Fire.

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Skeletonwitch
Posted: 24.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (3)


Artillery - New Album Title Revealed

Thrash metal band Artillery is currently working in Medley Studios, Denmark, on the follow-up to their highly acclaimed album When Death Comes (2009). The new material entitled My Blood will be released by Metal Mind Productions in March 2011.

So far Artillery recorded 14 songs - 10 brand new tracks, a remake of "Ain´t Giving In" (from 1992´s Mind Factory demo) and 3 bonus tracks which are all new versions of timeless classics from the 1985's album Fear of Tomorrow ("The Eternal War", "The Almighty", "Show Your Hate").

Soren Adamsen, Artillery's vocalist, revealed a few titles of the new tracks. He also described the lyrics for those tracks:

"The Great Satan" - it's a song about the decadence of the western society and evil empires all around the world.
"Monster" - a song about serial killers. None in particular.
"Death is an Illusion" - a track about life and death.
"The End of Eternity"- dealing with depression and thoughts about starting a new life.
"Mi Sangre" - it's about my son. It's a 7 and a half-minute song, almost an epic endeavor.
"Concealed in the Dark" - two words - David Sharp. Go search for it on the internet, it's an interesting story.
"Dark Days" - it's about the change in the climate.
"Warrior Blood" - a song about fighting. Soldiers, prize-fighters, people who are struggling with deadly diseases.

What can we expect from the musical side of the new album? Guitarist Michael Stützer says: "The sound is a bit more heavy than it was on When Death Comes. The music is a mixture of our previous albums When Death Comes and By Inheritance, with a slight touch of Terror Squad and Fear of Tomorrow with some oriental pieces." Producer Søren Andersen added: "There is an almost rock´n roll feeling in some of the songs".

The release date of My Blood is set for 9th March 2011 in Japan (via Kings Records), 21st March 2011 in Europe and 5th April 2011 in USA (via MVD). Full details to be announced soon.

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Source: metalmind.com.pl
Band profile: Artillery
Posted: 22.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (3)


Ralf Scheepers - Solo Debut Album Details

Scheepers, the self-titled solo debut from Primal Fear vocalist Ralf Scheepers will be released on February 15, 2011 in North America, and on February 18 in Europe through Frontiers Records.

According to a press release, Ralf Scheepers' artistic intention was to please the existing Primal Fear fan base, but he also wanted to add some surprises and include as much variation as he could in the recording. So he went ahead and covered one of his own favourite - but untypical Judas Priest songs "Before the Dawn" and for the first time, Ralf played all instruments on a song, except the fantastic guitar solos added by Victor Smolski (Rage). "Compassion" is another special track with a very positive vibe, recorded only with acoustic instruments. Two of the songs were composed with former Primal Fear guitarist Stefan Leibing, while Gamma Ray's Kai Hansen added guitar on "The Pain Of The Accused". Halford's Metal Mike played lead-guitar on the album opener "Locked In The Dungeon". One more highlight is the vocal duet with Tim "Ripper" Owens (Yngwie Malmsteen, ex-Iced Earth) on "Remission Of Sin".

Additional guest appearances include Sander Gommans (ex-After Forever), Snowy Shaw (King Diamond, Therion) and Scheepers' Primal Fear band mates Magnus Karlsson, Alex Beyrodt & Mat Sinner. The album was mixed and mastered by Achim Koehler and produced also by Mat Sinner.

Three album samples are available at this location (in the tracklist below).

Scheepers cover art] tracklist:

01. Locked In The Dungeon
02. Remission Of Sin
03. Cyberfreak
04. The Fall
05. Doomsday
06. Saints Of The Rock
07. Before The Dawn
08. Back On The Track
09. Dynasty
10. The Pain Of The Accused
11. Play With The Fire
12. Compassion

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Source: frontiers.it
Band profile: Primal Fear
Posted: 21.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (5)


Dream Theater - Another Update On The Mike Portnoy Saga

There has been a plethora of rumors, misinformation and speculations surrounding the whole Mike Portnoy affair. Here's an attempt to clear up some confusion.

Numero uno: Mike Portnoy didn't get kicked out of Avenged Sevenfold.

Avenged Sevenfold released the following statement a couple of days ago:

"For the past few months, we've been blessed with Mike Portnoy's talent and humanity. When Mike agreed to tour with us, it was only through the end of 2010. We always knew we'd need to find another solution for 2011 and beyond. And it's time for us to take that next step."

And here's what Avenged Sevenfold's manager Larry Jacobson wrote to West Coast Sound denying any correlation between Mike Portnoy's departure and the Australian tour's cancellation:

"The plan had always been for Mike Portnoy to play with the band through 2010. Nothing changed there but it was confusing because Mike gave interviews suggesting he may be touring with the band beyond 2010. There will be another drummer behind the kit for the band's Nightmare After Christmas Tour as well as for the many other dates around the world that are underway into 2011 and beyond.

As for Australia, the timing is completely unrelated. If you've read any of the juvenile and public attacks by the promoter, you can probably figure out why the band had legitimate doubts they could work with him to be able to put on the professional show their fans expect. They're not in Australia every day so each tour needs to be the best the band has to offer."

More importantly: Mike Portnoy is NOT going to rejoin Dream Theater any time soon.

In early December guitarist John Petrucci said the following:

"I know that the big question is "Who is the new Dream Theater drummer?" I also realize that some people are getting frustrated waiting for the news.

Well, auditions went great and we do have someone but we are spending some time getting everything in order before making an official announcement. Let me just say that we are all incredibly excited about our choice and just bursting at the seams to let the world know!"

FYI: Dream Theater will appear at the High Voltage Festival in London on July 24, 2011. So we'll know by then.

And just today Mike Portnoy issued the following statement on his official forum:

"Just for the record, this is indeed true...

Fairly recently, I reached out to the guys to try and make amends and offered to reconcile for the sake of having peace back in our lives... (plus I know how much it meant to alot of the fans...). I figured it was still possible to try and save us because they hadn't made any announcements yet or begun any public activity with another drummer... but sadly, they declined my offer (well, actually their lawyer did... they didn't even tell me themselves...)

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Source: mikeportnoy.com
Band profile: Dream Theater
Posted: 20.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (36)


Ghostrider - Pre-Necrodeath Band Returns With New Album

The ghost is back to spread his unholy shadow of horror and darkness! Ghostrider, the infernal horde that generated the Italian metal legend Necrodeath over 25 years ago has returned back to life with a new desecrating assault of old school Black/Thrash filled with rawness and intensity.

11 new studio songs including revisited versions of their 1984 classics like "The Exorcist", "Doomed To Serve The Devil", "Victims of Necromancy" etc as well as some brand new tunes of thrashing ferocity and an Onslaught cover. This album's line-up features former drummer Mark Peso (Necrodeath, ex-Sadist) and some current/older Necrodeath members. Face the true impact of 1984's Italian raw Black/Thrash fierceness!

Ghostrider was one of the first and most primitive incarnations of Italian black/thrash metal evil in 1984. Like a shooting star of death, Ghostrider made the Italian metal history back in 1984/85, before disbanding and transforming into an even more famous and influential Italian thrash metal monster... Necrodeath.

You can already stream the album's title track (and two older tracks) on MySpace.

The Return Of The Ghost cover art] tracklist:

01. The Exorcist
02. Valley of Valle Christi
03. The Return Of The Ghost
04. Perkele666
05. Victim of Necromancy
06. Ride for Your Life
07. Doomed To Serve the Devil
08. Black Archangel
09. Hell Is the Place I'm Gonna Die
10. Deep in Blood
11. Power From Hell

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Necrodeath
Posted: 18.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Waldgeflüster - Working On New Material

German black metal band Waldgeflüster will enter Schattenschmiede Studios on December 27th to record the follower to the 2009 release Herbstklagen. The new album will be named Femundsmarka - Eine Reise In Drei Kapitel (transl: Femundsmarka - A Journey in Three Chapters), with a planned release by Black Blood Records in Spring 2011.

Waldgeflüster's main-man Winterherz commented: "Since I've been joined by my brother P., this is going to be the first Waldgeflüster material which hasn't been written solely by me. The album concept revolves around our mutual Trekking tour into the vast region of Femundsmarka, Norway in August 2009. More details are about to come in the near future."

More info about the band on MySpace.

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Source: waldgefluester-blackmetal.de.vu
Posted: 18.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Destrage - Win Best Videoclip Award At Torino Awards

Italian modern metal act Destrage have won the "Videoclip Category" of the Torino Best Soundtrack Awards 2010 with their video of the track "Jade's Place". You can watch the clip below.

For more info about the Awards, visit this page.

The clip was written and directed by The Jack Stupid. The video also features a guest appearance by Mattias "IA" Eklundh (Freak Kitchen) performing the guitar solo on the song. "Jade's Place" comes off the band's sophomore release The King Is Fat'N'Old, released in October via Coroner Records. Read Darkside Momo's review here.


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Source: coronerrecords.net
Band profile: Destrage
Posted: 18.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (2)


Persistense - Working On Sophomore Release, New Guitarist

Den Bosch, Netherlands based Thrash/Death quintet Persistense have renewed their agreement with Deity Down Records.

A new full-length, sophomore to 2009's In Blood And Heart will be slated for release in the second half of 2011. During the first half of the year Persistense will focus on touring extensively once more, as well as on adding the finishing touches to the new material.

The band, whose moniker often is thought to contain a spelling error while in fact it is a contraction of "to persist" and "intense", have welcomed new guitarist Hein Willekens, who replaces Jacques Maas.

Persistense recently launched a videoclip of "The Reality", a track taken from their current album In Blood And Heart. You can watch it below. More info about the band can be found on MySpace.


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Source: deitydownrecords.com
Posted: 18.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (0)


Kamelot - Rhapsody Of Fire Singer To Replace Roy Khan On Tour

As reported earlier this week, Kamelot's Pandemonium Over Europe 2011 is building, adding Evergrey, Amaranthe and Sons Of Seasons (on selected dates) to the already announced tour schedule, with more dates to come.

As part of the ongoing Kamelot campaign, the band has now announced 2 shows as part of what will be a full US tour:

Aug 30 - Grammercy Theater in New York City, NY - USA
Sept 2 - Club Soda in Montreal, Québec - Canada

Unfortunately, we have been informed that, due to continuing medical and personal issues, Roy Khan will not be able to finish the remaining touring in support of Kamelot's album, Poetry for the Poisoned...

However, we are pleased to announce that metal icon Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, Vision Divine, ex-Labyrinth) will be joining the tour and handling the lead vocal duties. There will also be guest vocal appearances throughout the tour by Simone Simons (Epica), Tommy Karevik (Seventh Wonder), and many more surprise guests throughout this very special and rare tour.

Fabio Lione is eager to get on the road, stating: "I am excited and pleased to be part of the next Kamelot tour. I always loved the sound of the band and I think this will be a great experience for me, the band and for all the fans of great music and Kamelot... see you soon on tour and let's rock!"

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Source: kamelot.com
Band profile: Kamelot
Posted: 17.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (25)


Vicious Rumors - New Album Details

Vicious Rumors will be releasing their brand-new studio effort, Razorback Killer in Europe on March 28, 2011 ? except in Germany, where it will arrive three days earlier ? and in the U.S. on April 5, 2011 via SPV/Steamhammer. The album was recorded at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California with producers Juan Urteaga and Geoff Thorpe.

According to a press release, Razorback Killer features ten breathtaking new songs which transport the traditional Vicious Rumors sound perfectly into the present. To cut a long story short: this band has never sounded more dynamic than on Razorback Killers.

The album features guest appearances by guitarists Mark McGee (ex-Vicious Rumors), Eric Peterson (Testament, Dragonlord) and Brad Gillis (ex-Ozzy Osbourne, ex-Vicious Rumors).

Razorback Killer cover art] tracklist:

01. Murderball
02. Black
03. Razorback Blade
04. Blood Stained Sunday
05. Pearl Of Wisdom
06. All I Want Is You
07. Axe To Grind
08. Let The Garden Burn
09. Rite Of Devastation
10. Deal With The Devil

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Source: viciousrumors.com
Band profile: Vicious Rumors
Posted: 15.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (3)


Destruction - New Track Available For Streaming

"The Price", the opening track off the new Destruction album Day Of Reckoning, is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace site.

The album will be in stores on February 28, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Day Of Reckoning cover art] (vinyl edition) / cover art] (limited slipcase edition) tracklist:

01. The Price
02. Hate Is My Fuel
03. Armageddonizer
04. Devil's Advocate
05. Day Of Reckoning
06. Sorcerer Of Black Magic
07. Misfit
08. The Demon Is God
09. Church Of Disgust
10. Destroyer Or Creator
11. Sheep Of The Regime
12. Stand Up And Shout

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Destruction
Posted: 15.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (7)


Kamelot - Support Acts Confirmed

Kamelot are pleased to announce that the special guests on the upcoming Pandemonium Over Europe Tour during next year 2011, will be Evergrey, Amaranthe and Sons Of Seasons (on selected dates only).

As reported earlier, in keeping with Kamelot's flair for the theatrical, as well as their innovative and creative spirit, the second leg of the tour promises to push the limits of the live concert experience, bringing fans a spectacle even more eye-popping than what they experienced during the thrilling first leg of The Pandemonium Over Europe Part 1. "It's still called the Pandemonium Tour, but it's more theatrical and visual than before", Thomas Youngblood said in a October interview. "It has a dark theme, a new stage design and more surprises for the Kamelot fans!".

Here are the tour dates again:

Apr. 22 - Paris, France - Elysee Montmartre
Apr. 23 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
Apr. 24 - Antwerp, Belgium - Hof Ter Lo
Apr. 27 - Sheffield, England - Corporation
Apr. 28 - London, England - KoKo
Apr. 29 - Luxemburg, Luxembourg - Den Atelier
Apr. 30 - Luzern, Switzerland - Schüür
May 01 - Milano, Italy - Magazzini Generali
May 03 - Budapest, Hungary - Petöfi Hall
May 05 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Majestic Music Club
May 06 - Krakow, Poland - Kwadrat
May 07 - Berlin, Germany - C-Club
May 08 - Stuttgart, Germany - Longhorn / LKA
May 10 - Köln, Germany - Live Music Hall
May 11 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
May 12 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Trädgårn
May 14 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
May 15 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Amager Bio

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Source: kamelot.com
Band profile: Kamelot
Event: Kamelot: The Pandemonium Tour 2011
Posted: 15.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (8)


Septicflesh - New Single Out This Friday

A brand new song from Greek demons Septicflesh's forthcoming album will be available this Friday. The single is entitled The Vampire from Nazareth and will be released as digital download worldwide. Go to Amazon to listen to a 30-second clip.

French fans will also find the song on a Dropcard that will be offered exclusively with the next issue of Hard Rock Magazine, out this Friday too.

Septicflesh's new album, which title is yet to be revealed, will hit the stores on April 18th, 2011 (one day later in the US) in various editions. The band completed recording the album in November. More news soon!

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Source: facebook.com
Band profile: Septicflesh
Posted: 15.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (18)


Cruachan - Sign With Candlelight Records

Candlelight Records are proud to announce the signing of Irish Folk metal band Cruachan.

The band started recording their new album Blood on the Black Robe in November 2010. Candlelight will release the band's 6th studio album in early 2011.

In late 2008, vocalist Karen Gilligan parted ways with the band, but the remaining members decided not to replace her. On the new album they will return to their roots by creating extreme folk metal music. They recorded a 3 song demo which was only sent to a select few people.

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Source: candlelightrecords.co.uk
Band profile: Cruachan
Posted: 15.12.2010 by Thryce | Comments (3)