Metal Storm logo
Metal news




Détente - Are Calling It A Day

Détente has decided to throw in the towel almost three years after the cult Canadian 80's speed band reformed.

The group released the following statement: "Today (December 20) the Cognitive Records reissue of 1986's Recognize No Authority sold out, with nearly 3000 copies sold we would call it successful given a few years ago Détente were more of a trivia question (despite selling 10's of thousands of copies in the 80's). Détente's Decline has also done well with over 1000 sold in the first few months.

The band has put much work into the reunion and believes that while it has been hard work, that it has been a positive experience: having the opportunity to see so many of our friends on our last EU tour was especially cool! The fact is like everyone else, the band has daily responsibilities and the logistics of keeping Détente moving is no longer possible. While it is conceivable that we could get together for a festival in the future we believe it is time to call it a day.

Thanks to everyone who has helped along the way, we value your effort and friendships."

Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Détente
Posted: 21.12.2010 by BudDa | Comments (4)


Sinister - New Bass Player Announced

Dutch death metallers Sinister have announced the addition of bassist Joost van der Graaf (Cypher, Creepmime) to the group's ranks.

The band commented: "For people who don't know this... Sinister has a new bass player. His name is Joost van der Graaf. We practiced now a couple of times together and it's going fucking amazing... The band is really happy with him and we cannot wait to show this to you by one of our live gigs."

Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Sinister
Posted: 21.12.2010 by Abattoir | Comments (0)


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...)

Read more ››

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


Arch Enemy - Recording New Studio Album

Arch Enemy have released the following statement:

"Coming off a triumphant headlining tour in the UK last month with support by Grand Magus, Chthonic and Malefice, metal masters Arch Enemy have begun recording a new studio album. After releasing the Tyrants Of The Rising Sun - Live In Japan Live DVD/CD (2008) and the re-recordings album The Root Of All Evil (2009), the new studio effort marks the long awaited successor of 2007's acclaimed Rise Of The Tyrant album.

Arch Enemy's new album will be self-produced by the band and engineered/mixed by Rickard Bengtsson (who already produced 2005's Doomsday Machine album). The band has recently entered Sweet Spot Studio in the south of Sweden for the album's recording process and drummer Daniel Erlandsson, who just finished off tracking his parts, now checks in with the following report:

"After an intense but inspiring stay in the studio, I've just completed recording the drum tracks for the upcoming Arch Enemy album! We're working once again with Rickard Bengtsson, who produced Doomsday Machine, and he quickly dialed in an absolutely pristine drumtone! I've also had the expertise of local drum guru Beppe Wackelin at hand, helping out with tuning and kindly letting me use some of his vintage drums. This time around I've used a Pearl Reference drum kit, while incorporating various snare drums on songs that demanded a slightly different feel.

We had a very inspiring and creative time writing this album, I think this is definitely evident when listening to the new songs. There's tons of variation in the material, ranging all the way from very melodic to extremely heavy. As you can expect there's no shortage of killer riffs and intricate guitar work, the Amott Bros have come up with some very cool yet demanding ideas! This album has some of the fastest songs I've ever recorded, along with a bunch of heavy pounding mid tempo songs. As always, it's difficult to describe music in words - but rest assured - this album will be one heavy fucker!"


Read more ››

Source: facebook.com
Band profile: Arch Enemy
Posted: 20.12.2010 by Unknown user | Comments (16)


Xandria - New Singer Announced

Earlier today, German Symphonic metallers Xandria have unveiled their new singer and frontwoman, Manuela Kraller.

She started singing at the lately age of 23, took classical lessons and sang in church and gospel choirs. As her interest towards rock and metal music grew up on her, she found herself performing in a Swiss metal band called Nagor Mar. She also became a singer in the famous act Haggard as a tour musician. You can watch her personal introduction video below.

The band stated earlier: "The search has been long, but it has been worth it! She is the one we have been looking for! We already have begun working on the finalization of the music for the new album with her, so we hope to enter the studio for recording the new album in the new year as soon as possible."

And Manuela commented as follows: "Finally the waiting has come to an end and I am very happy to tell you that I am the new front woman of Xandria! At the moment we are working on the preproduction of the new album to present the new material as soon as possible to you. I am very excited about rocking the stages with the guys in future and I am looking forward to see you all live at the concerts!"


Read more ››

Source: xandria.de
Band profile: Xandria
Posted: 20.12.2010 by Elodie Artour | Comments (10)


Motörhead - New Album Streaming Online

All ten tracks off The Wörld Is Yours, the newest release from Motörhead, are now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

The album was released last week. Check out Doc Godin's album review here.

Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Motörhead
Posted: 20.12.2010 by Bad English | Comments (1)


Anger As Art - Working On 4th Studio Album

US Thrasher's Anger As Art is currently in the pre-production of their fourth studio album. In a lengthy "End Of Year" update, the band vocalist and guitarist, Steve Gaines, states the following:

"You guys have no idea what kind of absolute rage has been un-corked in the music we are writing for album #4. Yes, I said it here - we are now in pre-production for our 4th full length release. With the tentative title of Hubris, Inc - once again the subject matter is about rising against. If you all walked in our shoes, you'd know (and many of you do. That is why we speak not just for you, but with you!!!). At this point, I cannot say anything more than it sounds like Anger, the logical next step after Disfigure. Song titles so far:

Lead You To Betray
Divided We Fall
Speed Kills
Time Devours Life
This is Why I Hate
Head Of The Snake
The Evil You Create

On a personal note - I have to tell you how thrilled I am to have Angelo, Rob and Dan in this band as we prepare for #4. I can honestly say that after having been something of a bulldozer with previous line-ups (trying to keep everyone focused on what AAA is - not what it isn't or could be with a little tweaking) this is the first time I can really let go and let the guys bring their vision in. We hope to start tracking sometime in spring... but we have a lot of irons in the fire."

You can read the full message at this location.

Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Anger As Art
Posted: 20.12.2010 by BudDa | Comments (0)


Martyr [NL] - Busy Recording New Album

Reunited Dutch Speed metal band Martyr are in the middle of recording their new as-yet-untitled album, to be released around May 2011.

Currently five songs have been recorded at Jack's Pace Studio, Belgium with producer Jack Nobelen (Horizon, Savage, Stilletto). Five more songs are to be recorded in the first two months of next year, and will be far more heavy and up tempo compared to the earlier 2CD release Fear The Universe (released in 2009 through Rusty Cage Records).

In related news, the band is also switching to another record company in between, before they will hit the stage in Europe in March again (including an appearance at Up The Hammers Fest VI in Greece).

Because Martyr does not want to have their fans waiting too long before any new material will see the light of day, they have pre-released a brand new track, called "Circle Of 8". Watch the video below.


Read more ››

Source: martyronline.nl
Posted: 20.12.2010 by Martyr | Comments (0)


Amon Amarth - European Live Shows With Black Dahlia Murder

Amon Amarth have announced a string of European headlining shows, scheduled for May 2011. Support on the road will come from The Black Dahlia Murder. As previously reported, Amon Amarth will support Children Of Bodom and Ensiferum on the UK/Ireland leg of their Ugly World Tour. Get dates here.

Amon Amarth's upcoming album, Surtur Rising, will be released on March 29, 2011 via Metal Blade Records.

May 13 - Oslo, NOR - Betong
May 14 - Stockholm, SWE - Tyrol
May 15 - Gothenburg, SWE - Tradgarn (without The Black Dahlia Murder)
May 17 - Copenhagen, DEN - Vega
May 18 - Hamburg, GER - Grosse Freiheit 36
May 19 - Antwerp, BEL - Hof Ter Lo
May 20 - Amsterdam, NET - Melkweg
May 21 - Cologne, GER - E-Werk
May 22 - Paris, FRA - Elysee Montmarte
May 24 - Munich, GER - Tonhalle
May 25 - Milan, ITA - Limelight
May 27 - Dessau, GER - Metalfest Germany
May 28 - Mining, AUT - Metalfest Austria
May 29 - Pratteln, SWI - Metalfest Switzerland

Read more ››

Source: amonamarth.com
Band profile: Amon Amarth
Event: Amon Amarth: European Tour
Posted: 20.12.2010 by Abattoir | Comments (8)


White Skull - Former Vocalist Rejoins The Band

Last week, the remaining members of Italian power metel outfit White Skull announced they'd introduce their new line-up this week. The band now confirmed that their former vocalist Federica de Boni will return to the fold.

The message from the band goes as follows: "No need to introduce her, Federica "Sister" De Boni is once again White Skull's frontwoman. The announcement of her return has been released by the leader of the band Captain Tony Mad. Federica has officially joined the band even though she currently lives in the USA, her return to Italy is supposed to be around next June 2011. In the meantime the band has already started writing new songs."

Read more ››

Source: whiteskull.it
Band profile: White Skull
Posted: 20.12.2010 by Bad English | Comments (4)


Thine Eyes Bleed - New Song Online

"The Last Dead", a brand new song from Canadian metallers Thine Eyes Bleed, is available for streaming at the band's MySpace page.

The band commented: "We decided to post a tune "The Last Dead" off our yet to be released third full length album. Currently seeking a record label/management, we thought we give you a little taste of what we've been up to. Also looks like we will be doing back-to-back dates in London, Ontario at Call The Office on January 14/15 with our friends and fellow hometown band Baptized In Blood. Keeping busy, 2011 has lots to come."

Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Thine Eyes Bleed
Posted: 19.12.2010 by White Winter Sun | Comments (0)


Omen - Part Ways With Singer

Long-running US power metallers Omen have parted ways with vocalist George Call (who also sings in US power metal band Aska).

Commented Omen mainman/guitarist Kenny Powell: "I loved George singing for Omen and I have great respect for him. However, I made a commitment to Omen and myself three years ago to try and do the final three Omen records equal to the first three. I was 53 at the time, I am now 56 and want to accomplish every thing possible before my skills start to diminish. At this rate I will get my first social security check before I finish a new Omen record. It is simply not acceptable for me to wait any longer... At this point in time I must put Omen above anything else.

The new record is finally moving forward, and the great thing for me is that it is going to be even better than I thought possible. Matt Story is doing the vocals. He was the person that I wanted all along, but it was not possible because of other commitments. He has a great voice and has time to do the Omen CD now. He has been here every time I have asked and busted his ass to three and four in the morning without a single complaint.

I honestly feel that Hammer Damage will shock the metal world. Look for the new CD by early spring, and then we can start touring again. I think Greece should be the first stop!"

Read more ››

Source: roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile: Omen
Posted: 19.12.2010 by Bad English | Comments (1)


Coldworker - Begin Recording New Album

Swedish metallers Coldworker have issued the following update on their MySpace blog:

"2010 has been one sort of a silent year for Coldworker, but we have been busy writing and rehearsing new songs. Actually, the recording of the third album starts pretty much right now.

We've redesigned the website a little bit to tone down the Rotting Paradise feeling of it and we've started a studio diary that you can follow through the recordings of the new album.

Also you should follow Coldworker at Twitter and "like" us on Facebook. Enjoy the new website and check in often for updates in the studio diary."

Read more ››

Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Coldworker
Posted: 19.12.2010 by White Winter Sun | Comments (0)


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

Read more ››

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.

Read more ››

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