Opeth has posted the following message on their website:

Per Wiberg has now officially joined Opeth as a permanent member of the band. As most of you know he's been touring with Opeth since their "Damnation" record. Spiritual beggars fans should not despair as he will continue playing and recording with them.

The band is currently hard at work in Fascination street studios. 9 titles have been recorded and at this moment Hammond organs and Mellotrons are being put down to tape. The recording is being supervised and engineered by Jens Bogren and produced by the band. Some song titles have been confirmed and will be posted here soon.

Several North American journalists will visit the studio in mid May for interviews and exclusive listening sessions.

We will soon confirm a handful of Scandinavian and European dates. The band will do a smaller trek round the key cities in Europe in September. This will be the first tour in support of the new album which is supposed to be released in late August/early September. More tour dates to come....

Have you forgotten...sorry for taking so much time...but:
We will soon confirm the winner of the drawing contest too. There have been hundreds of pictures sent in and we thank you for these. The winner will get the task of drawing the band picture for the next Opeth Cd.

Record label??? Opeth have decided which label to sign to and the contracts are being done as you read. We will announce it here shortly!

Source:	opeth.com
Band profile:	Opeth

Faeroese folk metal band Tyr are entering the studio this fall for record their third album. The album will be recorded in Hansen Studio, the same studio where their second album Eric The Red was recorded. The band has been working on new material since the release of Eric The Red and they are very pleased with the new songs. The lyrics will be written in english, Faeroese and some other nordic language, the band says that lyrical themes are from Nordic past, present and future and the musical style will follow the 2 first album flavoured with some new things and experiments. The album will be released due winter 2005.

Source:

tyr.net

Reunited Swedish doom legends Candlemass will celebrate the release of their new self-titled album with a free hometown show on May 4 at O-Baren in Stockholm, Sweden. Doors open at 10:00 p.m. and the band will hit the stage at 11:00 p.m.

Due on May 2 via Nuclear Blast Records, "Candlemass" was recorded in part at Polar studios (Abba, Genesis, Led Zeppelin) in Stockholm, Sweden and is said to be musically similar to the group's classic "Tales of Creation" and "Nightfall" albums.

"Candlemass" (view cover [url="http://shop.nuclearblast.de/details.php?artikelnr=128930"]here[/url]) track listing:

01. Enemy (intro)
02. Black Dwarf
03. Seven Silver Keys
04. Assassin of the Light
05. Copernicus
06. The Man Who Fell from the Sky
07. Witches
08. Born In A Tank
09. Spellbreaker
10. The Day and the Night
11. Mars and Volcanoes (digipack bonus track)

Band profile:

Candlemass

Finnish power metallers Stratovarius will release their brand-new self-titled effort in late August/early September via Sanctuary Records. The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Maniac Dance
02. Fight
03. Just Carry On
04. Back To Madness
05. Gypsy In Me
06. Götterdämmerung (Zenith of Power)
07. The Land of Ice and Snow
08. Leave The Tribe
09. United

A video for the album's first single, "Maniac Dance", was shot last week by director and guitarist Timo Tolkki's old schoolmate Antti Jokinen (Beyoncé, Wyclef Jean, Korn, Missy Elliott, Nightwish, Shania Twain, Celine Dion).

"The songs are a few years old," Tolkki told Sonera Plaza. "I didn't plan the album to be like this. The songs wrote themselves. I just compose and later see what I have come up with... All music on the album is done by me, but Jens (Johansson, keyboards) and Timo (Kotipelto, vocals) have contributed some lyrics.

"Every artist praises their new album, but I just really like this CD," Tolkki continued. "And of course I'm very happy that we managed to make it in the first place!"

One track that has made it to the album's final track listing over objections from the group's record label is "Götterdämmerung (Zenith of Power)" (formerly "Hitler"), which features a sampled speech by Adolf Hitler. Tolkki has previously described the track as "as strongly against Hitler as a song can be."

Source:	blabbermouth.net
Band profile:	Stratovarius

Blind Guardian singer Hansi Kürsch has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

Hi there,

First of all I would like to say how much we all appreciate the way you are dealing with the split. It is, as some of you have pointed out, not the end of the world but a new beginning. I am really proud about each step we have made in the past but as time moves on we must move on as well.

The future is wide open...

And now a couple of short statements in reply to your concerns and questions:

There will be no delay of the next Blind Guardian production. As you probably know: a Blind Guardian album is ready when we feel it is ready. This makes it somewhat difficult to come up with a precise schedule. I can guarantee the release of the next Blind Guardian album for 2006. If it finally turns out to be spring, summer or fall I don't really dare to say. If you had asked me about the release date for the next Demons and Wizards album two months ago I would have said April. Now it will be June. Things like that happen and it doesn't take a lot for a delay to be introduced. The orchestra album is scheduled for 2007. I do not see any reason for delays there.

Regarding a new drummer we have a few options at the moment which we will check out. I will keep you updated.

And finally for all the drummers who are sending e-mails to our webmasters asking them for information on how to apply for the job: from our side there is no need for auditions at the moment since we have some preferences already. Thanks for asking anyway.

All the best,

Hansi

Source:	blind-guardian.com
Band profile:	Blind Guardian

MANOWAR is proud to announce the upcoming release of their newest video, Hell On Earth IV, which contains 2 video discs and 1 audio disc for a total of 4 1/2 hours of total viewing time.

More details on the availability to be confirmed soon on their official website.

MAIN DISC:

- Highlights of the entire 2002 "Warriors Of The World" tour
- 1 hour and 30 minutes of main program
- 6 bonus songs equaling 30 minutes of additional material
- 11 full live songs
- Subtitles in 12 languages (Czech, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish)
- 5.1 surround sound mix
- Private behind the scenes footage
- A true visual tribute to the fans
- Highlighting concerts in 35 cities throughout Europe
- Shot with 70 camera angles
- Commentary track with all band members
- Director Neil Johnson's commentary track
- Personal commentary track by Joey DeMaio
- New artwork by fantasy art legend Ken Kelly

BONUS DISC:

- 1 hour of behind the scenes footage
- 1 hour of complete TV shows featuring MANOWAR (incl. TV-total, Olli Pocher, VIVA Comet and Popkomm Gala)
- Special commentary track featuring director Neil Johnson and Joey DeMaio
- Subtitles in 12 languages (Czech, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish)
- 30 minute hidden easter egg with special commentary track by editor and director

AUDIO DISC:

- Contains brand new audio track by MANOWAR (taken from their forthcoming album)

Source:	manowar.com
Band profile:	Manowar

Finnish Power metal band Dreamtale's vocalist Jarkko Ahola left the band because he wants to fully concentrate on his main band Teräsbetoni. He posted following announcement on band's website:

Dear friends of the band,

I am sad to announce that I have to step aside from Dreamtale. My time is totally taken by another band called Teräsbetoni. Therefore I think it's not fair for the rest of the band, that they can't do what they do the best: play live shows. So, in this situation it's better for all of us someone else to take my place in this great band. I wish the best for all of you - the band and you readers. It has all been my pleasure.

And it's possible that we will playing together again, someday...

- J.Ahola

Source:	dreamtale.net
Band profile:	Dreamtale

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM CENTURY MEDIA

Finnish MACHINE MEN signs longterm worldwide deal with Century Media Records!

We are proud to announce the addition of one of the most talented melodic metal bands on today's scene, MACHINE MEN, to the quality repertoire of The Century Media Family.

Earning a reputation as an excellent live band, these young musicians (in their early Twenties) created quite a buzz in the realm of melodic metal with their self-titled MCD (2002) and especially their debut album "Scars & Wounds", which was released in their homeland Finland in 2003 and followed up by a full European launch in Spring 2004 via their former label Dynamic Arts Records, with praising media reaction claiming the band to be the most hopeful newcomer of their kind.

The band consist of Antony (Vocals), J-V (Guitar), Jani (Guitar), Eero (Bass) as well as Jarno (Drums) and having been influenced by classic metal acts such as Iron Maiden as well as vintage Queensryche, MACHINE MEN are determined to bring along a fresh edge within their style to build a bridge from the golden '80s to the best of modern metal for all fans of the style.

Their new album "Elegies" was recorded by Thunderstone's Nino Laurenne at Sonic Pump Studios (Omnium Gatherum, Thunderstone, etc.) and then mastered at the established Finnvox Studios, comes with classy artwork by Norwegian artist Christian Ruud (Tristania, Madder Mortem, etc.) and it includes 9 catchy and yet profoundly melodic new songs as well as a cover version of Bruce Dickinson's "Freak".

The final track-list of "Elegies" is as follows:

1. Falling (3:05)
2. Dream & Religion (3:49)
3. Apathy (5:10)
4. Back From The Days (3:28)
5. The Traitor (3:55)
6. October (6:35)
7. Daytime Theatre (4:58)
8. Doors Of Resurrection (4:10)
9. From Sunrise To Sunset (6:04)
10. Freak (4:15)

"Elegies" release date will be in July 25th. MACHINE MEN will already be promoting their new release on the upcoming shows:

16.07. Ilosaarirock (FIN) - Joensuu / Metelli-Club * www.ilosaarirock.fi
22. - 23.07. Earthshaker Festival (D) - Geiselwind * www.earthshaker-fest.com
04. - 06. 08. Wacken Open Air Festival (D) - Wacken * www.wacken.com
19.08. Oulu (FIN) - Jalometalli Festival * www.jalometalli.net
27.08. Salo (FIN) - Bar Maksim

A video clip for a yet undetermined track off "Elegies" will be in the works soon as well as further European touring for the autumn season. Artwork for the album as well as an online sample will be launched in a couple of weeks.

Read more ››

Band profile:

Machine Men

Demons & Wizards, the project featuring Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth and Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian, have set "Touched by the Crimson King" as the title of their sophomore album, due June 27 via SPV Records.

The follow-up to the group's 2001 self-titled CD, "Touched by the Crimson King" will feature the following track listing:

01. Crimson King
02. Beneath These Waves
03. Terror Train
04. Seize the Day
05. The Gunslinger
06. Love's Tragedy Asunder
07. Wicked Witch
08. Dorian
09. Down Where I Am
10. Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin cover)

Source:	blabbermouth.net
Band profile:	Demons & Wizards

French epic metal band Seyminhol releases their new album Septentrion's Walk on 18th April 2005. The second album of the band will be released on Brennus/Musea Records and there will be two differents editions available: Double Digipack Collector Edition (CD1 : Septentrion's Walk, CD2 : unreleased title, clip... and other surprises...) and Cristal Box Edition. Both editions will be released at the same price.

Seyminhol - Septentrion's Walk

Part IV: Thorgis Last Peregrination
12 - The Christian's World's Death THroes?
13 - A Furore Normanorrum
1st Interlude: A Fatal Omen
14 - Laments Of King
15 - Return Of The Long Snake
16 - Veizla Oh Drykkja
Part V: When The North Is Raging
2nd Interlude: Inthe Winding Of Tought
17 - Godfred Will
18 - And The North Now, Had The Ships
19 - Invanders
20 - The Bloody Rampart
Part VI The Wary Ravens of Hroptatyr
3rd Interlude: Dawn Of The Gods
21 - The Cunquest Is Marching
22 - Breath Of Fate
4th Interlude: The Kiss Of Dusk

[url="http://www.seyminhol.com/images/swdef.jpg"]Cover art[/url]

Source:

seyminhol.com

Firebox Records has set an August 24 European release date for as-yet-untitled second album from Finnish melodic death/doom metallers Swallow The Sun. A single, "Forgive Her", will be released on April 13 exclusively in Finland. In addition to the nine-minute title track, the single features a cover version of the Candlemass classic "Solitude", with Magister Albert from Reverend Bizarre on vocals. . Two different versions of the album will be available; a standard release and a special two-CD version featuring the stylish video "Descending Winters" as well as possible live footage.

Swallow The Sun second album track listing:

01. The Giant (11:55)
02. Descending Winters (6:11)
03. Psychopath's Lair (5:51)
04. Forgive Her (9:02)
05. Fragile (7:12)
06. Ghost Of Laura Palmer (8:07)
07. Gloom, Beauty And Despair (8:45)
08. The Ship (8:55)

Total: 65:59 min

Source:	blabbermouth.net
Band profile:	Swallow The Sun

German melodic black/death metal band SuidAkrA has launched their new homepage. They've also added one mp3-track for download, the track "Reap The Storm" is taken from their forthcoming album "Command To Charge" which will be released on April, 25th.

http://www.suidakra.com

Band profile:

Suidakra

Masters Of Rock 2005 takes a place in Vizovice, Czech Republic on July 15th to July 17th 2005. You'll have a possibility to enjoy festival feeling without worries about rain or bad weather, a festival under the roof. The lineup for this summer is following:

Foreign bands:

* Manowar (USA) [with 100 members of classical filharmonic
orchestra]
* Rhapsody (Ita)
* Nightwish (Fin)
* Sweet (GB)
* Die Happy (Ger)
* Hammerfall (Swe)
* Edguy (Ger)
* Subway To Sally (Ger)
* Rage (Ger)
* Waltari (Fin)
* KJU: (Ger)
* Uniklubi (Fin)
* Skareface (F)
* Ratos de Porao (Bra)

Inland bands:

* Tři Sestry
* Chinaski
* Wohnout
* Divokej Bill
* Kurtizány z 25 avenue
* Vypsaná fiXa
* ?kwor
* Desmod (Sk)
* Southpaw
* Plexis
* Doctor PP
* Tleskač
* SPS
* NVÚ
* Brouci (Sk)
* Dark Gamballe
* Insania
* Silent Stream Of Godless Elegy
* Checkpoint

More info and tickets http://www.mastersofrock.cz

Read more ››

Manowar has just revealed some of the incredible things that are scheduled to happen at the Earthshaker Fest 2005 Germany ( July 23 ). Manowar will invite all of the original members from each lineup to join them on stage for a once in a lifetime event. Ross The Boss and original Manowar drummer Donnie Hamzik will perform and so will Rhino and David Shankle.
Speaking of special guests the legendary actor Mr. Christopher Lee will narrate the original parts recorded by Orson Welles in the songs Dark Avenger and Defender live on stage with Manowar. The festival will be filmed in high definition with 30 cameras and recorded live in surround sound with Germany's best mobile recording truck. This will be Manowar's biggest production ever that will feature a 100 piece orchestra and a 100 piece choir.

MANOWAR's Webring The Worldwide Web Warriors are proud to announce the First International Mega Manowar Fanconvention. This 3 days - event ( July 21-) will be organised during the Earthshaker Festival and will be held in the music hall which is located at the same area.

Much more information will follow, but a few of the very special activities will be :
- An opening - ceremony, which will promise to become very special
- Meet & Greets with Joey DeMaio, Eric Adams, Karl Logan, Scott Columbus, Donnie Hamzik, Ross the Boss, Rhino and David Shankle !!!!
- Guitar - and Drum clinics with current and old bandmembers
- Picture - / autograph sessions with current bandmembers, old bandmembers, special guests.
- Seminars with special guests, like Ken Kelly,John Kalodner, Paul Clark, Jay Bergen, Dawk, Dan Lee, crew members, artists from Magic Circle Music bands.
- Auction private items band, from their personal archive.
- A Manowar Shop with very special merchandise
- Interview sessions with current and old bandmembers
- Many fan - activities
- A cinema : the release of Hell on Earth part 4 !

ALL people with a 3 days fanconvention ticket will be able to see the soundcheck on Thursday ! This is promising to become very special !

Watch out : there will be plenty of room on the festival area, so there is no limit there to see Manowar's show on Saturday, but the FANCONVENTION HAS LIMITED SPACE.

Ticket - sale has started, tickets for both events ( festival / fanconvention ) are for sale at www.earthshaker-fest.com

Much more info can be found at : www.webwarriors.tk

Band profile:

Manowar

ELVENKING have officially started the recordings of the new awaited album.
After the successful release of previous albums Heathenreel (2001) and Wyrd (2004), Elvenking are ready to return with new songs and new line-up. With singer Damangoras back in the band and the new 5-piece act (following the departure of guitarist Jarpen) you can expect once again original and fresh sounds, mixing folk and romantic feelings with aggressive metal attacks and some surprises...

The new album will be recorded in the band own studios and at Sherpa Studios (Italy), in order to allow the members to have all the time necessary to create the best album possible.
The mixing will be then handled at Sonic Pump studios (Finland) by Nino Laurenne (Thunderstone, Wintersun,...). The final mastering will be done by Mika Jussila at Finnvox (Finalnd).
For the cover artwork and booklet layout Hungarian artist Havancsák Gyula (who did for example last Annihilator or Grave Digger albums) is already at work. A Fall release is expected, again under AFM Records flags.

Read the studio <A HREF=http://www.elvenking.net/special_studio_report.htm]diary[/url]

Source:	elvenking.net
Band profile:	Elvenking