Gothenburg based metal sextet Marionette recently entered Studio Fredman with producer Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Bring Me The Horizon) to begin recording the band's as of yet-untitled third album. Guitarist and backing vocalist Aron Parmerud made the following remarks regarding the recording sessions and progress thus far:

"The recordings for our third album are underway! We spent a great deal of time after our last UK/EU tour with BLESSTHEFALL working on new songs and ended up with over 14 songs. Last month Jimmy came in and nailed each of the songs on drums and from there we began tracking the guitars and bass all at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg. Keyboard player Linus Johansson and I are working with the ambiance of the music and the keyboards. Vocalist Alexander Andersson is currently working hard on the lyrics and vocal lines. We've made some studio photos available on our Official Facebook Page.*

Fans of our Spite and more so Enemies albums will find some familiar elements in our new songs. Listeners will certainly hear contrasts between brutal and beautiful, progressive and catchy, and up-tempo and down-tempo. There are more elements that will be very new to our listeners. We're eager to perform a few of these new songs live on our upcoming "The SlaughTour 2010" dates in the UK and Denmark, and our recently confirmed shows with fellow Gothenburgers Dark Tranquillity in Sweden and Norway. So come out, see us live, and be the first to hear some new Marionette songs this October and November!"

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Marionette

Portuguese gothic doomsters Ava Inferi are nearly done with the recording sessions of their forthcoming fourth album. Mainman Rune Erickson (ex-Mayhem, Aura Noir) sent the following update:

"These past times have been somewhat silent on these shores. No, or few updates have been uttered and well, doing things "undercover" has seemed like the fitting way to move forward this time. And mind you, things have been going well. We are happy to finally announce that the fundaments (meaning drums, bass and guitars) for eight brand new Ava Inferi trademark songs have been emanated and recorded in TopRoom Studio, Norway these past weeks. The vocals and additional adds will be taken care of here in Portugal in near future.

The album, scheduled for an early 2011 release (on the one and only Season of Mist), has actually been ready for a while, at least in terms of compositions. But instead of doing the usual "rush" we have now used time to our advantage, ensuring nothing slips our attention. I actually remember I made the first riff for "By Candlelight & Mirrors", one of the new songs, already back in March last year, giving the song more than a year to mature into what we feel is optimal.

It might be a cliché to proclaim this these days, but we truly feel that this material is by far the most interesting and mature we have produced so far. And easily the rawest as well. It's somewhat typical Ava Inferi, as I really believe we have our own brand of Gothic Doom by now, but it definitely has a few changes to it. The songs are more straightforward, some of them a tad shorter than expected from these shores (set aside "The Heathen Island", which clocks in at approx 10 minutes), some downright spooky and dirty, others immeasurably dark even strangely beautiful, but most importantly, they all ooze of an all-consuming power. We really believe that with this album we have created the ultimate Ava Inferi record so far!

I would also like to use the opportunity to welcome an addition to the coven, namely guitar player André Sobral. André has been on stage with us a couple of times already, and has proved himself worthy of membership. We now feel that the band is reinvigorated and most ready for bigger challenges, having found the important "equilibrium" on all levels.

Album title, artworks, release dates et al will be revealed at a later stage, as well as other news concerning collaborators, etc."

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Source:	season-of-mist.com
Band profile:	Ava Inferi

Four years after the critically acclaimed Generator, Italian electro/post black metallers Aborym are back with their fifth album! Set for a November 8th release, the new full-length is entitled Psychogrotesque and is made of one story, a single song written four-handedly by the band's mastermind Malfeitor Fabban and talented new guitarist Hell:IO:Kabbalus.

Aborym describe the album as a "realistic story about the horrific human aridity and its fragile impotence. A social metaphor, uncomfortable but very current, treated cynically by bassist-singer Fabban through a story set in a mental hospital, which suggests that he used his pen with an absolute commitment and the determination to keep off ABORYM from the banality and clichés both ideological/aptitudinal and musical that saturate the extreme metal scene".

Psychogrotesque was recorded, mixed and mastered at Fear No One Studios by Emiliano Natali, with the sound consulting of Marc Urselli (founder of Memory Lab and sound engineer for artists like John Zorn, Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, Eric Clapton) at the prestigious Eastside Sound Studios in New York.

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Source:	season-of-mist.com
Band profile:	Aborym

French atmospheric doom metal band Ixion are set to release their new full-length album To The Void. You can check out a teaser at this location.

Three years after the very good reception of the band's demo Through The Space We Die, this album, with 10 new tracks, represents a new step for Ixion with a better production and a more varied music. The general atmosphere is still spatial and emotional, with more contrasts in the music, from really dark or agressive parts to totally ambient ones.

The band stated: "Guitars, drums, orchestrations, and of course vocals have evolved significantly - we have worked on really fragile and airy parts, while some black metal screams have also appeared and deep grunts are still prevailing. As for the keyboards, ambient and cold electronic elements, they still play an important role in our atmospheric doom metal! About the story, it narrates a journey from the Earth to the depths of the space, and as the title emphasizes, this trip ends with the void..."

The album has been produced, recorded and mixed by the band. Ixion are now searching for a label to release it.

Head over to this location for the four-minute sampler!

107996 for the tip]

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Ixion

Polish thrashers Acid Drinkers have just finished recording their new album. The effort will be called Fishdick Zwei - The Dick Is Rising Again and, as the name suggest, it will be the follow-up to Fishdick, released in 1994. Just like part 1, Fishdick Zwei will be an album solely consisting of cover versions.

Acid Drinkers recorded cover songs not only from metal and hard-rock bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath or Kiss, but they also did they're own versions of classicks such as Ray Charles "Hit The Road Jack" or Sinatra's "New York, New York".

The album will be released on 1st of September via Mystic Production. The first music video will be released soon for B52's "Love Shack" which was recorded with Ania Brachaczek from Biff. Another guest appearance on Fishdick Zwei is made by Czeslaw Mozil, known from Tesco Value and Czeslaw Spiewa.

Fishdick Zwei - The Dick Is Rising Again cover art] tracklist:

01. Ring Of Fire
02. Hit The Road Jack
03. Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)
04. Love Shack
05. New York, New York
06. Bring It On Home
07. Hot Stuff
08. Et Si Tu N'Existais Pas
09. 2000 Man
10. Bad Reputation
11. Seasons In The Abyss
12. Blood Sugar Sex Magic
13. Nothing Else Matters
14. Detroit Rock City
15. Make No Mistake
16. Fluff

104657 for the tip]

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Acid Drinkers

Queensrÿche has partnered with Capitol/EMI for the September 14 September 28 release of an expanded 20th Anniversary Edition of the band's triple platinum-certified breakout album, Empire.

The new 2-CD and digital packages both include the remastered album, featuring six hit singles, including the #1 smash "Silent Lucidity," as well as 13 bonus tracks, among them 10 previously unreleased live performances recorded in 1990 at London's Hammersmith Odeon. The 2-CD package is presented in a lift-top box with five postcards, a fold-out poster and a booklet featuring rare photos from the band's personal archive, as pictured here.

After building a devoted fan base with album and EP releases throughout the 1980's, including 1988's critically acclaimed Operation: Mindcrime, Queensrÿche broke into the mainstream across North America and abroad with the 1990 release of Empire. In the U.S., the album peaked at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and its hit ballad "Silent Lucidity" quickly became a heavy rotation staple at rock radio and on MTV, topping Billboard's Modern Rock singles chart and earning Queensrÿche the coveted MTV Viewers Choice Award for the song's music video. Empire also made the U.K.'s Top 10, and the album's international success led to Queensrÿche's 18-month headlining "Building Empires" world tour, the band's longest trek to date.

Empire (20th Anniversary Edition) cover art] tracklist:

01. Best I Can
02. The Thin Line
03. Jet City Woman
04. Della Brown
05. Another Rainy Night (Without You)
06. Empire
07. Resistance
08. Silent Lucidity
09. Hand On Heart
10. One And Only
11. Anybody Listening?
12. Last Time In Paris
13. Scarborough Fair
14. Dirty Lil Secret

Bonus disc: Live at London's Hammersmith Odeon 11/15/90

01. Resistance
02. Walk in the Shadows
03. Best I Can
04. Empire
05. The Thin Line
06. Jet City Woman
07. Roads To Madness
08. Silent Lucidity
09. Hand On Heart
10. Take Hold Of The Flame

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Source:	queensryche.com
Band profile:	Queensrÿche

After parting ways with The Old Dead Tree in 2006, guitarist Nicolas Chevrollier said: "I will always love playing, listening to, and living music..." As guitarist and songwriter having highly contributed to the artistic orientation of the band, he rapidly felt the needs to pursue his own dreams again with a new project.

He naturally found that his long-time friend and bass player Vincent Danhier could share his vision. Things became more serious after the split-up of The Old Dead Tree in November last year, and the duo knew they would need a fuller line-up to move the band up and forward. So Olivier (also involved in thrash metal act Sinn) was rapidly enlisted to their ranks as drummer. Then they asked guitarist Gilles (now also responsible for death core riffing with Jarell) to bring his talent, as his playing style is a perfect match. When it came down to finding a vocalist, the name of Guillaume popped up. The band knew that his skills in singing with Dustbowl (heavy cold rock) were what the new composings screamed for... Luckily, he agreed to join, and Pretence has found its final form in February, 2010.

The music of Pretence can be described as some kind of dark melodic metal with wide influences like Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Slayer, Tool...

After only 7 months of writing and rehearsing together, the band is now ready to enter the studio! The recording process of the debut album will be achieved by the end of the year... Stay tuned for updates.

The band's MySpace is currently still under construction.

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Source:	pretence.org
Band profile:	The Old Dead Tree

Candlelight Records confirmed October 12 as the North American release date for Quietly, Undramatically, the new album from US Black metal band Woe.

Recorded at Gradwell House in Haddon Heights, New Jersey with additional tracking completed at frontman Chris Grigg's BS1 in Philadelphia, the album is the first to feature a full band ensemble comprised of members from Absu, Woods Of Ypres, The Green Evening Requiem, Infernal Stronghold and Rumpelstiltskin Grinder.

Reveals Grigg: "Quietly, Undramatically is a major step forward for Woe. Not only is it our first release for Candlelight Records but the debut of Woe: the band as opposed to Woe: the solo project. The performances of Evan Madden (drums) and Shane Madden (bass) bring Woe to a whole new level. It is a much more mature album, featuring dynamics and ideas that Woe has never been able to tackle before. We are all very excited for this album's release and the subsequent live performances in support of it!"

Quietly, Undramatically is Woe's first release for England's Candlelight Records. The album reunites the band with designer/illustrator Justin Miller. "Justin and I have worked together on different projects for years now and he has never let me down. I consider his art an additional song on the album - the most important song, the one that ties it all together. Sound is what I do, sight is what he does, and it is a relief to know that WoeE's presentation is handled with such feeling."

Quietly, Undramatically tracklist:

01. No Solitude
02. The Road From Recovery
03. Quietly, Undramatically
04. A Treatise on Control
05. Without Logic
06. Full Circle
07. Hatred is Our Heart

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Source:

quietly.woeunholy.com

Finnish funeral doomsters Shape Of Despair are done with the recording of two new tracks, which will be released on a 7" EP entitled Written In My Scars. According to the most recent update, the EP is now being mastered.

The release of the band's first new material in several years is scheduled for late October/beginning of November 2010 through Solarfall Records (sub-label of Aftermath Music).

The Written In My Scars cover artwork will look this:


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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Shape Of Despair

US Power metal act Eternal Winter has signed a worldwide deal with German underground heavy metal label Pure Steel Records for the upcoming release of the as-of-yet untitled debut full length album.

Eternal Winter frontman, Matthew Knight (Poseidons Anger) states: "In the past, we have always released independent demos and EP's... When we decided to record our first full-length, it became apparent that we would need the support of a strong, honest record label in order to release the best album possible... Many of the labels I had spoken with in the past, had wanted us to compromise our sound by taking out keyboard parts, changing my vocal style, etc... Pure Steel Records is the first label who has always supported us and our music from the very beginning, and truly believes in what we do!

We began dealing with Pure Steel in 2008 when we contributed to the Warlock Tribute Album they released that year... While at the time, we weren't as big and professional as many of the other bands on the Tribute, they admired us and gave us a chance to appear on the album. After working with them to release our tribute song, we saw how professional and easy to work with these guys were. They loved our True Metal sound and we soon developed a strong mutual friendship.

Now, my band mates in Eternal Winter and I are happy and honored to be a part of the Pure Steel Family... We know we have found a good home for us, and look forward to a bright future ahead!"

Pure Steel Records product manager Andreas Lorenz adds: "The US band plays perfect 80'ies influenced US Metal in style of old Virgin Steele and some Crimson Glory influences.

Volker and me were fascinated of this voice, which got a lot of feeling for great melodies in the guise of 80'ies US-Metal scene. We heard some demotracks in 2008 and were both enthusiastic about it. We can't wait to hear the debut album, but our expectations are very high. A more than worthy Pure Steel band."

The band is currently hard at work in the studio recording their long-awaited debut album. We will keep you updated on the progress. Check out the band on MySpace for more info and streams.

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Source:

blogs.myspace.com

Tribunal Records are excited to welcome Vanisher to their family.

Vanisher may be a new band to most, but only in name as within their ranks veterans from Bloodjinn and Glass Casket reside, and they are confidently leading the new pack of metal bands surfacing in North Carolina. While not bearing much resemblance to their former bands, Vanisher has set out to carve a new path and capture audiences with it's futuristic metal brand.

Vanisher combine an old school thrash/death metal mentality with an absolutely modern melodic fluency allowing them to succeed in shattering all stylistic barriers with their debut album. The History Of Saints is well rounded in all things relevant in metal today (production/songwriting/artwork) and quickly establishes Vanisher as a band that everyone should keep their eyes and ears on.

The History Of Saints will be released on September 14th. Four songs, "Born To Breed", "The Architect", "Oceans" and the title track of the band's debut are now available for streaming on MySpace.

The History Of Saints cover art] tracklist:

01. Born To Breed
02. I Am Failure
03. The Architect
04. A Wolf In The Fold
05. Oceans
06. Liaisons
07. State Of Adversity
08. Frustrated Static
09. The History Of Saints
10. Cave Dweller
11. Pure Diesel
12. Conviction Cell

Bonus CD

01. Kings
02. The Road
03. Spiraling Downwards
04. Into The Sands
05. The Staredown
06. Feverish Crimes
07. New Brand Of Justice
08. Reaction

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Source:

tribunalrecords.net

Hail Of Bullets have announced On Divine Winds as the title of their upcoming new album to be released October, 8/11 via Metal Blade Records in Europe and on October, 12 in North America.

Hail Of Bullets' debut album ...Of Frost And War was a concept album about the Eastern front war of Germany. On Divine Winds is another concept album, this time covering the Pacific battles between Japan and the USA.

Comments singer Martin van Drunen: "This time Hail of Bullets takes on the Pacific War. The expansion of the Empire of Japan throughout Asia, introducing a full scale war using all forces combined. The massive strike back of the Americans, whose marines bravely fought many tough and bloody battles on now forgotten insulate islands spread throughout the whole Pacific. This led to desperate Japanese defense tactics such as Kamikaze, human bullets and suicidal Banzai charges. Until finally, incendiary bombings brought the empire to its knees."

The album title On Divine Winds refers to the translation for the Japanese word Kamikaze, as kami stands for "God" and kaze means "wind". The album features 12 tracks on the limited first Digibook edtion and 11 tracks on the regular jewelcase version. On Divine Winds was produced by Ed Warby and like before the monstrous mix was in the capable hands of Mr Dan Swanö.

On Divine Winds cover art] tracklist:

01. The Eve Of Battle
02. Operation Z
03. The Mukden Incident
04. Strategy Of Attrition
05. Full Scale War
06. Guadalcanal
07. On Coral Shores
08. Unsung Heroes
09. Tokyo Napalm Holocaust
10. Sugar Loaf Hill (bonus track on ltd. 1st Digibook edition)
11. Kamikaze
12. To Bear The Unbearable

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Source:	metalblade.com
Band profile:	Hail Of Bullets

Guitarist Andreas Lynge of Danish death metal act The Cleansing checked in with the following album update:

"We recently finished the recording sessions of the new yet untitled 2nd The Cleansing album! Yesterday, Monday the 9th of August, we entered CB studios in Denmark with producer Christian Bonde to mix the album that consists of nine tracks.

We are also proud to announce that mastering engineer Bjørn Engelmann (who has worked with Behemoth and Bloodbath to mention a few) will do the mastering of the album at Cutting Room Studios in Sweden.

This album is really gonna crush in so many ways! We really feel it's the next big step for The Cleansing. More info on the album very soon along with track list and pictures from the recording sessions."

Head to MySpace if you want more info on The Cleansing.

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Source:

myspace.com

More bad news from the front... Also bassist Phil Kennemore of hard-rock/heavy metal band Y&T has been diagnosed with cancer.

Here's what the man himself has said of his condition: "Up to now you haven't heard much information (other than about my extreme back pain) because there really hasn't been much until now. I hated leaving you all in the dark but I didn't want to say anything until there was something conclusive to say. We do have a lot more information now. The number one thing you need to know is that I have cancer. It wasn't absolutely formally diagnosed until yesterday.

With the bad news I also got the good news that along with surgery and treatments, I will be back rockin' and rollin'. I'll be getting a hip replacement as well as back surgery, which means I'll also be more agile. The doctor said that this is treatable and I'll be walking out of this place and I'll be able to go on the road and do everything I need to do to continue my rock 'n' roll life, in due time.

I wanted to thank everyone for your well wishes. I've been sitting here in the hospital reading all of the things that you've all posted online, and I want you to know it means so very much to me to see how much I am loved, supported, and missed. I can really feel the love as I'm reading. I love reading your posts on the web site forum, and, in fact, I need to hear it. From here on out, whatever thoughts and feelings you have, please know that I wish that I could personally respond to each and every one of you, but I'm not able to right now.

Brad - thank God for Brad (Lang)! I'm so grateful that he stepped in to help keep Y&T on tour, bringing the Facemelter album to the people while I was ordered to the hospital. Right now I think he's the best guy on earth!

I'll be released from the hospital within three-to-four weeks, continuing treatment, and at some point, I'll be returning to the road. Keep the love and good vibes flowing. Do me a favor and go out and see the band now - Y&T is kicking serious ass - and I'll be back rocking with you all soon."

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Source:

meniketti.com

Order Of The Black, the new album of Black Label Society, is now available for streaming in its entirety at the AOL Music Listening Party.

The album was released today (August 9) in Europe, and will be available in North American stores tomorrow (August 10). Order Of The Black marks the band's eight full-length, and follow-up to 2006's Shot to Hell.

Order Of The Black cover art] tracklist:

01. Crazy Horse
02. Overlord
03. Parade Of The Dead
04. Darkest Days
05. Black Sunday
06. Southern Dissolution
07. Time Waits For No One
08. Godspeed Hell Bound
09. War Of Heaven
10. Shallow Grave
11. Chupacabra
12. Riders Of The Damned
13. January

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Source:	music.aol.com
Band profile:	Black Label Society