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Beseech - Looking For New Label
As Beseech contract with Napalm Records is over, the band is currently looking for a new label, the band is already negotiating, but will take some time to make the right decision.
| Source: | - Beseech Newsletter - |
| Band profile: | Beseech |
Sons Of Otis - Drummer Quit
Sons Of Otis have announced on their website that Ryan Aubin, drummer of the band, decided to quit the band. "The future of the band is uncertain" since this was a surprise for all of the members.
| Source: | sonsofotis.com |
Cave In - Plans To Record New Album
After finishing their different tours around USA, Europe and Japan, Cave In are now taking a break.
The band will reunite around summer time to start to work in a new album, about how will sound their new album, the band says: "Our responses to those questions and others like them have been different each time we've been pressed to answer them. However, the entertainment value of those declarations and many more in similar nature will never decrease. Simply put, we find it grand to know that you're interested in what we're doing and in short, we can only abide by the guts of our limbs and our throats when the time comes for us to do so."
Finally the Cave In website is expected to suffer major transformations soon.
The band will reunite around summer time to start to work in a new album, about how will sound their new album, the band says: "Our responses to those questions and others like them have been different each time we've been pressed to answer them. However, the entertainment value of those declarations and many more in similar nature will never decrease. Simply put, we find it grand to know that you're interested in what we're doing and in short, we can only abide by the guts of our limbs and our throats when the time comes for us to do so."
Finally the Cave In website is expected to suffer major transformations soon.
| Source: | myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Cave In |
Marshall Law - Jack Frost Joins In
Marshall Law announced on their website the inclusion of Jack Frost (leader of Seven Witches) as the new guitarist.
In other news Marshall Law added the following live date:
27th August - Old Angel, Nottingham
In other news Marshall Law added the following live date:
27th August - Old Angel, Nottingham
| Source: | marshalllaw.co.uk |
Elixir - Sign With Majesty Rock
The UK band Elixir signed a deal with label Majestic Rock, The label will release Elixir's upcoming album "Mindcreeper" and will re-issue their previous catalogue in July.
| Source: | coldtown.com |
Amartia - First Album Released
2002 "Maïeutics", first album of Amartia is released. This is the point of start for the band. Great progressive / Atmospheric album, Amartia is acclaimed by all relevants medias, being compared with The Gathering.
After a complete renewal of line up, Vince (composer / Guitar) gives a new musical orientation to Amartia. More personal, "Marionette", the album to come reveals incredible female vocals parts, by Britta, a new german singer, based on subtle songs. Lots of fine arrangements, keys & guitar duets, fretless bass, Amartia imposes its trademark based on skilled musicians & more, on clever & high emotional songs. Buy this unique limited digipack version which includes one bonus track & multimedia part !
Discover the band through those 2 tracks :
http://amartia.free.fr/graphics/download/mp3/chosen_one.mp3 (edit version)
http://www.thundering-records.com/mp3/amartia_medley.mp3 (medley)
After a complete renewal of line up, Vince (composer / Guitar) gives a new musical orientation to Amartia. More personal, "Marionette", the album to come reveals incredible female vocals parts, by Britta, a new german singer, based on subtle songs. Lots of fine arrangements, keys & guitar duets, fretless bass, Amartia imposes its trademark based on skilled musicians & more, on clever & high emotional songs. Buy this unique limited digipack version which includes one bonus track & multimedia part !
Discover the band through those 2 tracks :
http://amartia.free.fr/graphics/download/mp3/chosen_one.mp3 (edit version)
http://www.thundering-records.com/mp3/amartia_medley.mp3 (medley)
| Source: | Thundering Records |
The Haunted - Update From The Studio
Peter Dolving of Swedish act The Haunted has posted the following studio update regarding the band's forthcoming new album:
"We're going forward. This is exciting and scary. So far we got 12 songs that are evolving smoothly. So far I'd say the stuff is much heavier than previous records, I get a feeling like AT The Gates meets King Crimson.
Oh I don't know - It's hard to describe but personally I think we're coming up some heavy shit. Sometimes I feel like 'WHOA! This is turning into a Pink Floyd record for the dysfunctional.'
It's nice for a change to have a good rehearsal space in Gothenburg this time and the possibility to communicate with our computers instead of having to play stuff over the phone at 2 in the morning, especially now since we've moved out all across Sweden. Well, I have a really good feeling and I'm really looking forward to recording this monster..."
You can check some pictures and vids from the studio in here: http://cyklode.se/haunted/doc/diary.htm
"We're going forward. This is exciting and scary. So far we got 12 songs that are evolving smoothly. So far I'd say the stuff is much heavier than previous records, I get a feeling like AT The Gates meets King Crimson.
Oh I don't know - It's hard to describe but personally I think we're coming up some heavy shit. Sometimes I feel like 'WHOA! This is turning into a Pink Floyd record for the dysfunctional.'
It's nice for a change to have a good rehearsal space in Gothenburg this time and the possibility to communicate with our computers instead of having to play stuff over the phone at 2 in the morning, especially now since we've moved out all across Sweden. Well, I have a really good feeling and I'm really looking forward to recording this monster..."
You can check some pictures and vids from the studio in here: http://cyklode.se/haunted/doc/diary.htm
| Source: | the-haunted.com & Thryce |
| Band profile: | The Haunted |
Apocalyptica - Sign With 20-20 Entertainment
Lars Brandle of Monsters and Critics is reporting that Finnish "cello rock" group Apocalyptica has signed a worldwide, multi-album recording deal with 20-20 Entertainment, Martin Dodd's New York-based joint venture with Sony BMG International.
According to a statement issued Monday (March 20) from Sony BMG, the band is to enter the studio later in the year to record their sixth album, which will feature new material with unidentified collaborations.
"We are immensely proud to sign Apocalyptica," comments Maarten Steinkamp, president, Sony BMG Continental Europe and chairman/CEO of the company's German operations. "Apocalyptica are unique and we look forward to working with them and developing their success yet further."
In the statement, Steinkamp describes the decision to sign the act as "another example that shows how highly committed we are to working and breaking repertoire from all across Europe."
Since the release of their debut 1996 album "Plays Metallica by Four Cellos" on Finnish indie label Zen Garden, the band has sold roughly 2.5 million albums, Sony BMG says.
Until recently, the act was signed to Universal Music Germany. Their most recent album, "Apocalyptica" (Vertigo/Universal), its first set of original material, was released in Europe in early 2005.
Read more ››
According to a statement issued Monday (March 20) from Sony BMG, the band is to enter the studio later in the year to record their sixth album, which will feature new material with unidentified collaborations.
"We are immensely proud to sign Apocalyptica," comments Maarten Steinkamp, president, Sony BMG Continental Europe and chairman/CEO of the company's German operations. "Apocalyptica are unique and we look forward to working with them and developing their success yet further."
In the statement, Steinkamp describes the decision to sign the act as "another example that shows how highly committed we are to working and breaking repertoire from all across Europe."
Since the release of their debut 1996 album "Plays Metallica by Four Cellos" on Finnish indie label Zen Garden, the band has sold roughly 2.5 million albums, Sony BMG says.
Until recently, the act was signed to Universal Music Germany. Their most recent album, "Apocalyptica" (Vertigo/Universal), its first set of original material, was released in Europe in early 2005.
Read more ››
| Source: | blabbermouth.net |
| Band profile: | Apocalyptica |
Abigor - Resurrection!
According to the Austrian black metal webzine BlackMetal.at, Peter Kubik (a.k.a. Virus 666) has put his Hellbound and St. Lucifer projects to rest and has reformed the acclaimed Austrian black metal outfit Abigor. "There're different reasons for this decision, and some might hate me about it, but I give a shit on them," Kubik is quoted as saying. "I know, I wrote that I am pissed by the black-metal scene as I split Abigor back in 2003, and still I am, but maybe this 'not being involved' made me thirsty again. However, I don't feel the need to justify my point of view anymore. Accept it or not, Abigor is back! Currently it's me and Lukas Lindenberger on drums, but T.T., Thurisaz and Silenius are still invited to join the band again, time will tell. Don't expect a rise of the 'old' Abigor, it's 2006. Abigor is reborn, and it'll be a new area ? we're back, still hell!"
Read more ››
Read more ››
| Source: | blabbermouth.net |
| Band profile: | Abigor |
Grand Magus - Part Ways With Drummer
The band make the following announcement on their official website:
"Drummer Fredrik "Trisse" Liefvendahl is no longer in Grand Magus. His replacement will be announced when the time is right.
Trisse has been in Grand Magus for 8 years and will always be a part of the bands legacy. We wish him all the best for the future.
Grand Magus will now start writing new material. Expect more news very soon.
Grand Magus"
"Drummer Fredrik "Trisse" Liefvendahl is no longer in Grand Magus. His replacement will be announced when the time is right.
Trisse has been in Grand Magus for 8 years and will always be a part of the bands legacy. We wish him all the best for the future.
Grand Magus will now start writing new material. Expect more news very soon.
Grand Magus"
| Source: | grandmagus.com |
| Band profile: | Grand Magus |
Therion - Johnsson Won't Sing Anymore
Christopher Jhonsson announced that he will quit singing in a email sent to Therion's website. He explains:
"As was announced on the Metal Mania festivals, I am going to retire from vocals. The reasons for this are two. One is that I feel it's not fun to sing anymore (even though I have enjoyed playing the old songs on guitar), the voice is getting weaker over the years and I experienced problems at the end of the US/Canada tour. The problem isn't only getting older, but rather that we basically never rehearse as a band and therefore I don't keep my throat "warm". It simply doesn't work to not sing for half a year and then go on tour for 2 months and shout every evening. It used to work when I was younger, but now I feel it's not comfortable anymore and when it doesn't feel right, it's definatly time to stop.
The second reason is that we anyway would like to stop playing old songs. By old I mean Lepaca Klifffoth and older. We are now working on our 13:th studio album and it is getting harder and harder to choose which songs to play live. The number of "classics" - songs that we more or less must play - is growing all the time and we don't want to end up like one of those bands where you know beforehand 95% for sure what songs that are going to be played. We want to be able to have space to play a couple of unexpected songs each new tour.
We of course realize that many fans will miss those brutal songs, but we are convinced that those fans also will prefer to hear something new each time from the Theli album and onwards.
Besides old songs, this will have an effect on the choice on some newer songs. For example, I'd normally sing in To Mega Therion, Invocation of Naamah, In The Desert Of Set and Typhon. I guess I in normal cases seldomly have to sing in To Mega Therion anyway - good crowds tends to do that for me!
Typhon would anyway not be on the set list on the next tour, there's so many songs we haven't played from that album. Personally I would rather do An Arrow From The Sun and the title track Lemuria next time.
As for Desert Of Set I guess we're not gonna play it and regarding Invocation Of Naamah, we might not play it or we could experiment with Mats doing some harsher type of voice on my parts, he's a pretty flexible singer as you might know by now (and he has said he don't have any principles against doing some growling type of vocals as long as it's just some few parts). So time shall tell what happens around that."
"As was announced on the Metal Mania festivals, I am going to retire from vocals. The reasons for this are two. One is that I feel it's not fun to sing anymore (even though I have enjoyed playing the old songs on guitar), the voice is getting weaker over the years and I experienced problems at the end of the US/Canada tour. The problem isn't only getting older, but rather that we basically never rehearse as a band and therefore I don't keep my throat "warm". It simply doesn't work to not sing for half a year and then go on tour for 2 months and shout every evening. It used to work when I was younger, but now I feel it's not comfortable anymore and when it doesn't feel right, it's definatly time to stop.
The second reason is that we anyway would like to stop playing old songs. By old I mean Lepaca Klifffoth and older. We are now working on our 13:th studio album and it is getting harder and harder to choose which songs to play live. The number of "classics" - songs that we more or less must play - is growing all the time and we don't want to end up like one of those bands where you know beforehand 95% for sure what songs that are going to be played. We want to be able to have space to play a couple of unexpected songs each new tour.
We of course realize that many fans will miss those brutal songs, but we are convinced that those fans also will prefer to hear something new each time from the Theli album and onwards.
Besides old songs, this will have an effect on the choice on some newer songs. For example, I'd normally sing in To Mega Therion, Invocation of Naamah, In The Desert Of Set and Typhon. I guess I in normal cases seldomly have to sing in To Mega Therion anyway - good crowds tends to do that for me!
Typhon would anyway not be on the set list on the next tour, there's so many songs we haven't played from that album. Personally I would rather do An Arrow From The Sun and the title track Lemuria next time.
As for Desert Of Set I guess we're not gonna play it and regarding Invocation Of Naamah, we might not play it or we could experiment with Mats doing some harsher type of voice on my parts, he's a pretty flexible singer as you might know by now (and he has said he don't have any principles against doing some growling type of vocals as long as it's just some few parts). So time shall tell what happens around that."
| Source: | megatherion.com |
| Band profile: | Therion |
Jon Oliva's Pain - Sign With AFM Records
Jon Oliva's Project "Jon Oliva's Pain" have inked a deal with AFM Records for the release of the a new album. The album tentatively entitled "Maniacal Renderings" is set to be released on Sepetmber 2006. The album was recorded (on more time) at Audio Lab Studios in Tampa, Florida.
Oliva Commented on the deal with AFM: "AFM was the obvious choice for us. Complete dedication to their bands, in both support and marketing, is the reason we have made this critical move. The next record for JON OLIVA'S PAIN is taking on a new and more intense direction. We needed a label that not only understood what we are trying to do, but embraced it with genuine excitement. Knowing that your record company is really pumped about the new music helps to drive the recording process to a whole new level of intensity....We're going to push every button possible!"
In a press release the album was described as: "a more progressive, complex and dramatic edge without sacrificing any of the song writing quality that fans have come to expect during Oliva's 25-year career."
Before the release of the new album Jon Olivia's Pain had announced some dates around europe, in which they will playing some songs from the new album for the press and "a few lucky fans" backstage.
The dates are the following:
Apr. 15 - Gysenberghalle - Herne, GER
Apr. 16 - Löwensaal - Nuremberg, GER
Apr. 18 - Planet Music - Wien, AUT
Apr. 19 - Wighwam - Budapest, HUN
Apr. 21 - Rainbow - Milan, ITA
Apr. 22 - Tempo Rock - Reggio Emilia, ITA
Apr. 24 - Backstage - Munich, GER
Apr. 26 - Deboerderij - Zoetermeer, NETH
Apr. 28 - Juz Live Club - Andernach, GER
Apr. 29 - Oktoberhallen - Aalst, BEL (Pestpop Festival)
Apr. 30 - venue TBA - Aalst, BEL (Acoustic show)
Jun. 23-24 - Bang Your Head Festival - Balingen, GER
Jul. 08 - Rock Harz Open Air Osterode - Dorste, Lower Saxony, GER
Read more ››
Oliva Commented on the deal with AFM: "AFM was the obvious choice for us. Complete dedication to their bands, in both support and marketing, is the reason we have made this critical move. The next record for JON OLIVA'S PAIN is taking on a new and more intense direction. We needed a label that not only understood what we are trying to do, but embraced it with genuine excitement. Knowing that your record company is really pumped about the new music helps to drive the recording process to a whole new level of intensity....We're going to push every button possible!"
In a press release the album was described as: "a more progressive, complex and dramatic edge without sacrificing any of the song writing quality that fans have come to expect during Oliva's 25-year career."
Before the release of the new album Jon Olivia's Pain had announced some dates around europe, in which they will playing some songs from the new album for the press and "a few lucky fans" backstage.
The dates are the following:
Apr. 15 - Gysenberghalle - Herne, GER
Apr. 16 - Löwensaal - Nuremberg, GER
Apr. 18 - Planet Music - Wien, AUT
Apr. 19 - Wighwam - Budapest, HUN
Apr. 21 - Rainbow - Milan, ITA
Apr. 22 - Tempo Rock - Reggio Emilia, ITA
Apr. 24 - Backstage - Munich, GER
Apr. 26 - Deboerderij - Zoetermeer, NETH
Apr. 28 - Juz Live Club - Andernach, GER
Apr. 29 - Oktoberhallen - Aalst, BEL (Pestpop Festival)
Apr. 30 - venue TBA - Aalst, BEL (Acoustic show)
Jun. 23-24 - Bang Your Head Festival - Balingen, GER
Jul. 08 - Rock Harz Open Air Osterode - Dorste, Lower Saxony, GER
Read more ››
| Source: | jonoliva.net |
| Band profile: | Jon Oliva's Pain |
Mercenary - Bassist Leaves
Henrik "Kral" Andersen decided to leave Mercenary, the band parted ways with Kral in a friendly way. The reason of the departure hasn't been reveled but it's expected that Kral deliver a statement soon.
The recording of the new album is not going to be affected; the band explains that they have been working on the new album in Kral's absence for two months. Mikkel Sandager will be in charge of writing the lyrics (as well of doing the vocals as usual and the screams for this time). Also the plans for touring won't be affected.
In other hand the band started searching for a replacement to play & that also can do the screams
The requirements of the band are the following:
"- Must have a deeply dedicated and serious mind.
- Must have 100 % devotion to the band
- Must be able to rehearse intensively in certain periods in Mercenary's rehearsals near Aalborg, Denmark.
- Be a male between 20 - 35 years.
- Be able to growl, scream, do 'melodic shouting' and play the bass
- Be able to learn the old songs quickly
- Be able to restrict his drinking on tour/shows (No drinking before shows)
- Must have a personal image fitting a serious metal band
- be able and willing to tour extensively in periods.
Live and studio experience is an advantage but not a necessity.
We would like to receive material from interested personas ASAP, please send demos (cds only) along with contact info and preferable also a recent picture to:
Mercenary
C/o Hvorupgårdvej 12
9400 Nørresundby
Denmark
Alternatively, you can send mp3s to :
mercenary.audition@gmail.com
Serious applications only
The tour schedule so far can be seen in the tour section."
The recording of the new album is not going to be affected; the band explains that they have been working on the new album in Kral's absence for two months. Mikkel Sandager will be in charge of writing the lyrics (as well of doing the vocals as usual and the screams for this time). Also the plans for touring won't be affected.
In other hand the band started searching for a replacement to play & that also can do the screams
The requirements of the band are the following:
"- Must have a deeply dedicated and serious mind.
- Must have 100 % devotion to the band
- Must be able to rehearse intensively in certain periods in Mercenary's rehearsals near Aalborg, Denmark.
- Be a male between 20 - 35 years.
- Be able to growl, scream, do 'melodic shouting' and play the bass
- Be able to learn the old songs quickly
- Be able to restrict his drinking on tour/shows (No drinking before shows)
- Must have a personal image fitting a serious metal band
- be able and willing to tour extensively in periods.
Live and studio experience is an advantage but not a necessity.
We would like to receive material from interested personas ASAP, please send demos (cds only) along with contact info and preferable also a recent picture to:
Mercenary
C/o Hvorupgårdvej 12
9400 Nørresundby
Denmark
Alternatively, you can send mp3s to :
mercenary.audition@gmail.com
Serious applications only
The tour schedule so far can be seen in the tour section."
| Source: | mercenary.dk |
| Band profile: | Mercenary |
Black Label Society - Sign To Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is proud to announce the signing of legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde and his band, Black Label Society.
Having sold over 1.4 million albums worldwide BLS is currently working with producer Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers) on Shot To Hell, their first release for Roadrunner, which will be released this summer. "After spending a lifetime as Wylde Z. Coyote, I guess it was just a matter of time before I'd catch the Roadrunner," comments Wylde.
Shot To Hell is the follow up to Mafia, which debuted in March 2005 at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and at #1 on the Top Independent Albums chart. The top rock track "In This River" from Mafia will be on the upcoming MTV2 Headbangers Ball: The Revenge album, out April 11th.
BLS, who were just announced as the Ozzfest second stage headliner, will tour the world extensively in support of the new album, which is being finished now, even while Zakk also writes and records with Ozzy Osbourne for his new album.
"Signing Zakk and Black Label Society is an honor," stated Roadrunner Director of A&R Mike Gitter (Killswitch Engage, Cradle of Filth). "The guy is genuine, rock royalty whose talent is only matched by his vision. He is the real deal and his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time has already been cemented."
Having sold over 1.4 million albums worldwide BLS is currently working with producer Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers) on Shot To Hell, their first release for Roadrunner, which will be released this summer. "After spending a lifetime as Wylde Z. Coyote, I guess it was just a matter of time before I'd catch the Roadrunner," comments Wylde.
Shot To Hell is the follow up to Mafia, which debuted in March 2005 at #15 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and at #1 on the Top Independent Albums chart. The top rock track "In This River" from Mafia will be on the upcoming MTV2 Headbangers Ball: The Revenge album, out April 11th.
BLS, who were just announced as the Ozzfest second stage headliner, will tour the world extensively in support of the new album, which is being finished now, even while Zakk also writes and records with Ozzy Osbourne for his new album.
"Signing Zakk and Black Label Society is an honor," stated Roadrunner Director of A&R Mike Gitter (Killswitch Engage, Cradle of Filth). "The guy is genuine, rock royalty whose talent is only matched by his vision. He is the real deal and his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time has already been cemented."
| Source: | roadrunnerrecords.com |
| Band profile: | Black Label Society |
Sigh - Sign Deal With The End Records
Groundbreaking Japanese metal act Sigh have signed a worldwide deal with The End Records and will release their seventh album "Hangman's Hymn" sometime later this year.
The Japanese outfit has become one of the most respected and creative entities in the metal music scene thanks to the versatile and unique albums they have released, most notably 1997's black metal opus "Hail Horror Hail" and the psychedelic-tinged sounds of 2001's "Imaginary Sonicscape."
On the sound and direction of the new album, Sigh frontman/leader Mirai Kawashima says that "Hangman's Hymn" is "thrash-metal-meets-German-symphonies! Fast, heavy, bombastic and majestic!"
Click here to preview a pre-production quality medley of material from the forthcoming album:
http://media.theendrecords.com/Sigh7Preview.mp3
The Japanese outfit has become one of the most respected and creative entities in the metal music scene thanks to the versatile and unique albums they have released, most notably 1997's black metal opus "Hail Horror Hail" and the psychedelic-tinged sounds of 2001's "Imaginary Sonicscape."
On the sound and direction of the new album, Sigh frontman/leader Mirai Kawashima says that "Hangman's Hymn" is "thrash-metal-meets-German-symphonies! Fast, heavy, bombastic and majestic!"
Click here to preview a pre-production quality medley of material from the forthcoming album:
http://media.theendrecords.com/Sigh7Preview.mp3
| Source: | theendrecords.com |
| Band profile: | Sigh |