Tarja Turunen from Nightwish and german Star Search winner Martin Kesici have recorded a single called Leaving You For Me which is to be released on 31st of January. (Release date for Germany)

Band profile:

Nightwish

FINNISH METAL EXPO, KAAPELITEHDAS, HELSINKI JANUARY 28.-29.

- Program ready and online - Velcra and Amoral added
- Instrument clinic -schedule online
- Soundclips of Hilselinko-band contest finalists also available
- Map of Exhibitors
- International Metal Meeting allures industry heavy-hitters
- Tickets are selling well - Saturday is getting crowded

Preparations for the Finnish Metal Expo, taking place at Kaapelitehdas in Helsinki, Finland during January 28.-29. are almost complete.

The last bands confirmed to appear at the FME are Velcra, who are on the verge of release of their new album entitled Between Force and Fate and Helsinki-based death/thrash-squad Amoral. The showtimes of the Hilselinko-band contest finalists have also been added online.

The instrument clinics have drawn a plenty of interest and the preliminary schedule can also be viewed at www.fme.fi (click "ohjelma"). The clinics get off to a flying start on Friday with Kai Hahto of Rotten
Sound courtesy of Kumu-drums, followed by bass clinic of Lauri Porra and drum clinic of Kalle Torniainen. Musamaailma-music shop hosts guitar clinics on Satuday with Euge Valovirta, Roope Latvala featuring Alexi Laiho, Tuomo Saikkonen and Kuisma Aalto, Petteri Hirvanen and Petteri
Sariola - Acoustic. Exact schedule of the guitar players performances will be released at the FME.

Hilselinko-band contest, a collaboration between FME and Tuska-Festival, has reached its final stage and soundclips of all four finalists can now be heard online (click "hilselinko"). The four finalists are:

Melodic-metallers Agonizer
Helsinki death/thrashers Codeon
Lahti-based Kill The Romance
Attitude-metallers SinKing

The list of exhibitors is now complete:

Roadrunner Records, Spinefarm Records, Kingfoo Entertainment, Hellsinki Rock Shop, Pyroman FX, Fullsteam Records, EMI Finland, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Firebox Records, Dynamic Arts Records, Welldone Agency & Promotion, Hamara, Inferno, Noise.fi, Imperiumi.net, Sue, Stalker
Magazine, Ilosaarirock, Sauna Open Air, Pellavarock, Nummirock, Astia Studio, Nuorisoasaiainkeskus / MD-Studio / Ääni ja Vimma, Tuhma Magazine, Elmu ry, Nosturi, Suomen Muusikkojen Liitto, Gramex, Verkkopaita.com, Musamaailma Oy, Pro Center (F-Musiikki), DLX Music, Levytukku Oy, Tähtiraketti, Warner Music Finland, Melscene Helsinki, Raskasmusiikkiteollisuus, Miasma Magazine, Encoremetal.com, Joy Factory, Sakara Records, WCH -Metal, Ruumisliina.com, Freedom Underground, Like Kirjakauppa, Poison Arrow, Fullhouse Records, Unity Bookings, Fastrock Factory, Legacy Tattoo, Chambers Magazine, Tuska Open Air Metal Festival, Backline Rental Finland.

Read more ››

Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL have inked a new record deal with Regain Records. The band are expected to enter the studio later this year to begin recording the long-awaited follow-up to 2001's "Diabolis Interium" (No Fashion).

DARK FUNERAL's last release was a live album, "De Profundis Clamavi Ad Te Domine", which came out in April of last year via Regain.

Source:	www.blabbermouth.net
Band profile:	Dark Funeral

* Mission Statement:

ProgAID was set-up in the wake of the terrible earthquake and Tsunami disaster that tragically struck on the 26th December 2004. The sheer destruction and loss of human life was of a scale that shook the world. It was therefore decided, that maybe the Progressive Rock Community could do something, even in a small way, to help alleviate some of the suffering endured and help towards the rebuilding of lives and communities.

ProgAID at this point, is focused on this one particular cause, but now that it is up and running, our intention is to stay together and help where ever and whenever countries, communities and people need the support of people who care and want to help.

ALL monies paid to us go direct to the people we are aiming to help and your support is needed and appreciated. We thank you for visiting us and for being aware of situations that we can't control but can aid to put right.

* Who's Who

Impressive line-up has gathered:
Steve Babb - Glass Hammer
Fiona Ford - Fula
Stu Nicholson - Galahad
Doogie White - ex Rainbow / Yngwie Malmsteen
Mike Baker - Shadow Gallery
Steve Gee - Landmarq
Clive Nolan - Arena / Pendragon
Steve Balsamo - Alan Parsons Project
Daniel Gildenlow - Pain Of Salvation
Martin Orford - IQ
Nick Barrett - Pendragon
Rob Gould - Fula
Mick Pointer - Arena
Gary Chandler - Jadis
Tracy Hitchings - Landmarq
Liz Prendagast - Bluehorses
Alain Chiarazzo - Eclat
Bryan Josh - Mostly Autumn
Alan Reed - Pallas
Chris Dale - Sack Trick / Bruce Dickinson
John Jowitt - IQ
Bruce Soord - Pineapple Thief
Danny Chang - Briar Bank Studios
Paul Davies - ex Karnataka / Panic Room
Arjen Lucassen - Ayreon
Roine Stolt - The Flower Kings
Nick Gielkins - Mostly Pink
Troy Donockley - Iona
Magenta
Steve Taylor - Strangefish
Martin Hudson - Classic Rock Society
Andy Edwards - Ezra
John Mitchell - Arena / The Urbane
Oliver Wakeman - Oliver Wakeman Band
Danny Mayo & Jem - Hairless Heart Herald
Colin Edwards - Ezra
Neal Morse
Nic Waulker - Bluehorses
Nick Shilton - Classic Rock Magazine
Jonathan Edwards - ex Karnataka / Panic Room
Pete Nicholls - IQ
Gary Wehrkamp - Shadow Gallery
Chris Walkden - Photographer

* The Single

"All Around The World" - The Official ProgAID single to be released mid February 2005. More details soon.

http://www.progaid.com/

Germany's SQUEALER have issued the following statement with regards to the recent passing of the band's singer/founder and AFM Records label boss Andreas "Henner" Allendörfer:"

"Last Monday we received the horrible news, that SQUEALER singer and band founder Andreas 'Henner' Allendörfer died on January 16, 2005 in a tragic car accident. He only reached an age of 38 years.

"At about 9:25 pm, Andy lost the control over his car due to black ice and hit a tree. He even died at the place of the accident.

"Making music for years and spending lots of time and patience working together on the band SQUEALER, we became a little family through the years. That is why we are deeply shocked by this news and we still cannot really believe, that Andy can't be with us in the future anymore. Therefore, we have no concrete plans, concerning the continuity of SQUEALER, yet.

"Although we (and those who knew Andy better) know that Andy wouldn't have wanted us to close the chapter SQUEALER, we beg your understanding, that we need time for this consideration. When some time has passed, we will come together to discuss the future of the band and if the release of a new SQUEALER album, the material has almost been finished, makes sense. Of course, we will keep you up-to-date, concerning this issue.

"At the moment our sorrow is beyond words and our deep sympathy is with Andy's family!

"No matter what the decision regarding SQUEALER will be: We will never forget the wonderful times with Andy and in our thoughts 'Henner' will be with us on stage for eternity."

[

Source:	Blabbermouth, Squealer Homepage & Me...
Band profile:	Squealer

Germany's FLOWING TEARS have posted the following message on their web site:

"Right now we're about to start writing new songs and developing our vision of the next album. We will take all the time we might need to explore some exiting new ground without any pressure of a deadline in mind, and we're sure this process will enable us to deliver some great new material? that will be our focus for the first half of 2005. We'll keep you posted about the progress of our work? Nevertheless, we'll play a few well chosen festivals and shows during these months, so check the tour dates section from time to time! A few shows are already announced - some more will follow..."

FLOWING TEARS' most recent album, "Razorbliss", was released in March 2004 through Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Serpentine" was recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany with producer Waldemar Sorychta (THE GATHERING, LACUNA COIL, SENTENCED, MOONSPELL) and is the band's first to feature vocalist Helen Vogt, who replaced Stefanie Duchêne in 2003.

Upcoming FLOWING TEARS shows:

Feb. 27 - Tilburg, NETH - 013
Apr. 30 - Liège, BEL - Soundstation

Band profile:

Flowing Tears

The Seattle-based quintet NEVERMORE are currently wrapping up the songwriting process for their highly anticipated new album, set for a summer release. In February, the group will head to Backstage Studios in England to begin recording with legendary producer Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, OPETH). This will mark the group's first recording with guitarist Steve Smyth (ex-TESTAMENT). The band will proceed to debut some new material on a short European tour in March.

As previously reported, due to overwhelming demand, the group's critically acclaimed 2003 album, "Enemies of Reality", is currently being remixed by Sneap and will be repackaged with altered cover artwork, two promotional video clips (the title track and "I, Voyager") and a live video of the title track performed at Germany's Wacken Open Air festival this past summer.

The remixed "Enemies of Reality" will replace the existing version of the album in stores beginning in March. Fans who have already purchased the record and want to hear the new edition can special order it from the CenturyMedia.com web shop, where the CD itself will be sold individually (i.e., without jewel case and artwork) for $5, including shipping. The disc will be mailed in a CD sleeve; a link to a special web site containing the downloadable revised artwork will be included in order confirmation e-mails.

Warrel Dane (vocals) further describes his excitement over the album being remixed: "We're glad that we can all finally hear 'Enemies of Reality' the way it should have sounded in the first place. Andy's mixes sound brutal, and the infamous blanket of mud is gone. We're hard at work getting ready for the studio. The new material is shaping up to be some of our best work yet. We're psyched to get in the studio with Andy and tear it up again."

[

Source:	Blabbermouth]
Band profile:	Nevermore

In their next gig "scheduled for the 3rd of February. The show will take place at "Barby" club in Tel Aviv.
Open act: Excessum", the band will present their new members :

Oren Balbus - Vocals
Dror Goldstein - Drums
Auria Sapir - Guitars

http://www.eternalgray.com

Band profile:

Eternal Gray

Nuclear Blast have announced that CANDLEMASS, the Swedish Doomsquad around Leif Edling and Messiah Marcolin, have signed a new deal with the label.

After their return two years ago at several summer festivals, the band is more alive than ever. Although several rumours were spread that the band had split up again, Candlemass was in fact working on a new doompiece.

The new Candlemass album will be released on May 2nd and marks a return towards the band's classic sound of such albums like Nightfall and Tales Of Creation.

The album will be self titled.

Source:	bravewords.com
Band profile:	Candlemass

The finnish band have posted in their website their first demo "Helvetissä On Syntisen Taivas" and the video of the song "Haureus" from the album Kuolema. To Dowload them you must enter in their website http://www.ajattara.com/ and enter on the Gallery section.

Band profile:

Ajattara

According to a post on their oficial site the band from U.K. get a deal with the label Majesty Rock Records. The band is currently working on their new album "Magic Never Dies" that's is expect to be out at 6 June of 2005.

http://www.power-quest.co.uk/

Band profile:

Power Quest

Acording to a update posted in his website Bobby Jarzombek was working on the new Demons & Wizards as well with Roc Rock, here are his words:

"Hey all,
We're already two weeks into the New Year - high time to fill you in on what's been cooking and what's in store for the immediate future.

Last month I flew out to Tampa, Florida to record my drum tracks for the new Demons & Wizards CD. This was my first time recording at the famous Morrisound Studios and it was great working with Jim Morris. He's an excellent engineer/producer and gets some KILLER drum tones. Jon (Schaffer) and Hansi (Kuersch) wrote some real cool songs for this one. No release date as of yet though. Another album I recorded drums for a while back, Rob Rock's AFM debut "Holy Hell", should be out in April. My Halford band mate Roy Z co-wrote the tunes, produced and plays guitar on it so you know it's gonna rock!

Speaking of recordings, I recently did an interview with the 'Brazil Under Ice' Iced Earth fansite where I commented on several of my favorite CDs that I played on. Here's the link: http://www.icedearth.com.br/novidades05.php

For those of you that don't know, I released my drum video "Performance & Technique" on VHS a year and a half ago. Well, after a year of shooting new footage, editing, authoring, contract negotiations, etc. - it's finally done: My instructional drum DVD "Performance & Technique" has just been released by Warner Bros. Publications and will be making its debut appearance at the NAMM show this week in Anaheim, California from (Thur.) Jan. 20th - (Sun.) 23rd. "P&T" will be getting heavy rotation on the TVs in the Warner Bros. Publications booth (#3500) - so stop by and check it out.

The DVD version of "Performance & Technique" contains footage not included in the original VHS version including 4 bonus segments and PDF transcriptions for DVD-ROM. I will update my website in a couple of weeks with complete descriptions of the new segments and a link to order the "Performance & Technique" DVD.

Last but not least, I will also be making a couple of personal appearances at the NAMM show. I'll be at the Vic Firth Sticks booth (along with a few other drummers) at 3:00pm on Saturday doing a signing session and I'm also performing a drum solo at the Pearl Drums booth at 10:00 on Sunday morning. See you there!

Later,

Read more ››

Band profile:

Demons & Wizards

Now you have an exclusive chance to see the new video of HammerFall's "Blood Bound" song, the song will be released as a single on 28th of January.
And the new album, "Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken" will be out in March.

The link for the lowstreem video is:

http://www.aftonbladet.se/atv/player.html?catID=29&clipID=51

Source:	Sound Pollution Newsletter!
Band profile:	HammerFall

Once an underground phenomenon, the Canadian quartet STRAPPING YOUNG LAD are now on the verge of a major genre-defying breakthrough with Alien, their highly anticipated fourth studio album. This offering is quickly going to redefine the meaning of extreme. Follow the link (http://mp4.centurymedia.com/audio/syl_shitstorm.mp3) to download the mind-blowing track "Shitstorm" from Alien, the group's most maniacal and outlandish offering yet. Take some time to sit down, clear your mind and prepare yourself for devastation.

Beginning Feb. 8th the first segment of "The Making of Alien" will be online and a new installment will be posted each Tuesday leading up to the album's release on March 22nd.

STRAPPING YOUNG LAD documented their entire recording process, and the first four parts will provide an in-depth look into Armoury Studios (Kiss, Van Halen) where mastermind Devin Townsend (vocals, guitars) describes how the album was assembled.

Also, for the first time, fans can witness how Gene Hoglan (ex-Death, ex-Testament), Byron Stroud (now also in Fear Factory) and Jed Simon lay their tracks down. The final three parts of this series will focus on the more technical aspects (gear, settings, samples, etc.) of the recording.

The follow-up to the group's critically acclaimed 2003 release, SYL, is frontman Devin Townsend's personal cathartic outlet to unleash all of his angst, and it proves to be a very positive therapeutic experience for both him and his fans. The group also has extensive touring plans already in the works and expect an announcement to be made soon.

http://www.centurymedia.com/

Band profile:

Strapping Young Lad

Here is the note posted by the canadian band:

THOR has just signed a major multi-media contract
with the fast-rising label, Smog Veil Records (SV Records)

A new album, Thor Against The World has already been recorded,
and should be unleashed very soon. This is Rock the way Rock SHOULD
be tapping into and channeling the very heart & soul of the genre! It's
extremely catchy and addictive, with a timeless quality that will make it just
as fresh decades from now as it will be on its release.

A video has already been shot for the song: Glimmer (which will
include scenes from the upcoming movie, Murder in the Presidio
which will air on the USA Network on April 29, and features Thor).

Watch for a tour to be announced soon in support of this stellar album!

Besides the release of Thor Against the World (release date has not yet been set),
there is also a DVD in the works that will chronicle the Thor history.

For more information, keep checking www.thorcentral.com and www.smogveil.com

http://www.thorcentral.com/