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Celtic Legacy - Have Split Up
Celtic Legacy is sorry to announce that the band is to be put on hold indefinitely with immediate effect.
A statement from the band reads as follows: "We had already begun the process of following up "Guardian Of Eternity", but financial woes have put paid to the prospect of a new album. The band is in heavy debt following the recording of the previous CD. It was hoped that sales of the last release would finance new recordings but subsequent heavy downloading massively outstripped actual album sales, effectively putting paid to any chance we had of financing new projects.
Putting it simply - we're broke. We put everything we had into the last album, but the music scene has changed to the point where we simply can't afford any further band activity, especially with the recession adding to the money squeeze. We've made back only a fraction of the money it cost us to record the last album and we can't afford to do another one. It's as simple as that.
We would like to thank everyone who supported the band since it started way back in 1997. We've had our share of ups and downs since we began, but leaving 3 albums behind - all recorded and released using our own resources is an achievement we're all very proud of.
The band's websites will remain live and the albums will still be available to buy from those locations.
All members of the band go their separate ways on excellent terms and we would not rule out a return somewhere down the line. But for the present, we need to take a long time away until things drastically improve."
A statement from the band reads as follows: "We had already begun the process of following up "Guardian Of Eternity", but financial woes have put paid to the prospect of a new album. The band is in heavy debt following the recording of the previous CD. It was hoped that sales of the last release would finance new recordings but subsequent heavy downloading massively outstripped actual album sales, effectively putting paid to any chance we had of financing new projects.
Putting it simply - we're broke. We put everything we had into the last album, but the music scene has changed to the point where we simply can't afford any further band activity, especially with the recession adding to the money squeeze. We've made back only a fraction of the money it cost us to record the last album and we can't afford to do another one. It's as simple as that.
We would like to thank everyone who supported the band since it started way back in 1997. We've had our share of ups and downs since we began, but leaving 3 albums behind - all recorded and released using our own resources is an achievement we're all very proud of.
The band's websites will remain live and the albums will still be available to buy from those locations.
All members of the band go their separate ways on excellent terms and we would not rule out a return somewhere down the line. But for the present, we need to take a long time away until things drastically improve."
| Source: | celtic-legacy.com |
| Band profile: | Celtic Legacy |
Crystal Viper - Update From The Band
Polish female fronted True Heavy Metal act Crystal Viper have recorded a full-length track for the forthcoming "ReUnation - A Tribute To Running Wild" compilation (coming soon on Remedy Records). The song titled "Libertalia" was produced by Bart Gabriel (who also appeared with some backing vocals in the song). For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/reunation and http://www.running-wild.net.
Crystal Viper has lately also recorded another cover song: "Obsession (It Burns For You)" for the forthcoming "A Tribute To Virgin Steele" compilation. German fans will have occasion too see Crystal Viper live on stage at this year's edition of the mighty Magic Circle Festival, headliner by the legendary Kings Of Metal, Manowar (18.07.2009, Loreley).
The last Crystal Viper studio album titled "Metal Nation", was released earlier this year in Europe through Karthago Records, and in Japan by Spiritual Beast Records (limited vinyl version was published by the German High Roller Records). Special guest that took part in the recording were: Manni Schmidt of Grave Digger, Frank Knight of X-Wild/Wild Knight, and Lars Ramcke of Stormwarrior. The album was produced by Bart Gabriel, and mixed & mastered by the Grammy nominated Andy La Rocque (King Diamond, Hammerfall).
Read more ››
Crystal Viper has lately also recorded another cover song: "Obsession (It Burns For You)" for the forthcoming "A Tribute To Virgin Steele" compilation. German fans will have occasion too see Crystal Viper live on stage at this year's edition of the mighty Magic Circle Festival, headliner by the legendary Kings Of Metal, Manowar (18.07.2009, Loreley).
The last Crystal Viper studio album titled "Metal Nation", was released earlier this year in Europe through Karthago Records, and in Japan by Spiritual Beast Records (limited vinyl version was published by the German High Roller Records). Special guest that took part in the recording were: Manni Schmidt of Grave Digger, Frank Knight of X-Wild/Wild Knight, and Lars Ramcke of Stormwarrior. The album was produced by Bart Gabriel, and mixed & mastered by the Grammy nominated Andy La Rocque (King Diamond, Hammerfall).
Read more ››
| Source: | blogs.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Crystal Viper |
Atargatis - New Guitarist Found
Atargaris have completed the search for a suitable guitar player.
A message from the band reads as follows: "We're glad to tell you that we have the job on the guitar staffed again. Our new man on board of the Atargaris crew is Artur Vladinovskij and comes from Latvia.
Artur is going to perform at the upcoming shows with us already. The Nocturnal Culture Festival (Deutzen /D) on the 5th of September will be his live-baptism of fire with us.
We are pleased that in Artur we have found a professional, committed and highly amiable musician who is surely a great enrichment for the band. Welcome aboard, Artur!
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all applicants who came from all regions and countries around the world! We are sure that each of you will continue to follow a successful path. Also, we want to again thank our former guitarist AZMO to have helped us out at the Wave Gotik Treffen (Leipzig / D), without whom we would have had to cancel the gig."
Read more ››
A message from the band reads as follows: "We're glad to tell you that we have the job on the guitar staffed again. Our new man on board of the Atargaris crew is Artur Vladinovskij and comes from Latvia.
Artur is going to perform at the upcoming shows with us already. The Nocturnal Culture Festival (Deutzen /D) on the 5th of September will be his live-baptism of fire with us.
We are pleased that in Artur we have found a professional, committed and highly amiable musician who is surely a great enrichment for the band. Welcome aboard, Artur!
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all applicants who came from all regions and countries around the world! We are sure that each of you will continue to follow a successful path. Also, we want to again thank our former guitarist AZMO to have helped us out at the Wave Gotik Treffen (Leipzig / D), without whom we would have had to cancel the gig."
Read more ››
| Source: | blogs.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Atargatis |
Charon - Will Resume Writing New Material In August
Charon have issued the following update:
"We have together decided to take some time out from song writing and album production. As from today we are taking a two-month break from Charon to keep things meaningful and to search for relaxation and less stressed creative inspiration. We will continue writing songs in August when we will think through our working methods and scan for potential partners. A small break after 15 years of hard work gives all of us a great possibility to do other things and look at things from a distance.
After the release of "Songs for the Sinners", the last album for Spinefarm, we played intensively around Finland and Europe for two years. After extensive touring we have worked countless hours to make the next and the best Charon album ever. The last two years have gone by really fast and at the same time emerging writer's block has not made it easy for us. Lately we have felt that we have lost the ability to write great songs and playing has become forced. We want to be honest in all our work to ourselves and to our fans - and to make an album that we can stand behind. We will not settle for anything less. In addition, personal reasons and other music projects have had their influence on the pace of working.
During the break Charon will not play any shows in Finland or elsewhere. Playing the same setlist all over again has been a burden to us since we want to offer our fans the best experience on shows as well. We will return to the stage 8 August in Raahe, Finland and 4 September at the AngraRock festival in the Azores, Portugal."
"We have together decided to take some time out from song writing and album production. As from today we are taking a two-month break from Charon to keep things meaningful and to search for relaxation and less stressed creative inspiration. We will continue writing songs in August when we will think through our working methods and scan for potential partners. A small break after 15 years of hard work gives all of us a great possibility to do other things and look at things from a distance.
After the release of "Songs for the Sinners", the last album for Spinefarm, we played intensively around Finland and Europe for two years. After extensive touring we have worked countless hours to make the next and the best Charon album ever. The last two years have gone by really fast and at the same time emerging writer's block has not made it easy for us. Lately we have felt that we have lost the ability to write great songs and playing has become forced. We want to be honest in all our work to ourselves and to our fans - and to make an album that we can stand behind. We will not settle for anything less. In addition, personal reasons and other music projects have had their influence on the pace of working.
During the break Charon will not play any shows in Finland or elsewhere. Playing the same setlist all over again has been a burden to us since we want to offer our fans the best experience on shows as well. We will return to the stage 8 August in Raahe, Finland and 4 September at the AngraRock festival in the Azores, Portugal."
| Source: | blogs.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Charon |
Aisling - New Video Online
Aisling's new video "Bora" has been made available online. The song is taken from the band's latest album "Stone Of Light", released at the end of last year through Rising Records.
Read more ››
Read more ››
| Source: | myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Aisling |
Europe - To Release New Single, Video And Samples Online
Original news, posted on 31.05.2009
Europe have announced the following:
"Today (Friday 29th May) we're are proud to announce the imminent launch of the brand new single "Last Took At Eden" - the title track from the forthcoming album.
Released as a 3-track single and limited edition 5-track digipack, you will be able to order online via the band's official website. Nordic fans will also have the opportunity to pre-order the official "Almost Unplugged" DVD, recorded and re-edited live at Nalen in Stockholm.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on forthcoming releases."
UPDATE (thanks to 5933)
Europe have posted 30 second samples of two new songs coming from the band's latest single "Last Took At Eden". The songs are called "Last Took At Eden" and "U Devil U" and can be found here. Also, Europe's new video for the song "Last Took At Eden" can be watched below.
Read more ››
Europe have announced the following:
"Today (Friday 29th May) we're are proud to announce the imminent launch of the brand new single "Last Took At Eden" - the title track from the forthcoming album.
Released as a 3-track single and limited edition 5-track digipack, you will be able to order online via the band's official website. Nordic fans will also have the opportunity to pre-order the official "Almost Unplugged" DVD, recorded and re-edited live at Nalen in Stockholm.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on forthcoming releases."
UPDATE (thanks to 5933)
Europe have posted 30 second samples of two new songs coming from the band's latest single "Last Took At Eden". The songs are called "Last Took At Eden" and "U Devil U" and can be found here. Also, Europe's new video for the song "Last Took At Eden" can be watched below.
Read more ››
| Source: | blogs.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Europe |
Sonata Arctica - Guitarist To Release New Solo Album
Original news, posted on 30.04.2009
Sonata Arctica guitarist Elias Viljanen will release his third solo album via Spinefarm Records in mid-June. According to the label "the music of Elias Viljanen is much influenced by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. There will be 12 tracks on the album and 10 of the tracks will be instrumental. Marco Hietala and Tony Kakko will be the two singers performing on the album."
Apocalyptica drummer Mikko Sirén, Evergrey/ex-Stratovarius bassist Jari Kainulainen and Sonata Arctica keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg are also featured on the album. Audio samples will be added to Viljanen's MySpace page soon.
UPDATE (thanks to 5933)
Spinefarm Records has set a June 24 Finnish release date for the third solo album from Sonata Arctica guitarist Elias Viljanen, entitled "Fire-Hearted". According to the label "there will be 12 tracks on the album and 10 of the tracks will be instrumental." Guest musicians on the CD include vocalists Marco Hietala and Tony Kakko keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg (Sonata Arctica), bassist Jari Kainulainen and drummer Mikko Sirén.
"Fire-Hearted" tracklisting:
01. Fire-Hearted
02. Last Breath of Love (feat. Marco Hietala)
03. Cruel Groove
04. Kiss of Rain (feat. Tony Kakko)
05. Head up High
06. Up to Speed
07. Supernatural
08. One Tonight
09. The Triumph
10. My Guiding Light
11. Showstopper
12. Beautiful Piece
Read more ››
Sonata Arctica guitarist Elias Viljanen will release his third solo album via Spinefarm Records in mid-June. According to the label "the music of Elias Viljanen is much influenced by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. There will be 12 tracks on the album and 10 of the tracks will be instrumental. Marco Hietala and Tony Kakko will be the two singers performing on the album."
Apocalyptica drummer Mikko Sirén, Evergrey/ex-Stratovarius bassist Jari Kainulainen and Sonata Arctica keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg are also featured on the album. Audio samples will be added to Viljanen's MySpace page soon.
UPDATE (thanks to 5933)
Spinefarm Records has set a June 24 Finnish release date for the third solo album from Sonata Arctica guitarist Elias Viljanen, entitled "Fire-Hearted". According to the label "there will be 12 tracks on the album and 10 of the tracks will be instrumental." Guest musicians on the CD include vocalists Marco Hietala and Tony Kakko keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg (Sonata Arctica), bassist Jari Kainulainen and drummer Mikko Sirén.
"Fire-Hearted" tracklisting:
01. Fire-Hearted
02. Last Breath of Love (feat. Marco Hietala)
03. Cruel Groove
04. Kiss of Rain (feat. Tony Kakko)
05. Head up High
06. Up to Speed
07. Supernatural
08. One Tonight
09. The Triumph
10. My Guiding Light
11. Showstopper
12. Beautiful Piece
Read more ››
| Source: | eliasviljanen.com |
| Band profile: | Sonata Arctica |
Suidakra - New Guitarist Announced
Suidakra have issued the following update on their MySpace:
"Suidara is going to China! It will be a mini tour in June with three shows in Shenyang, Beijing and Shanghai, which will no doubt prove quite an experience for Chinese fans and the band alike! The trip will hopefully be filmed and documented in a tour diary like that of the US tour.
Suidakra are also pleased to welcome new guitar player Sebastian Hintz as a full band member. He's a hell of a nice guy and knows to rip his guitar and vocal cords on stage, plus he's already contributed some backing vocals on the latest record "Crógacht". Click here to find more info about the band members.
Suidakra will be featured on the forthcoming Running Wild sampler "ReUnation - A Tribute To Running Wild" (more info here and here). The track "Marooned" will be put through the Suidakra meat grinder and it will rip your wooden legs off, aye!"
Read more ››
"Suidara is going to China! It will be a mini tour in June with three shows in Shenyang, Beijing and Shanghai, which will no doubt prove quite an experience for Chinese fans and the band alike! The trip will hopefully be filmed and documented in a tour diary like that of the US tour.
Suidakra are also pleased to welcome new guitar player Sebastian Hintz as a full band member. He's a hell of a nice guy and knows to rip his guitar and vocal cords on stage, plus he's already contributed some backing vocals on the latest record "Crógacht". Click here to find more info about the band members.
Suidakra will be featured on the forthcoming Running Wild sampler "ReUnation - A Tribute To Running Wild" (more info here and here). The track "Marooned" will be put through the Suidakra meat grinder and it will rip your wooden legs off, aye!"
Read more ››
| Source: | blogs.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Suidakra |
Apocalyptica - Official Statement About Illegal Use Of Their Song 'Path'
"This is on an official statement by the band about the illegal use of our song 'Path' in a tv and internet commercial in the Czech Republic.
Apocalyptica always supports minorities, stands up for human rights, respects every human being, no matter their colour, ethnic background or religion, worldwide.
Apocalyptica also supports the idea of a united Europe and the European Union.
We hope it is a clear statement that we would never allow the Czech Republican party 'Národní Strana' to use any of our music. The fact is, we were never asked if they could use our material.
Beside the fact that we are mortified by the illegal use, 'Národní Strana' has contravened the law with the owners of the rights for the song 'Path' in Czech Republic, who are Universal Music Publishing and Universal Music.
Both companies will start legal proceedings against the party now.
APOCALYPTICA
Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso and Mikko Siren"
Apocalyptica always supports minorities, stands up for human rights, respects every human being, no matter their colour, ethnic background or religion, worldwide.
Apocalyptica also supports the idea of a united Europe and the European Union.
We hope it is a clear statement that we would never allow the Czech Republican party 'Národní Strana' to use any of our music. The fact is, we were never asked if they could use our material.
Beside the fact that we are mortified by the illegal use, 'Národní Strana' has contravened the law with the owners of the rights for the song 'Path' in Czech Republic, who are Universal Music Publishing and Universal Music.
Both companies will start legal proceedings against the party now.
APOCALYPTICA
Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso and Mikko Siren"
| Source: | metalfromfinland.com |
| Band profile: | Apocalyptica |
Stratovarius - Entire New Album Available For Streaming
"Polaris", the new album from Finnish melodic metallers Stratovarius, is available for streaming in its entirety on http://ilike.com/artist/Stratovarius. The CD will be released in the U.S. on May 26 via Armoury Records.
Here are the "Polaris" cover artwork and tracklisting again:
01. Deep Unknown
02. Falling Star
03. King Of Nothing
04. Blind
05. Winter Skies
06. Forever Is Today
07. Higher We Go
08. Somehow Precious
09. Emancipation Suite: I Dusk
10. Emancipation Suite: II Dawn
11. When Mountains Fall
Read more ››
Here are the "Polaris" cover artwork and tracklisting again:
01. Deep Unknown
02. Falling Star
03. King Of Nothing
04. Blind
05. Winter Skies
06. Forever Is Today
07. Higher We Go
08. Somehow Precious
09. Emancipation Suite: I Dusk
10. Emancipation Suite: II Dawn
11. When Mountains Fall
Read more ››
| Source: | ilike.com |
| Band profile: | Stratovarius |
Kimaera - First Album Details Revealed
Cover art and tracklist of the upcoming Kimaera album, entitled "Solitary Impact", have been revealed. "Solitary Impact" will be also released under the Russian label StygianCrypt productions, but no date is set yet.
Check out the new and updated website for all the info you need about Kimaera and the new album (including cover art), and to stay updated with the Kimaera news.
"Solitary Impact" tracklist:
01. Bloody Tourniquet
02. A Breath Of Despair
03. A Silent Surrender
04. Solitary Impact
05. Holy Grief
06. In The Shade Of Nephilim
07. All The I Am
08. The Taste Of Treason
09. Of Wine And Woe
10. The Garden Tomb
Read more ››
Check out the new and updated website for all the info you need about Kimaera and the new album (including cover art), and to stay updated with the Kimaera news.
"Solitary Impact" tracklist:
01. Bloody Tourniquet
02. A Breath Of Despair
03. A Silent Surrender
04. Solitary Impact
05. Holy Grief
06. In The Shade Of Nephilim
07. All The I Am
08. The Taste Of Treason
09. Of Wine And Woe
10. The Garden Tomb
Read more ››
| Source: | kimaera.info |
| Band profile: | Kimaera |
X Wild - Ex-Vocalist Forms New Band
Legendary vocalist Frank Knight (X-Wild, also known for his work with such bands as U.D.O., Accept, Majesty and Crystal Viper), and guitarist Majk Moti (Running Wild) have formed a brand new heavy metal band called Wild Knight.
The group's lineup is as follows:
Frank Knight - Vocals
Majk Moti - Guitar
Rob Ronson - Guitar
Simon Strangeway - Bass
Robin Hazelhurst - Drums
Wild Knight will make its live debut at the Hard Rocker Festival II in Katowice, Poland, on September 26. Their live show will include classic X-Wild and Running Wild songs. Also scheduled to appear are Mekong Delta, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Wizard, Lonewold and many others.
Wild Knight is working on material for its debut studio album, scheduled for 2010. The band will also record a cover of the Running Wild song "Tsar" for the forthcoming official Running Wild tribute album titled "ReUnaton" (Remedy Records).
Read more ››
The group's lineup is as follows:
Frank Knight - Vocals
Majk Moti - Guitar
Rob Ronson - Guitar
Simon Strangeway - Bass
Robin Hazelhurst - Drums
Wild Knight will make its live debut at the Hard Rocker Festival II in Katowice, Poland, on September 26. Their live show will include classic X-Wild and Running Wild songs. Also scheduled to appear are Mekong Delta, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Wizard, Lonewold and many others.
Wild Knight is working on material for its debut studio album, scheduled for 2010. The band will also record a cover of the Running Wild song "Tsar" for the forthcoming official Running Wild tribute album titled "ReUnaton" (Remedy Records).
Read more ››
| Source: | blogs.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | X Wild |
Mythopoeia - Former Vocalist Forms New Band
Ex-Mythopoeia member Patra Krajcerova has formed a new band, called Fortis Natura. The band are about to release a promo demo called "Duality".
"Duality" will feature the following three songs:
01. Ethereal Sample (mp3)]
02. Change The Future Sample (mp3)]
03. Fortification
The complete Fortis Natura line up looks as follows:
Petra Krajcerova - guitars/vocals
Forkwin - bass
Pepe - Drums
Read more ››
"Duality" will feature the following three songs:
01. Ethereal Sample (mp3)]
02. Change The Future Sample (mp3)]
03. Fortification
The complete Fortis Natura line up looks as follows:
Petra Krajcerova - guitars/vocals
Forkwin - bass
Pepe - Drums
Read more ››
| Source: | myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Mythopoeia |
Forgotten Tomb - Update From The Band
Forgotten Tomb have issued the following update regarding their recent activities:
"The new monumental double live in studio "VOL.5: 1999-2009" has been finally mastered and it's ready to enter the printing factory. This means we'll have it out and available pretty soon, like in June 2009 or so. Negotiations with the label who's gonna release it are work-in-progress too. An European release will come first, then a US release will follow shortly after. New samples from 3 songs of it are online now! Be sure to check them out and leave a comment, and spread the word!
In the meantime, the band has been confirmed for the big Italian open-air festival Agglutination XV and a few other gigs, be sure to check them out! The band is also working hard on the new full-lenght album "Under Saturn Retrograde", and it's negotiating a deal with labels to produce it and release it. The band could enter the studio again soon to record it, most probably in the end of 2009."
Read more ››
"The new monumental double live in studio "VOL.5: 1999-2009" has been finally mastered and it's ready to enter the printing factory. This means we'll have it out and available pretty soon, like in June 2009 or so. Negotiations with the label who's gonna release it are work-in-progress too. An European release will come first, then a US release will follow shortly after. New samples from 3 songs of it are online now! Be sure to check them out and leave a comment, and spread the word!
In the meantime, the band has been confirmed for the big Italian open-air festival Agglutination XV and a few other gigs, be sure to check them out! The band is also working hard on the new full-lenght album "Under Saturn Retrograde", and it's negotiating a deal with labels to produce it and release it. The band could enter the studio again soon to record it, most probably in the end of 2009."
Read more ››
| Source: | blogs.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Forgotten Tomb |
Swallow The Sun - New Drummer Found
Swallow the Sun's new drummer was announced today on the band's website:
"Kai Hahto to play with Swallow the Sun
We are glad to announce that Kai Hahto (Wintersun, ex-Rotten Sound) will be playing drums on our forthcoming album and live shows next summer.
We have known Kai for years, and we have worked with him earlier when he played with us on our North American tour back in 2007. Knowing what he's capable of behind the drum set we are really excited about working with him again. We are confident that he can deliver drum parts that will not only perfectly fit the trademark Swallow the Sun -sound, but take it even further. We'll start rehearsing with him at the end of this month, and we'll keep you posted on how the album is coming up!"
"Kai Hahto to play with Swallow the Sun
We are glad to announce that Kai Hahto (Wintersun, ex-Rotten Sound) will be playing drums on our forthcoming album and live shows next summer.
We have known Kai for years, and we have worked with him earlier when he played with us on our North American tour back in 2007. Knowing what he's capable of behind the drum set we are really excited about working with him again. We are confident that he can deliver drum parts that will not only perfectly fit the trademark Swallow the Sun -sound, but take it even further. We'll start rehearsing with him at the end of this month, and we'll keep you posted on how the album is coming up!"
| Source: | metalfromfinland.com |
| Band profile: | Swallow The Sun |