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Children Of Bodom - Drop Off Lamb Of God Tour

Official press release

Award-winning Finnish heavy metal band Children Of Bodom was forced to cancel its remaining live dates as part of the "No Fear Energy Tour" with Lamb Of God due to injuries sustained by guitarist and front man Alexi Laiho. Laiho, 30, broke his shoulder two weeks ago when he was ejected from his tour bus bunk after the vehicle took a sharp turn. Laiho and Children Of Bodom are touring North America in support of the band's critically acclaimed album "Blooddrunk". The axe slinger was recently named as the world's "Best Metal Guitarist" in the 15th annual Guitar World reader's poll.

Against recommendation, Laiho had decided to "bite the bullet" and remain on tour, wearing the arm in a sling to restrict movement at all times when he was not on stage. But after performing ten live dates with both the broken shoulder and internal bleeding, the toll became too much for the guitar hero to endure and Children Of Bodom made the decision to cut its current tour short, placing Laiho's long-term health as its first priority.

"After the New York show (on May 9) I knew it was going to be over," commented Laiho in an official statement. "During the 3rd song I started feeling like someone was stabbing me in my lungs, my heart and my ribs. That was the kind of pain that neither stubbornness, painkillers, nor alcohol could alleviate. I wanted to try to keep going but after seeing a second doctor in Philadelphia, I was basically told that I could fuck myself up for life if I don't stop playing. Against all recommendation, I have played and sang for the last 10 days in violent pain which has only made my condition worsen. So, I decided to listen to everyone around me, who were telling me the best thing to do would be to go home and get some proper rest and give my shoulder some time to heal."

"This was a hard decision for me and I feel bad about it," he continued. "But it is the right thing to do if I want to keep making music. I apologize to our great fans for not being there for the remaining shows and I want to thank all the guys from the other bands; Lamb Of God, As I Lay Dying, God Forbid and Municipal Waste for backing me up on this. Most of all I want to thank our fans for still being there, showing support, and continuing to rock out with me! I promise I will be back and I hope you all will too! Horns up!"

After a few weeks rest, Children Of Bodom will start their European summer festival run on May 30th from Rock Hard Festival 2009 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. All summer festival dates will go down as planned and remain unaffected by Alexi's injury!

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Source: cobhc.com
Band profile: Children Of Bodom
Event: No Fear Energy Music Tour
Posted: 12.05.2009 by Bad English | Comments (44)


Amorphis - New Video Online

"Silver Bride", the new video from Finnish metallers Amorphis, has been made available online. The clip was directed by Owe Lingvall.

Commented guitarist Esa Holopainen: "Director Owe Lingvall did a great job with "Silver Bride". We are very happy how the video came out and it really serves the song."

"Silver Bride" comes off the band's forthcoming album, entitled "Skyforger", which is scheduled for release on May 27 in Finland (May 29 in Europe) via Nuclear Blast Records.


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Source: metalfromfinland.com
Band profile: Amorphis
Posted: 11.05.2009 by Bad English | Comments (14)


Europe - To Release "Almost Unplugged" DVD

Swedish hard rockers Europe have issued the short following update:

"Europe are proud to announce the upcoming release of their much-anticipated "Almost Unplugged" DVD, recorded live at Nalen in Stockholm, 2008. Presented in outstanding 5.1 DTS sound, this unique performance has been re-edited to 16.9 format for full-screen viewing. The "Almost Unplugged" DVD is due for release across Scandinavia, Europe, Japan and the US in the months to come.

Swedish fans will soon have the opportunity to pre-order autographed copies of the DVD on the band's official website. Stay tuned for more!"

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Europe
Posted: 10.05.2009 by Bad English | Comments (6)


Moonspell - Belarussian Shows Canceled

Moonspell have issued the following statement regarding the cancelled Minsk show:

"We are extremely disappointed by the fact we had to cancel the shows. The reasons on both Neopolis and Cradle Of Filth site is accurate but Moonspell might add that the bands' buses entered Belarus territory and were meeting for possible solutions for the day. On the event that the truck with ALL of our tour equipment was held due to a bureaucratic detail in the border made all our efforts worthless.

We have planned carefully this trip with the promoter, with the embassies and were caught off guard by an excessive zeal from the border staff.

Goes without saying that all the bands were eagerly anticipating the show as it was a premiere for everyone. We can assure you we are doing our best to reschedule the show and we are pretty sure we will do so up to the end of the year, the sooner, the better, though no specific date can be advanced so far.

Thanks for your comprehension, we understand and share the frustration but look forward to make it up for you on a near future."

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Moonspell
Posted: 28.04.2009 by Bad English | Comments (0)


Sideburn - New Song Online

Sideburn have added one of their new songs "Shapes" to the MySpace player.

Guitarist Morgan Zocek added: "Last week we sent out some new material to a lot of labels, and we already have been contacted by a couple of really welknown labels who have shown great interest in our new material. So stay tuned for updates."

A few weeks ago, the band announced the following:

"We have now finished the recording and mixing of our new album "The Demons Dance" in XTC Studios (Stockholm) once again with Ulf Wahlberg as Co Producer (mastering will be completed in the nextcoming week). The recording and mixing took place between the end of January to the beginning of April. We have had a great and inspiring time in the studio and the end result is amazing (can't wait to show the new material to the world)."

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Sideburn
Posted: 28.04.2009 by Bad English | Comments (0)


Stratovarius - New Video Available

"Deep Unknown", the new video from Stratovarius has been released.

"Deep Unknown" will appear on the forthcoming Stratovarius album, "Polaris". "Polaris" will be available in Europe on May 21 via the band's new label partner Edel under the new imprint earMUSIC outside of Asia and the band's longtime record company in Asia, JVC

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Source: metalfromfinland.com
Band profile: Stratovarius
Posted: 24.04.2009 by Bad English | Comments (19)


Abramis Brama - New Album Details

Abramis Brama have issued the following update:

"Yes folk's, thing are actually happening in this end! The releasedate for our new album "Smakar Söndag" has officially been set to 13th of May. The album contains 11 songs of fresh bream. On the 20th of May we will have a releaseparty including one hell of a live-gig on Pub Anchor, Sveavägen 90, Stockholm, Sweden. Our first gig in Stockholm for about a year and a half so expect new songs, old songs, singalongs andwhatnot and testosteroneswinging, footstomping music. Did I mention that the day after is a holiday so you can drink strong lemonade and stay up very late if needed? Well, now you know."

Here's the tracklist of "Smakar Söndag" cover art]:

01. Kylan Kommer Inifrån
02. Sista Morgonljuset
03. Smakar Söndag
04. N.E.J.
05. Långsamt
06. Vägskäl
07. Enkel Resa
08. Med Ont Försåt
09. Öga För Öga
10. Förbjuden Frukt
11. Kommer Hem

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Abramis Brama
Posted: 22.04.2009 by Bad English | Comments (0)


Motorband - New Album Streaming Online

Czech heavy metal band Motorband are about to release their new album called 'Heart of the Machine' on 15 June. It will be the band's first album in English.
The album is available on the band's myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/motorbandd

'Heart of the Machine' cover art and tracklisting:

01. Heart of the Machine
02. The Best of You
03. Turn the Hourglass
04. Cannibal in My Head
05. I'm Rocking Hero
06. Don't Make Me Cry
07. Heartbroken
08. Higher Than Eagles Fly
09. Turn Me On
10. Tell Me Why
11. If You Want It
12. I'm Going to Fly
13. Hi Di Ho
14. Amore Vittoria

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Motorband
Posted: 21.04.2009 by Bad English | Comments (0)


Ashes You Leave - New Songs Available For Streaming

Ashes You Leave have issued the following update: "As you already know, due to technical problems, the release of our new album "Songs For The Lost" is slightly delayed. While we wait for the confirmation of the new release date, we decided to make more of our new songs available for streaming."

The songs are called "The Feast", "Taints" and also "Stranded" was available for streaming online. All songs can be found here.

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Source: myspace.com
Band profile: Ashes You Leave
Posted: 13.04.2009 by Bad English | Comments (0)


Hammerfall - Live Stream Today

The Hammerfall show from Dock's in Hamburg on Monday, March 23rd will be broadcasted live, both on the Nuclear Blast and Hammerfall websites. The show starts at 22:00 CET.

Hammerfall are currently touring Europe with Sabaton and Bullet.

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Source: hammerfall.net
Band profile: HammerFall
Event: Hammerfall: European Tour
Posted: 23.03.2009 by Bad English | Comments (14)


Metallica - James Hetfield Hospitalazed, Show Re-Scheduled

Metallica's second Stockholm show at March 8th has been cancelled due to James Hetfield falling ill and receiving medical attention at the hospital. The show will be re-scheduled for May 4, 2009.

A message from Hetfield reads as follows:

"James here, alive, at about 80% but getting better. I want to say sorry for missing the second Stockholm gig on Sunday due to illness. The cause/diagnosis at the hospital was narrowed down to either a 24hr virus or a bad oyster... yes, hate to admit, an oyster could have taken me down.

I acknowledge and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused fans who had travelled near and far for the show. I had done everything possible to make it, and was at the point of falling if I stood up. On a lighter note since my illness, the support band 'Swedish Oyster Cult' will be thrown off the tour."

In the meantime the band posted the following statement:

"Oysters be damned, we're coming back to Stockholm, Sweden! Those of you who were at Globen on Sunday, March 8 know that unfortunately James was ill that day and we were unable to perform. That show has now been re-scheduled for May 4, so hold on to your tickets and we're hoping that you can make it back... we'll be there!

The ticket that you have for the show originally planned for Sunday will be your entry to the Globen for the May 4th show. If for some reason you cannot join us on that day, please visit the place you purchased the tickets for a full refund.

Again, our sincere apologies to all of you who traveled from near and far to Stockholm. As a minor token of our appreciation, and hopefully to make up for some of your inconvenience, everyone who goes to the May 4 show will receive a free download of that night's show at http://www.livemetallica.com. As you enter the arena that night, you'll be handed a card with instructions on how to get your free mp3 of the show."

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Source: metallica.com
Band profile: Metallica
Event: Metallica: World Magnetic - More European Style Tour
Posted: 13.03.2009 by Bad English | Comments (11)


Sapattivuosi - Marco Hietala Joins The Band

MetalFromFinland is passing the word that Sapattivuosi, the band that plays Black Sabbath songs in Finnish, has announced Marco Hietala (Nightwish, Tarot, Northern Kings) as their new vocalist.

Marco Hietala talks about becoming the vocalist for Sapattivuosi: "I wanted to join Sapattivuosi cause for me it's almost like a cultural act. I mean the songs are perhaps the best in the world and if by doing this I can get even one younger metalhead to go and buy remastered versions of "Heaven and Hell" or "Mob Rules", I consider my job done!"

Sapattivuosi are releasing their new album "Ihmisen Merkki" on April 1st and it contains songs from Black Sabbath albums "Heaven And Hell" and "Mob Rules". The tracklisting for the album is:

01. Pelon Lait (Neon Knights)
02. Maalaistyttö (Country Girl)
03. Uneen Hukkuneet (Children Of The Sea)
04. Tuli Ja Maa (heaven and hell)
05. Laki 666 (Mob Rules)
06. Valtaa (Voodoo)
07. Yö Saa (Die Young)
08. Ihmisen Merkki (The Sign Of The Southern Cross)

More information about Sapattivuosi on http://www.myspace.com/sapattivuosi.

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Source: metalfromfinland.com
Band profile: Tarot
Posted: 09.03.2009 by Bad English | Comments (10)


Onslaught - Two Irish Dates Announced

Onslaught guitarist Nige Rockett has posted the following update on the band's MySpace:

"Onslaught are coming back to Ireland. We will be visiting all our friends in the North and the South on the weekend of August 28th/29th. Firstly we play Belfast for the first time in 18 years at The Spring & Airbrake on Friday 28th August. Then on Saturday 29th August we head South to play at the Low End Festival in Waterford.

Fuck! It's gonna be a banging weekend, as always when we hit Ireland. It really doesn't seem like 18 years since we last played Belfast, we're really looking forward to getting back there once more, we have so many awesome memories of our previous visits, all of which were totally insane from start to finish. This will be our first time in Waterford - Southern Ireland, which is gonna be real cool and i'm sure we'll be meeting up with lots of our drinking partners down there too haha. Again so many fantastic & crazy memories from our many visits to Dublin, Cork and Sligo. It's always such a great pleasure to play for you Guys / Girls from North & South, long may you invite us back."

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Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Onslaught
Posted: 09.03.2009 by Bad English | Comments (0)


Amon Amarth - Latin American Dates Announced

For the first time Amon Amarth will finally go to South America. The band comments: "This is something we've been waiting for and working on for a very long time! We know a lot of our friends and fans have been waiting for this for a very long time but it has not been possible for us to go there until now. All we can say is that it's about time! We will also return once again to Mexico, these dates are confirmed so far:"

05.05 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - The End
07.05 - Santiago de Chile, Chile - Teatro Novedades
08.05 - Montevideo, Uruguay - (Venue to be announced)
10.05 - Sao Paulo, Brazil - Citibank Hall
12.05 - Caracas, Venezuela - (venue to be announced)
14.05 - Bogota, Colombia - Teatro metropol
16.05 - San Jose, Costa Rica - (venue to be announced)
17.05 - Mexico City, Mexico - Circo Volador

Source: blogs.myspace.com
Band profile: Amon Amarth
Event: Amon Amarth
Posted: 26.02.2009 by Bad English | Comments (10)


Warmen - Working On New Album

Children Of Bodom keyboardist Janne Wirman is currently working on the fourth album from his Warmen project, tentatively due later in the year. One of the new cover songs the band is working on is Janet Jackson's "Black Cat", featuring a guest appearance by the finnish pop/rock queen Jonna Kosonen. Other guest singers scheduled to appear on the CD include Alexi Laiho and Pasi Rantanen (ex-Thunderstone).

Interviewed in January, Warmen guitarist and Janne's brother Antti Wirman revealed that the album would be heavier than the band's previous output, with more aggressive guitar riffs. There will be just two instrumental tracks, and every song has a different singer. According to Antti, the next Warmen album will be the group's strongest effort to date because it has "the best songs, best vocalists and the best sounds."

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Source: metalfromfinland.com
Band profile: Warmen
Posted: 21.02.2009 by Bad English | Comments (13)