Official press release

Dear friends, colleagues and metal-heads!

Roadrunner Records is very excited to announce the signing of this outstanding metal band from Stockholm/Sweden!

Grand Magus is a 3-piece band featuring: "JB" Christofferson - guitars & lead vocals, Fox Skinner - bass & backing vocals, Sebastian "SEB" Sippola - drums.

During their 10-year history, Grand Magus have released 2 demos, 1 split-EP and 4 full-length albums, and have received overwhelmingly positive reviews throughout. Their last opus, Iron Will was voted "Album of the Month" in the German Metal Hammer & Rock Hard magazines. Drawing hefty influences from the hand-on-heart grandeur of the NWOBHM and the inspirational mythology of their forbears, Grand Magus are steeped in pre-Christian tales of triumph, vengeance, betrayal, wisdom and death. But Grand Magus also stand for energetic live performances as seen at this year's European festivals such as Sweden Rock (SE), Hellfest (FR), Wacken (D), Summer Breeze (D) or on tour in Europe with bands like At The Gates, Cathedral, Candlemass, Tyrant, Serpentcult and Electric Wizard.

Roadrunner Records is proud to be releasing their upcoming album, Hammer of the North in spring/early summer of 2010 (tba). On this release, Grand Magus have perfected their own style of full-on metal assault with fantastic heavy riffing and stomping songs, strong hook-lines, epic vocals/lyrics and rousing solo guitars. Hammer of the North is not only the title of a new album in the band's catalogue, it's going to be a strong statement from Grand Magus: Hammer of the North - this is pure Heavy Metal!

Grand Magus: "We are thrilled with working with Roadrunner Records. We regard this as both a great sign of recognition, and most importantly a chance for us to really push ourselves and the music to the point of perfection. We are confident that the team of us and Roadrunner will be something really special."

Henk Hakker (MD Roadrunner Records/Germany): "It is very exciting for Roadrunner Records Germany to sign excellent European bands like Grand Magus, in order to prove that not only American metal can be successful worldwide. I am confident that we will be able to create the right infrastructure around Grand Magus in order to support the best records in their career and to get them on to the next level."

Chris Klimek (A&R Roadrunner Records): "I'm very happy and proud about the fact that this fantastic band has finally signed to Roadrunner, as we haven't been the only label grabbing at them. All members in Grand Magus are fantastic musicians: JB is a marvellous singer and guitarist. Seb and Fox are great instrumentalists and the steam-rolling backing in this band. The natural, organic and timeless sound of Grand Magus, plus their 100% eager, authentic and passionate heavy metal-attitude and coolness marks them out as absolutely special in the whole scene! I'm really looking forward to a mutually rewarding future with these great guys! Skol!"

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Grand Magus

Live Xecution - Party.San 2008, the new DVD from US metallers Obituary, will be released in January 2010 via Regain Records.

A DVD trailer from Live Xecution - Party.San 2008 can be viewed at this location.

Live Xecution - Party.San 2008 cover art] tracklist:

01. Find the Arise
02. On the Floor
03. Chopped in Half
04. Turned Inside Out
05. Forces Realign
06. Insane
07. Face Your God
08. Dethroned Emperor (Celtic Frost cover)
09. Evil Ways
10. Drop Dead
11. Contrast the Dead
12. Second Chance
13. Stand Alone
14. Slow Death
15. Slowly We Rot


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Source:	youtube.com
Band profile:	Obituary

French metallers Destinity will release their forthcoming album, XI Reasons To See, on February 22, 2010 in Europe (March in the US) via Lifeforce Records.

The album was recorded at the Hansen Studios (Denmark) with Jacob Hansen (Destruction, Maroon, Hatesphere, Illdisposed).

Also a video teaser of XI Reasons To See can be viewed at this location.

XI Reasons To See cover art] tracklist:

01. Negative Eyes Control
02. Just Before...
03. A Dead Silence
04. Rule Of The Rope
05. To Touch The Ground
06. When They Stand Still
07. Got Smile Sticking
08. Witness
09. Your Demonic Defense
10. Self Lies Addiction
11. Silent Warfare


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Source:	youtube.com
Band profile:	Destinity

Official press release

Legendary Sumerian black / thrash monsters Melechesh just announced the newest addition to their ranks - the band has finally found their new bass player.

Rahm who has sessioned during the last several festivals proved to be an excellent addition to the group's ranks.

Commented Rahm: "I am honored and proud to be the new bass player of the Mesopotamian metal band Melechesh. The last year I played 9 shows and I am ready for what is coming in the future. I think this is a big chance for me to do new things with excellent music and musicians!"

Commented Ashmedi: "After several shows with Rahm he proved to be a very good musician, and he has shown outstanding energy and positive attitude both on stage and off stage. And believe me offstage matters a lot when you are travelling and spending a lot of time together on the road. I am very glad he is a part of the Melechesh order."

Melechesh would like to thank all the bass players worldwide who have applied for the position and shown a great deal of initiative we respect and appreciate you.

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Source:	nuclearblast.de
Band profile:	Melechesh

"Your Decision", the new video from Alice In Chains, has been made available online.

"Your Decision" comes off the band's latest album, Black Gives Way To Blue, which was released on September this year via Parlophone Records and EMI.


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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Alice In Chains

"Obfuscation", the new video from US metallers Between The Buried And Me, has been made available online.

"Obfuscation" comes off the band's latest album, The Great Misdirect, which was released on October 27, 2009 via Victory Records.


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Source:	youtube.com
Band profile:	Between The Buried And Me

Official press release

Napalm Records is very proud to announce that the North American group Monster Magnet has joined their ranks.

The legendary New Jersey rock outfit, who have released a string of cult classics since the early nineties, signed a worldwide record deal with the Austrian label and are currently working on new songs, which will shake the foundations of the rock scene!

Charismatic frontman Dave Wyndorf: "I'm really looking forward to joining the roster at Napalm Records and working with them on future endeavours. Our plan is to record our next studio album with Matt Hyde starting in January, for a release early this summer. And with a new album comes a new run or two of live shows! Stay tuned - we're comin' to your town!"

Markus Riedler, Napalm Records Managing Director: "It is an honour to cooperate with a scene icon such as Dave Wyndorf! He's very enthusiastic, full of energy and together, we want to rock through the coming years! The new album will be killer and fans should make sure to check out the high-energy live show of the band! 2010 will be the year of Monster Magnet!"

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Monster Magnet

Official press release

Pulverised Records is very pleased to announce the official signing of Norwegian Black Metallers Den Saakaldte!

Consisting of some of Black Metal's most notorious and prolific musicians and founded by main songwriter / guitarist Sykelig (ex-Gorgoroth session guitar player), Den Saakaldte previously released the monumental debut Øl, Mørke Og Depresjon (which translates to "Beer, Darkness And Depression") and also in early 2009 with the remarkably depressive full-length effort All Hail Pessimism, that eventually instituted the band a lot of positive rave reviews and exceptional attention worldwide.

Comments Den Saakaldte's founder / guitar player Mikael Sykelig: "We are proud to announce that Den Saakaldte's new record label is to be Pulverised Records. In our opinion, Pulverised is currently one of the most upcoming labels you can find. They work hard for their bands, and just seeing the names that they have on their roster is enough to know that their goals, and standards, are set very high indeed. We are delighted that our new album will be released on Pulverised, especially at a time when the label is going from strength to strength, and very much look forward to working closely with them."

Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin states: "It was quite a pleasant surprise when the email came in from Mikael, and he was wondering if there would be a possibility of us working together for their new album. Den Saakaldte very quickly established their reputation in the scene in just a period of a few years since their formation, and it was obvious that the band had already became a force to be reckoned with. There was not a single doubt about signing Den Saakaldte and an agreement was worked out almost immediately. We have absolute confidence that the band will outdo themselves and create yet another phenomenal follow-up full-length effort, filled with utter anguish and despondency."

Den Saakaldte's forthcoming album and first with Pulverised Records, will be entitled as Kapittel II: Faen I Helvete, scheduled for release Fall of 2010.

Den Saakaldte recently announced a line-up change in the ranks, with drummer Jarle "Uruz" Byberg (ex-Shining, ex-Urgehal) leaving the band. Further details on the replacement of the new drummer will be made soon.

In other Den Saakaldte-related news, the band will be part of the "Skandinavisk Pessimisme Omringer Europa Tour", touring alongside Troll and Sargeist from March 2010 onwards.

Read more ››

Source:	pulverised.net
Band profile:	Den Saakaldte

UK metallers Bolt Thrower will embark on an European tour in April/May 2010.

The band adds: "All the shows are now confirmed, you can find them here. We, for one, are really looking forward to these shows, we'll be playing some of our favourite old haunts, also revisiting places we've haven't played in years. We hope that by playing such a variety of shows, from intimate clubs to larger open air festivals there will be something for everyone. We'll be trying to make every show memorable, so watch this space for further details. Tickets for the club shows will go on sale as soon the support bands and door prices are confirmed."

Confirmed dates are as follows:

Apr. 29 - Enschede, Netherlands - Atak
Apr. 30 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
May 01 - London, England - ULU
May 02 - Dublin, Ireland - The Button Factory
May 03 - Belfast, Northern Ireland - The Limelight
May 04 - Leeds, UK - Rio's
May 05 - Wrexham, UK - Central Station
May 06 - Birmingham, UK - The Asylum
May 07 - Paris, France - Le Trabendo
May 08 - Lyon, France - CCO
May 09 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix (Hof Ter Lo)
May 11 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
May 12 - Prague, Czech Republic - Abaton
May 13 - Dessau, Germany - Metalfest Open Air Germany
May 14 - Mining Am Inn, Austria - Metalfest Open Air Austria
May 15 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Metalfest Open Air Switzerland
May 16 - Luxembourg, Luxembourg - Kulturfabrik

Read more ››

Source:	boltthrower.com
Band profile:	Bolt Thrower
Event:	Bolt Thrower: European Tour

Australian metallers Vanishing Point have issued the very short following update on their official website:

"Vanishing Point are firmly locked away in the studio writing for their 5th studio album. The new record will be released in 2010 - currently there is no title."

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Source:	vanishing-point.com.au
Band profile:	Vanishing Point

US metallers Prototype have issued the following update on their official website:

"Prototype will begin recording their new, as yet untitled, album next week in Los Angeles with Neil Kernon.

The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Continuum will be the band's third album and also marks the return of drummer Pat Magrath. Magrath will be laying down his drum tracks for the album with Neil Kernon at the helm, after which Prototype will return to their own Utopia Studios to complete tracking.

Kernon is also scheduled to mix the album early next year. Songs set to appear on the album include "Catalyst", "The Chosen Ones", "Cynic Dreams", "The Ageless Heart Of Memory", "Into Oblivion" and "My Own Deception". The album is scheduled for release in 2010 via Nightmare Records."

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Source:	prototypeonline.com
Band profile:	Prototype

Original news, posted on 12.11.2009

Official press release

On January 25th, 2010 the time of wait is finally over! Israel's Orphaned Land will finally release their highly anticipated fourth studio opus The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR in Europe (January 27th in Japan and February 9th in the US). Mixed by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree, Opeth), who is also responsible for several keyboard parts on the new album, The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR turns out to be a sophisticated concept album taking Orphaned Land's unique brand of exotic, heavy music to soaring new heights in terms of complexity and catchiness. It is an audible manifest that the time has come for Middle Eastern metal to take over!

Vocalist Kobi Farhi comments on the album's concept and the striking new promo photo as follows: "As people that were born into the tragedy of our region, we have always been devoted to creating harmony between conflicts, a musical heaven on earth, a tango between God & Satan. Even in the album's artwork we combined Hebrew and Arabic, regardless of the fight between Jews and Muslims. I found a Jordanian guy, specialized in calligraphic artwork. He took letters from Hebrew and Arabic and moulded them in his art to create a symbol of peace. Same goes for our band photo, where we portrayed a synergy between the three monotheistic religions, that believe in the same God and yet, ridiculously have been killing each other for centuries "in the name of God" and turned the holy land into an orphaned land. Naturally we continued this idea of union on a musical level as well and the result is as always crazy, it's a miracle - in our concerts: our Jewish fans sing in Arabic and our Muslim fans sing in Hebrew, brave friendships have spawned and our Middle Eastern metal music destroys all this political witchcraft we have been trapped in for so long. This is a musical journey of hope in lands of war, creating heaven on earth, building a new Jerusalem."

Israel's Orphaned Land is probably the only band from this country that has managed to succeed at building up a huge following among Muslims and Arabian people. These fans communicate freely via the band's social networking pages, some of them even proudly bearing Orphaned Land tattoos, even though that puts them at huge risk in their home countries! The African musician Fela Kuti once said: "music is the weapon of the future" - Orphaned Land is the living proof of that!

Read more ››

Source:	www2.centurymedia.com
Band profile:	Orphaned Land

Season Of Mist press release

The whole Season of Mist staff is immensely proud to finally confirm the rumour and announce that the label has inked a worldwide deal (outside of Japan) with cult death metal band Morbid Angel!

Formed in 1984, Morbid Angel are one of the pioneering bands of death metal as well as the current masters of extreme music and to date easily the best selling artist in the genre. The band has had a glorious 20 plus year history and significant commercial success, selling well over a million and a half albums on their eight albums to date.

"I am truly looking forward to our new relationship with Season of Mist", frontman David Vincent comments. "Michael Berberian has a lot of artistic vision and is a real music fan. This has been a long process to get to this point and in my opinion, it was worth the wait!"

"I'm really stoked to be working now with Season Of mist!", adds founding member Trey Azagthoth. "The French have always shown me they much more value art over Fabricated Flatlined Hype, and it's this artistic minded value that will open so many new doors for extreme music as a whole. Mind Makes Meaning, why not own the process?"

Season of Mist will release the Floridians' ninth album in 2010.

Read more ››

Source:	season-of-mist.com
Band profile:	Morbid Angel

Official press release

London, UK-based progressive extreme metal band De Profundis have inked a deal with Kolony Records to release their second album "A Bleak Reflection" in Europe. The album was recorded in June/July 2009 with producer Fernando Pereira Lopes (Misanthrope, Orakle) and mastered by Tim Turan (Emperor, Opeth, Motörhead).

Commented the label: "Kolony Records are very proud of this signing and would like to welcome De Profundis to the label's roster. We were blown away by the band's musical style (an original mix of black-death-doom and, why not, some progressive metal) from the moment we listened to their promo. The guys showed a lot of professionalism during all our discussions and we were really impressed with the international live experience of De Profundis. The band has a proven track record when it comes to live performances, having landed high profile gigs with likes of Iron Maiden, Nevermore and Annihilator in both the UK and abroad. De Profundis has already performed in Greece, France, Portugal, Romania and India; the band is currently finalising plans to tour Europe on a wider scale during 2010. That's the kind of band we like to work with!"

De Profundis stated: "Right from the first communication, we have been very impressed by Kolony Records' professional and honest approach. Following countless emails and a face-to-face meeting with the label manager Lorenzo Marchello, we are confident that we have found the right label to release our new album and help De Profundis to reach the next level. We are very happy to be the part of the Kolony family and look forward to working with them for many years to come."

A Bleak Reflection will be released in Europe in the first week of February 2010 via Kolony Records and will come with a 12 page booklet, created by artist Darryll Jones, that hints at the concept behind the album's lyrics.

De Profundis guitarist Roman Subbotin commented: "the new album represents a significant moment for our musical evolution. We've all worked really hard and, in my humble opinion, achieved rather spectacular results."

A Bleak Reflection cover art] tracklist:

01. The Ephemeral Burden
02. Ablaze In Autumn's Fire
03. Nocturnal Splendour
04. Cease To Be
05. Crimson Black Bleeding
06. Cold Is The Grave
07. Longing
08. The Mourner

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	De Profundis

"The Unseen", the new video from Finnish metallers Medeia, has been made available online.

"The Unseen" comes off the band's latest album, Cult, which was released on September 2008 via Fullsteam Records.


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Source:

youtube.com