Swedish metallers Abramis Brama have issued the following update on their MySpace blog:

"Time for a MEGA update in the "what have you been up to lately" department... First and foremost, we've got a brand new album coming out sometime in March/April this year! It will contain approximately 10-11 brand new songs. We've yet to decide on a name for the album but when we do, you'll be the first to know.

Coinciding with the release of the album we will of course do as many gigs as we can possibly fit in during the rest of the year, starting in Norway mid-March opening up for our favourite Norwegians; Black Debbath! All other confirmed gigs can be found at our website.

Last week we took some pictures for the albumcover (amongst other things) in a photostudion together with our favourite photographer, Linda Helsing. The result was smashing as you can see if you check out this promo-pic."

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Abramis Brama
Event:	Abramis Brama

The 12th Tuska Festival will be held again in Kaisaniemi, Helsinki Finland on 26th - 28th June 2008. Although it is still a long way, the festival has confirmed the first acts:

Volbeat, Bullet For My Valentine, Neurosis, Paul Gilbert, Amorphis, My Dying Bride, Pestilence, Ensiferum, Gojira, Parkway Drive, Legion Of The Damned, Mucc, Girugämesh, Deathchain, Jon Oliva's Pain, Eluveitie, Rotten Sound, Firewind, Gama Bomb, Profane Omen, Callisto, Medeia, Dauntless, Tukkanuotta.

A total of 32 bands on three stages will perform at Kaisaniemi, Helsinki over the course of three days. In addition to this, a couple of dozen bands will be appearing at the infamous evening clubs.

Tickets for Tuska 2009 will go on sale on 3.3. through http://www.tiketti.fi and http://www.lippupalvelu.fi (one day tickets and three day tickets). Ticket prices TBA. Tuska 2009 is an all-ages event.

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Source:	tuska-festival.fi
Event:	Tuska Open Air 2009

Former Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen has set "What Lies Beneath" as the working title of her new solo album, tentatively due before the end of the year. She says, "With "My Winter Storm", I chose the name of the album in the early stages and that helped me to create the concept for the album. With the new album, I decided to do it the same way, so I searched for an inspiring title and all the songs are one way or another related to it."

Regarding the songwriting process for the new CD, Turunen says, "In the last months I've been writing a lot of music for my new album. Songwriting is always an amazing learning experience, and it has been a pleasure to discuss music with different people.

The album process is still going on and I have more songs that are in the working. It is sounding very promising. The songs are absolutely more mature, wild, and emotional and they sound more me, if I can say so.

The biggest difference in preparing this new album is that I will be taking the time that I need until the songs are in a shape that I am happy with. No matter how long it takes. I want it to be perfect for me. No hurry; no pressure."

Tarja's album "My Winter Storm" was re-released on January 2.

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Source:	metalfromfinland.com
Band profile:	Tarja

On Friday January 16th, NOVEMBERS DOOM will enter recording studio "Belle City Sound" to begin recording their 7th full length CD, to be titled "Into Night's Requiem Infernal". Tracking duties will be handled by Chris Djuricic (Engineer and Novembers Doom bassist), and the mixing of the disc by Dan Swano at Unisound. The band comments:

"We're using the same Recording / Mixing formula we've used on "The Pale Haunt Departure" and "The Novella Reservoir". In our opinion, the combination of Djuricic and Swano creates the perfect sound for us, and we've received nothing but stellar reviews of sound quality from this combination in the past.

"Every band hypes their new material, and says it's the best they've done, and the hardest and the heaviest... You can judge that for yourself in time. What we can say is that this is the first time going into a recording the entire band feels confident and believes the material will please fans of the band, as well as turn many new heads in our direction. It's dark, aggressive, and melodic, and compliments the last three releases."

The cover artwork can be viewed here

Tracklisting for Into Night's Requiem Infernal:

01. Into Night's Requiem Infernal
02. Eulogy for the Living Lost
03. Empathy's Greed
04. The Fifth Day of March
05. Lazarus Regret
06. I Hurt Those I Adore
07. The Harlots Lie
08. When Desperation Fills the Void

Novembers Doom is:

Paul Kuhr - Vocals
Larry Roberts - Guitar
Vito Marchese - Guitar
Chris Djuricic - Bass
Sasha Horn - Drums

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Novembers Doom

Pantheist have announced the following news:

"The time has come for our first proper headline gig in London. Come and see us at The Unicorn on the 7th March performing a 90 minute set. Most tracks of our latest album, as well as selected tracks from the band's back catalogue will be performed. Support will be provided by promising atmospheric blacksters Crom Dubh. Entrance is FREE so don't miss this unique opportunity!"

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Pantheïst
Event:	Pantheist

Former Kinetic vocalist Mina Giannopoulou is releasing new material with her new band The Rain I Bleed. The following update was posted on The Rain I Bleed Myspace:

"Just to let you know that the recordings and the biggest part of The Rain I Bleed's debut album "Narcissist" is already done. The recordings took place in Athens at the ScytheNoiseLab Studios under Chris "Rektor" Ntaskas' 'magical ears' and after all, the mixing took place at Black Lounge Studios in Sweden with Jonas Kjellgren (guitarist in Scar Symmetry) who has also worked with Sonic Syndicate and other bands too along with Chris "Rektor" Ntaskas.

A big honour for us were 2 guest from 2 musicians that the whole band really appreciates; Jeff Loomis (Nevermore's guitar-player) and Jonas Kjellgren (as a guitar-player this time ;-) Also "Narcissist" 's cover is made by Niklas Sundin, who has also worked for In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Sentenced, At The Gates, Arch Enemy etc. The album is about to be mastered at Tailor Maid Studios, Sweden.

More updates and details will be added pretty soon so stay tuned!"

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Kinetic

Czech metal band Ador Dorath have posted their newest video "Words" from the "Bestiari" album on YouTube. "Bestiari" was released in August.

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Source:	youtube.com
Band profile:	Ador Dorath

Napalm Records press release

Isole's fourth release, "Silent Ruins", continues to forge forth in the tradition of the previous albums. The Swedes once again indulge in their heart-sickened and somber brand of Doom Metal that only finds solace in a perfectly placed portion of deadly black epic. Profound compositions, hypnotic arrangements, and heavy flowing riffs, that not unlike molten lava slowly yet inexorably pull the listener down into its depths, are the core elements comprising this album. Gustavo Sazes (Firewind, Serenity) once again lends his artistic know-how to graphically convey a feeling of utter despair and isolation, while Peter In de Betou (Amon Amarth, Draconian, Arch Enemy) takes on the darkly work's mastering responsibilites. Rarely before have hopelessness and despair found such an elegant and becoming sound, making "Silent Ruins" a dark jewel that will not only appeal to the die-hard Doom Metal fan.

"Silent Ruins" cover art] tracklist:

01. From The Dark mp3-sample]
02. Forlorn
03. Nightfall
04. Hollow Shrine mp3-sample]
05. Soulscarred
06. Peccatum
07. Dark Clouds

Release date set for "Silent Ruins"

25.02.09 - Finland
27.02.09 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, France, Italy, Sweden
02.03.09 - Europe
03.03.09 - USA / Canada

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Source:	forevermore.se
Band profile:	Isole

Opeth will release a very special digital EP "Burden" on December 9th. Next to the "Burden" radio edit, this release features 2 rare b-sides including a much sought after cover of Alice In Chains' "Would?" and a track previously available for a limited time only, "Mellotron Heart."

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Opeth

Finnish metallers Amoral have issued the following update:

"Amoral is a five-piece again! Since the announcement of Niko Kalliojärvi's leaving we've received tons of applications from singers all over the world. As we mentioned earlier, we wanted to find a guy who was not only able to handle the growling of the old songs, but who also had a strong melodic voice. Well, little did we know that we'd end up with one of the most talented vocalists around! Ari Koivunen's merits as a singer are well known (at least here in Finland), but it might surprise a lot of people that the dude can also growl with the best of them! And the fact remains that he truly was the strongest candidate from all those who applied for the job.

Being the sneaky bastards that we are, we have been writing and practising hard for a long while now while keeping low profile, and we're happy to announce that the material for the 4th Amoral album is just about ready! The recording will start next month and will go on through January. The album should be out before the summer. Of course, we'll keep you guys posted on updates.

Now, before some of you oldschool Amoral maniacs condemn us to hell: No, we're not going power metal on your asses. The trademark riffs are still there. The little quirkiness. The "fuck everybody" attitude. And most importantly, the songs are just as strong as you've come to expect from us. Stronger, actually. You could clearly see on Reptile Ride already that we were eager to push our music to a more melodic direction, and the next natural step was to go all the way with the vocals. This is a new beginning for us, and we truly believe our best work is still ahead of us."

The band adds: "Those of you who are not familiar with Ari's work yet, check out his MySpace site."

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Source:	amoralweb.com
Band profile:	Amoral

A few weeks ago, Mael Mórdha drummer Shane Cahill issued the following statement concerning the current state of things:

"Writing of new material is ongoing and so far we are very happy, and excited about the direction we are going in. With this CD we are not willing to be rushed or to bow to anyone's needs except for our very own. We want this outing to be the very best we can make it and then some more. When we think we are finished, we will go back to the start listen to the songs and do it all over again if necessary.

So far we have 6 songs which are roughly 80% finished. We will be airing some of them at any upcoming shows to get a feel for them live. As per usual the album will follow on from the last with plenty of twist and turns as it will progress. We hope to have 10 songs on the album and artwork will once again be undertaken by Vasilis Zikos.
At the moment there is a bit of a slow down as Dave Murphy (bass) and Gerry Clince (guitar) are on session duties with fellow Irish men Primordial on their current European Tour. Meanwhile Anthony Lindsay (guitar), Rob Ó Bogail (vocals) and myself are throwing around some idea's in order to have some fresh and new ideas ready for further investigation once the lads get back. I'm sure their livers will be truly pickeled.

Keep an eye here people as we hope to have the site updated on a more regular basis. To keep you all amused in these economically depressed times Anthony should have some comics up in the near future."

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Mael Mórdha

Fall Of Empyrean have announced via a MySpace message that they've posted another preview online of the upcoming album "A Life Spent Dying", which is due out in early 09. The song is called "Vast But Desolate".

The band added: "More info to come on "A Life Spent Dying" and soon the news of the label set to release it will be revealed in due time. Lots of big news soon to come from the FoE camp."

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Fall Of Empyrean

Onslaught will record their performance at this years Damnation Festival on Sat 22nd Nov, (Leeds, UK) for a future live album release through Candlelight Records in early 2009. (Onslaught will be appearing on the main stage - Showtime tbc)

Guitarist Nige Rockett commented: "We're really looking forward to playing at this years Damnation Festival, its gonna be a real crazy day, what a way to wind up our European promotion for the "Killing Peace" release and now we've got the added bonus of recording what will be our first official live album. This will keep things ticking over nicely while we complete the writing of the new opus... and don't forget to make some fucking noise for the boys!"

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Onslaught
Event:	Damnation Festival 2008

Queensrÿche is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their 12th studio album, "American Soldier". The concept album, due this spring from Rhino/Atco, finds the band once again tackling some heavy subject matter, this time focusing on telling the story of war from a firsthand perspective. Singer and chief songwriter Geoff Tate has spent the last few years conducting extensive interviews with veterans and has crafted their thoughts into this epic tale. "American Soldier" examines American wars from World War II through Iraq from the viewpoint of those in the trenches and on the frontlines. Following the album's release, Queensrÿche plan to present tracks from the album live on an extensive spring tour of the U.S., with international dates to follow later in 2009. The first date of the tour will be a hometown gig at Seattle's Snoqualmie Casino on April 16.

"Queensrÿche has always had incredible support from members of the Armed Services," says vocalist Geoff Tate. "It seems like after every show, I'd end up speaking with a fan that was or had been involved with the military. The more and more I began to hear their accounts and feelings, the more I really felt a conviction to tell their story. Over the last two years, I've conducted dozens of one-on-one interviews with veterans of many different American wars. I listened to their amazing and moving recounts and did my best to examine war through their eyes."

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Queensrÿche

Dark Embrace mainman Oscar Asunder has posted the following update regarding the band's current situation:

"The next November, the band will make 100 months rockin'. We've gone through good and bad times (sadly more bad times than good ones).

There are some good memories in the band. We've played some good concerts sharing stage with great bands such as Sepultura, Amon Amarth, Destruction, Watain, Agathodaimon and many others. We've recorded an album with Andy Classen in the Stage One Studio. Even we've got a nice video-clip. But all these things are just a few if you compare'em with all the effort and hard work there are behind Dark Embrace.

We've been fighting for a band with a tremendous difficulty to find permanent members. I've got a list with 32 ex-members (12 drummers, 4 keyboard players, 14 guitar players and 2 bass players). Most of you would think this band is some kind of dictatorship but it isn't. The reasons to leave this band are always more or less similar: girlfriends (!), lack of time for rehearsing, and afraid to go on tour or to record an album/demo. These three reasons are our enemies.

We've had the chance of making good tours with really big bands but everytime we wanted to go on tour, a band member left the band because suddenly he didn't want to go on tour or to play in such festival, etc... Every time something good comes, shit happens....

We've been looking for a label interested to release our album in a physical format (we had a digital edition with our label, but it will end in some days and the rights of the album are ours again). This album is not a master piece but I think it's an album which deserves to be listened by a good amount of metal fans, for sure they will enjoy it a lot.

It's strange but we sold out all our t-shirts and if you travel to some European metal festival, you will find someone dressing one of these t-shirts. We've got a lot of people interested in the band (you can take a look to our MySpace commentaries or to the big amount of friend requests we've got everyday). In spite of it, the album is not released yet (it was recorded in August 2005).

At this moment, it's a point where we have to ask ourselves what we want to do with the band. We're old enough to choose our life and how we want to spend our time.

We're working hard composing new songs, trying to find new members and trying to find a label to release our album. But it seems that all this work is in vain. So we've had to put a deadline.

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Dark Embrace