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Ion - New Duncan Patterson's Project

After numerous delays, the release date for Íon's debut album "Madre, Protégenos" can finally be announced.

The album will be out on the 27th November 2006 via Equilibrium Music on a luxurious Digipak CD, and can already be pre-ordered on the 'Discography' section of the official site of the band http://www.ion.equilibriummusic.com

This is some words about the project:

"Plans for a small European tour are now underway, which will hopefully bring this ambitious endeavour on stage shortly. Named after the Gaelic word for 'pure', Íon seems to illude strict categorization, and even the apparently all-encompassing definition of World Music falls short in defining the ethereal moods that "Madre, Protégenos" comes to reveal.

Duncan Patterson's career traces back to the early 90's, when he began his musical incursions as a member of Anathema, a group that would pioneer and remain as forerunners of the unique Doom Metal genre throughout that decade.

Patterson would later also become involved with Antimatter, a project which would find him developing his long-standing talent for emotional and atmospheric song-writing into new formats, and which he quit in late 2004 as the early sketches of what would later grow into Íon were drafted.

One can arguably class Íon as Patterson's most personal creation to date - a creation which he has fathered on his own, and one through which he taps deeper into his spiritual identity and heritage. This musical entity which Patterson has named after the Gaelic word for 'pure' - a word which accurately pins down the project's mindset - seems to elude strict categorization, and even the apparently
all-encompassing definition of World Music falls short in defining the ethereal moods that "Madre, Protégenos", Íon's debut album, comes to reveal.

Though fairly minimalist in its overall approach, the album's true wealth stems from its various layered soundscapes and the introspective ambiance that they recreate. These provide the lighter toned and dreamier elements of the album with an ominous and melancholic shade - much like a sense of hopeful longing for piece of mind haunted by memories and nostalgia. Having Irish mysticism and an exotic Mediterranean backdrop as its essential cornerstones, the project has slowly evolved into an international venture, stretching over continents and oceans. "Madre, Protégenos" collects a rich array of influences that come to shape into a unique multi-textured body of work, based around smooth acoustic instrumentation (where acoustic guitar and various percussions take a leading role, alongside occasional harp, flute or viola arrangements), discreet keyboard elements, and remarkable voices.

Read more ››

Source: ion.equilibriummusic.com
Posted: 14.11.2006 by Jeff | Comments (3)


Steel Assassin - Return Of The American Band

Steel Assassin is currently in production of their new release for fall of 2006 "War Of The Eight Saints". This recording picks up where the band left off in the "From The Vaults" era, drawing inspiration for their metal madness from historical and mythological sources.

In a precedent news, Steel Assassin has announced that John Falzone, formerly of Triphammer has joined the band as lead vocalist. The final stages of their new "war of the eight saints" epic metal production have been scheduled. The band is extremely psyched with the Metal fire that Falzone brings to the new material. Producer rich Spillberg (maniacal Wargasm guitarist) adds the following thoughts: "I want the world to finally feel the same power I experienced from the front row of a Steel Assassin show in 1983...and they will. I can't wait to mix this album!"

Steel Asssassin will open for Metal Church and Meliah Rage at Mark's Place in NH on Jan. 27th 2007.

Source: steelassassin.com
Posted: 12.11.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Nanowar - Renamed Nanowar Of Steel

Due to copyright and trademark issues the band formerly known as NanowaR has changed its name to NanowaR Of Steel. The band members consider this a great new start, reflecting the empowered and increasingly true direction that their music has taken.

"The power of the power of the power of the power of the great sword will burn brighter than ever before," says guitarist/songwriter Mohammed Abdul. Bassist/songwriter Gatto Panceri 666 adds, "The name NanowaR Of Steel better represents the trueness that has always been present in this band and its music."

With a new record company in True Metal Of The World Of Steel Rec., a new tour planned and a new album on the way, NanowaR Of Steel will continue to explore musical truemetal worlds with the precision musicianship and unique lyrical concepts that their fans have come to expect and adore.

Moreover, NanowaR Of Steel will unleash their first live album entitled "Made In Naples", it will be a double cd containing the recordings of their "Metal Dayz 2006" show in Pratteln and a second disc with previously unreleased live and studio tracks, the single "Christmas with NanowaR" and a live show recorded in Buenos Aires in 1983.

All the informations regarding this new release (togheter with some full songs) will be available through NanowaR Of Steel's official site

Source: nanowar.it
Posted: 31.10.2006 by Jeff | Comments (34)


Shaaman - Officially Split Up

Shaaman (formerly Shaman), the Brazilian band featuring former Angra members André Matos (vocals), Luis Mariutti (bass) and Ricardo Confessori (drums), has officially split up.

According to a statement released by Confessori to the "For Tomorrow" Shaaman fan club. The break-up, which has been long rumored, is being attributed to personal and musical differences. No information is currently available regarding the bandmembers' future plans.

Shaaman released its sophomore album, "Reason", in May 2005 via AFM Records. The 10-song follow-up to 2002's "Ritual" was mixed and mastered at Heaven's Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producer Sascha Paeth, who previously worked with such acts as Kamelot, Edguy, Rhapsody and Freedom Call. A DVD, entitled "RituAlive", came out in 2003.

Source: roadrunnerrecords.com
Band profile: Shaman
Posted: 12.10.2006 by Jeff | Comments (13)


Alice In Chains - Winner Of The Contest

And the winner of the Alice In Chains contest is:

Monique K. from the Netherlands

Congratulion to the winner...

And many thanks to all the other ones who participated to this contest... you'll have a better luck next time

Source: metalstorm.ee
Band profile: Alice In Chains
Posted: 08.10.2006 by Jeff | Comments (1)


Evoken - "Embrace The Emptiness" Re-Released By Solitude Prod

Russian doom-metal label Solitude Prod. has concluded an agreement with Elegy Records for releasing Evoken's "Embrace the Emptiness" album. Earlier this album had been released by the American label in 1998 with limited circulation.

The CD is to be released in the first half of October this year, it will be exclusively designed.

In America "Embrace the Emptiness" will be spread only by Elegy Records.

Solitude Prod - Russian Doom Metal Label
http://www.solitude-prod.com
http://myspace.com/solitudeprod

Source: solitude-prod.com
Band profile: Evoken
Posted: 20.09.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Poema Arcanus - Replacement Of The Bassist

There have been big News in the Arcane camp this last weeks, so here we go:

After more than 10 years playing with us, our bassist and old friend Claudio Botarro has left Poema Arcanvs. Personal issues are the main cause of his departure, and of course it has all been on friendly terms. We wish him the best of luck in his forthcoming projects (musical and not musical). Cheers Boterror! We'll miss you.

Well, the situation was known by us more than a month ago, but we decided not to say anything until we found a new member. And so we did.

So, now we are glad to present our new member: Mr. Juan Pablo "Hueso" Vallejos. He's been rehearsing with us for a couple weeks already and things have worked perfectly, given that he is a killer bassist which we knew from before. We cannot wait to play live again with this new line-up! Cheers and Welcome, Mr. Hueso!!!!

We will be updating the "Profiles" section of this site very soon, so you can know more about our new Arcane Bass Player.

About our forthcoming gig: well, we have already started rehearsing for the Unplugged gig in October ? the acoustic versions are sounding pretty good this far ? there's plenty of re-arranging done on the songs, so it is something really interesting and "special" to listen to, especially for the die-hard followers out there. We hope to see you all at the gig.

More news soon to come.

Arcane Cheers!

Igor Leiva

Source: poemaarcanus.cl
Band profile: Poema Arcanus
Posted: 20.09.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Angtoria - Official NorthAmerican Releasedate

ANGTORIA-Official NorthAmerican releasedate for "God has a plan for us all" is set to October 17.

We are happy to announce that The debutalbum will be distributed by KOCH Entertainment Which is the market leader among independent labels and distributors in both the U.S. and Canada and its record labels had the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents in 2002/2003.

Preorder is available already for USA:
Amazon.com

and
CDuniverse.com

For Canada:
Amazon.com

Officials Websistes:

http://www.angtoria.com
http://www.myspace.com/angtoriaofficial

Read more ››

Source: angtoria.com
Band profile: Angtoria
Posted: 13.09.2006 by Jeff | Comments (1)


Hydrogyn - First Album Out Now

In September 2003, West Virginia guitarists Jeff Boggs and Jeff Westlake began work on a new experiment, a compelling modern heavy rock tour de force like no other on the scene an outfit designed to destroy musical and industry barriers.

Jeff Westlake on the blueprints behind HYDROGYN, "We wanted something a broad audience could love but also be something special. Something that stood out."

Fortified with cutting edge riffs, intelligent lyrics and massive hooks delivered by Julie (just Julie), a stunning front lady with a multi-octave range, the result is a formula set to conquer everything from Alternative Rock to Modern Hard Rock to Classic Metal without sacrificing credibility.

After leaving the studio In August, the band is set to headline the second stage at the popular Xfest in West Virginia, put on by Clear Channel station WMAX. Other bands on the bill include the Gold selling Seether.

Big press followed, with the band featured in MIX Magazine, Prosound News, Metal Maniacs Online, Blabbermouth.net, This Is Rock (Spain) and other prominent web and print publications.

Expect 2006 to be the year HYDROGYN explodes into the stratosphere (the album will be out in France via Underclass Records the 27th of September).

HYDROGYN is built to explode!

Source: underclass-music.com
Posted: 12.09.2006 by Jeff | Comments (4)


Bloodbound - Informations About The New Band Members

One of Sweden's finest metal vocalists - Kristian Andrén - joins BLOODBOUND!

Official statement from the band:

We're proud to announce that one of Sweden's finest metal vocalists, Kristian Andrén, has joined the band. He is previously known from Memento Mori (featuring members from King Diamond, Mercyful Fate and Dream Evil) where he replaced Candlemass singer Messiah. He was also the original voice in Wuthering Heights and Tad Morose. Kristian is an extraordinary singer and front man with an incredible voice and we're very exited to have him on board!

We are also happy to announce that Tomas' younger brother Henrik Olsson is our new rhythm guitar player. Henrik is an experienced and highly educated musician with a background in jazz and can handle most musical styles. A new bass player will be announced shortly.

At the moment the band is working hard on the writing and recording of the forthcoming second album, which will be released in January 2007. Some of the new titles includes: Book of the Dead, Vampires, Into Eternity, Turn To Stone and The Tempter.

The new bloodbound line-up (Kristian Andrén - Vocals, Tomas Olsson - Guitars, Fredrik Bergh - Keyboards, Henrik Olsson - Guitars, Pelle Åkerlind - Drums) is stronger than ever and you will see bloodbound live on stage all over Europe early next year. Tour dates will be announced on www.bloodbound.se shortly.

As you all probably know Urban, Markus and Jörgen are no longer in the band due to musical and personal differences. We want to thank them for their time in the band and wish them the best of luck in the future.

Check out Bloodbound live at United Forces Of Rock on Oct. 1st, 2006 in Ludwigsburg, Germany!

www.bloodbound.se
www.metalheaven.net
www.united-forces-of-rock.de

Source: underclass-music.com
Posted: 12.09.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Krokus - Details About The New Upcoming Album

Countdown begins!!! We all are feverishly awaiting the release of KROKUS's 15th studio album called "HELLRAISER".

Starting October, KROKUS will embark on their "HELLRAISER" world tour, starting out in Scandinavia and Continental Europe, continuing in the first half of 2007 with the Americas. And make some noise, fans from "down under". Maybe this time we come and visit you in Australia & New Zealand as well. A special treat for fans and KROKUS alike will be a concert in late November in Malta, Marc's original home country. Last time Marc toured Malta with a band was with TEA in the seventies and Malta is getting ready for a pecial "welcome" of KROKUS and their native son!

Rather than waiting for the complete tour schedule (some dates still have to be confirmed), we decided to give you the dates that are definitely confirmed. And as new dates are added on, we will keep you posted accordingly. You can also check our web site ww.krokusonline.com and click on "tour" or www.pollstar.com under "KROKUS".

Get ready for a hellraiser... boneshaker experience with KROKUS and YOU at these venues:

October 14th, 2006 Teatria, Oulu FINLAND
October 15th, 2006 Klubi, Tampere FINLAND
October 16th, 2006 Tavastia, Helsinki FINLAND
October 18th, 2006 Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg SWEDEN
October 19th, 2006 Klubben, Stockholm SWEDEN
October 20th, 2006 The Rock, Copenhagen DENMARK
October 21st, 2006 Roxy Music Hall, Flensburg

DEUTSCHLAND/GERMANY:
October 23rd, 2006 Jazzhaus, Freiburg
October 25th, 2006 Rockfabrik, Bruchsal
October 26th, 2006 Matrix, Bochum

October 28th, 2006 Rockpalast, Biberist SWITZERLAND
November 25th, 2006 Old Power Station, Floriana MALTA
January 12th, 2007 AN Club, Athens GREECE
January 13th, 2007 Mylos, Thessaloniki GREECE

(More dates to be announced as they are confirmed!)

In just about a week those of you living in Europe, Israel, Australia & New Zealand can get your hands on the new KROKUS album "Hellraiser" and it will be a mind altering experience! And their new single "Angel of my dreams" might as well become the new
love anthem for hard rock fans!

http://www.krokusonline.com

Source: krokusonline.com
Posted: 12.09.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Bizarrekult - New Black Metal Project From Russia

Bizarrekult is a new cold, grim and depressive black metal band from Russia.

Bizarre, unique band member of the project, describes his band as "a meeting of classical Black Metal with the hypnotic sounds and shamanic intonations of Tatar language."

For Bizarre, "Bizarrekult" is a message for those who are tired of this living, tired of chaos in the world where misanthropy becomes nothing but the only life codex for everyone. It is a new total KVLT!!!"

You can join "the kult" on their official Myspace page =>

http://www.myspace.com/bizarrekult

Source: myspace.com
Posted: 05.09.2006 by Jeff | Comments (11)


Jesse Pintado - Death Of Terrorizer's (Ex Napalm Death) Guitarist

Guitarist Jesse Pintado (TERRORIZER, ex-NAPALM DEATH) died over the weekend in a hospital in Holland, Century Media Records has confirmed. A pioneer in our musical genre, Jesse and his influential sound will be sorely missed. BLABBERMOUTH.NET would like to offer our most sincere condolences to his family and friends. Century Media Records will make a further announcement later in the week.

In a recent interview with Rockdetector.com, Pintado spoke about his final days in NAPALM DEATH.

"The departure was basically due to a variety of reasons," he said. "We shared a house together, we toured together, we were always together, but people move on. Along the way there was a little rough bumps, though I don't know. In my situation it got to the point where I needed a little fresh start. I'm still good friends with the guys; there's no animosity there, we're all cool, and they're happy with what I'm doing."

Asked if the media twisted the situation in some ways since it was reported that the band stated he had personal problems and alcohol issues," Pintado replied, "Yeah, of course. The other day I was browsing the Internet, and they stated I was dead! I thought 'Oh shit, I'm dead!' I really don't pay much attention to that."

Pintado's final release was the long-awaited TERRORIZER reunion CD, entitled "Darker Days Ahead", which came out last week via Century Media Records.

Source: blabbermouth.com
Posted: 29.08.2006 by Jeff | Comments (14)


Treasure Land - Rises From The Ashes

Treasure Land, one of Swedens leading progressive metal acts who released two highly acclaimed CDs in 1997, and 1998 has returned with a vengeance.
After some years of writing new songs, producing other bands, writing guitar books,and doing clinics... Guitarist Jonas Hörnqvist reformed Treasure Land with a new lineup.

The two new members of the band are Rick Altzi on vocals, and Mathias Scheffler on keyboards. Rick, whose voice resambles singers like Ronnie James Dio and Jeff Scott Soto, has a vocal presence and vocal capabilities far beyond anything you've ever heard previously from the band. Keyboard player Mathias Scheffler studied music at the renowned K.I.T. (Keyboard Institute Of Technology) in Hollywood in the early 90's. His musical knowledge is absolutely amazing. Not only can he play as fast as the best out there, but his melodic sense and timing are also top notch.

Guitarist Jonas Hörnqvist states "The current lineup that we have is the strongest lineup we've had throughout Treasure Land's existence".

Treasure Land is currently in the studio recording a 3 song Demo which they will use for showcasing their new material to record labels all over the world.

The new material is described as straightforward/in your face metal interlaced with strong neoclassical elements. The newer music is also a bit darker and more eerie than the previous Treasure Land material and consists of lyrics that deal with situations which we face every day around the world.

The band is really excited about their new material and is very much looking forward to playing live again.

Official Site: http://www.treasureland.nu
Official Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/treasureland

Source: treasureland.nu
Posted: 16.08.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Alice In Chains - "The Essential Alice In Chains" To Be Released In September

Celebrating their 20th Anniversary, Alice In Chains are set to release The Essential Alice In Chains CD collection on Sept 5th. I am proud to offer limited copies of the CDs for review and giveaways plus assets (album cover, press release and video player). Please let me know if you are interested in attending the press day.

Ten years after their last concert, Alice In Chains has decided to reclaim their heritage and embark on a surprise U.S. club tour as a warm up for their 5-month tour of the UK and Europe. They returned for several U.S. festival dates and will pick up again in the fall (dates to be announced soon). The band looks forward to its 20th anniversary next year with the release of The Essential Alice In Chains, which will arrive in stores Sept 5th on Columbia/Legacy, a division of Sony BMG Music Entertain-ment.

The first comprehensive two-CD collection ever issued on Alice In Chains is a chronological ascent from 1990 (four cuts from their debut album, Facelift, including "We Die Young," title track of the three-song Columbia debut EP released earlier that year) up through 1999, ("Get Born Again" and "Died," the two newly recorded tracks on their three-CD box set retrospective, Music Bank). The Essential Alice In Chains gathers its 28 selections from all four original albums they recorded, Facelift (1990), Dirt (1992), the self-titled Alice In Chains (1995), and the live 'acoustic' MTV Unplugged (1996), as well as from their two EPs, SAP (1992) and Jar Of
Flies (1994). Also included are remixes of their two songs from the Last Action Hero original motion picture soundtrack album (1993, the only band with two cuts on the album).

Audio Streams:

Man in The Box

(Real)
http://www.sonybmgmedia.com/streams/rm.ram?id=2428847

(Windows Media Low)
http://www.sonybmgmedia.com/streams/wm.asx?id=2428842

(Windows Media High)
http://www.sonybmgmedia.com/streams/wm.asx?id=242884

Over Now (Unplugged)

(Real)
http://www.sonybmgmedia.com/streams/rm.ram?id=2428658

(Windows Media Low)
http://www.sonybmgmedia.com/streams/wm.asx?id=2428681

(Windows Media High)
http://www.sonybmgmedia.com/streams/wm.asx?id=2428655

Video Player:

http://sonybmg.com/musicbox/video/aliceinchains

Official Site:

http://www.aliceinchains.com

Source: specialopsmedia.com
Band profile: Alice In Chains
Posted: 16.08.2006 by Jeff | Comments (3)