Nachtmystium are currently in pre-production mode for their next album. Recording for the new record will begin in early January and a spring release via Century Media Records is expected.

Band mastermind Blake Judd comments: "We're currently working on material for Black Meddle Part II (official title TBA) and will be doing a demoing pre-production session with Sanford Parker in October. The new material is reminiscent of Assassins with more of a rock and roll edge over all. Our love for post rock and industrial (ala Ministry, Killing Joke, etc.) is even more present this time around. We're hoping to make a record that will continue to push extreme music into uncharted territories."

Read more ››

Source:	bravewords.com
Band profile:	Nachtmystium

German thrash metal veterans Destruction have tapped Evile guitarist Ol Drake as the temporary replacement for Mike Sifringer for their September 13 appearance at the Caos Emergente festival in Portugal.

According to a posting on Destruction's web site, the middle finger on Sifringer's left hand was broken and the ring finger was cracked "when an aggressive fan jumped out of the moshpit into the crowd with a kick jump" during a hardcore show at the Vlamrock festival in Belgium. Mike, who was watching the concert, "did not see coming and hit left hand with full power."

Destruction stated about Ol Drake, "He's the perfect match: young, wild, talented and a Destruction fan to the bone. The kids will love him!"

Ol added: "I was gutted to hear about Mike's injury. I wish all thebest to him and hope he heals fast! I got a mail from Schmier asking if I could step in on guitar. It was an obvious yes. I absolutely love Destruction so this is a huge honor and privilege for me. Can't wait! It's gonna kick ass. Luckily I can already play a lot of the set being a fan. A huge thank you to Schmier, Mike and Marc for this dream gig!"

Read more ››

Source:	destruction.de
Band profile:	Destruction
Event:	Caos Emergente

Rock The Nation proudly announces the first run of their new festival tour series called Beauty & The Beast Festival Tour.

Beauty & The Beast Festival Tour will feature Leaves' Eyes as headliners. Special guests are Atrocity (Werk 80 Show), Sirenia, Elis and Stream Of Passion.

The tour consists the following dates:

13.11.2009 - DE - Lichtenfels, Stadthalle
14.11.2009 - NL - Sneek, Bolwerk
15.11.2009 - LUX - Esch, Rockhal
16.11.2009 - CH - Pratteln, Z7
17.11.2009 - DE - Essen, Turock
18.11.2009 - NL - Zandaam, DeKade
19.11.2009 - NL - Dordrecht, Bibelot
20.11.2009 - BE - Vosselaar, Biebob
21.11.2009 - DE - Leipzig, Paincastle
22.11.2009 - FR - Strasbourg, La Laiterie
23.11.2009 - FR - Paris, Le Glaz'Art
24.11.2009 - DE - Koln, LMH
25.11.2009 - DE - Berlin, K17
26.11.2009 - DE - Munchen, Backstage
27.11.2009 - HU - Budapest, Diesel
28.11.2009 - CZ - Zlin, Novesta / Winter Masters of Rock Festival

A MySpace page for this tour will be set up shortly.

Read more ››

Source:	leaveseyes.de
Band profile:	Leaves' Eyes
Event:	Leaves' Eyes: Beauty & The Beast

Atheist are currently streaming "Unquestionable Presence: Live At Wacken" in its entirety over at this location.

"Unquestionable Presence: Live At Wacken" is the complete live set from the band's 2006 reunion gig at Wacken Open Air Festival recorded in front of 60,000 fans.

"Unquestionable Presence: Live At Wacken" comes as a two-disc set with the second CD containing a collection of essential Atheist tracks as hand-picked by the band. The two are packaged together complete with a 24-page booklet that contains photos and extensive liner notes from the band detailing the Wacken experience and why they chose the selected tracks. Unquestionable Presence: Live At Wacken was released in July through Relapse Records.

"Unquestionable Presence: Live At Wacken" cover art] tracklist:

Disc I
01. Unquestionable Presence
02. On They Slay
03. Unholy War
04. Your Life's Retribution
05. An Incarnation's Dream
06. Mother Man
07. And The Psychic Saw
08. Piece Of Time

Disc II
01. Piece Of Time
02. I Deny
03. Unholy War
04. Room With A View
05. Mother Man
06. Unquestionable Presence
07. And The Psychic Saw
08. An Incarnation's Dream
09. Mineral
10. Water
11. Air

Read more ››

Source:	relapse.com
Band profile:	Atheist

The Blikfest organization has revealed the complete line up of the sixth edition of the Blikfest Festival 2009 set to take place on November 7 at JH Togenblik, at Beveren-Waas, Belgium.

The only international band and headliner of the festival will be Negură Bunget. Other acts set to appear on Blikfest are Battalion, Psalm, Artrach and Nemean. All four bands have already proven themselves as high quality bands in the Belgian metal scene.

Ticket reservations will open in a few days. All info at http://blikfest.be.

Read more ››

Source:	blikfest.be
Band profile:	Negură Bunget
Event:	Blikfest VI

Southern California's heavy fuzz rockers Fu Manchu have completed work on their eleventh full length album. The electrifying group will drop "Signs Of Infinite Power" on October 20, 2009 via Century Media Records.

Originally formed in 1985 as a Black Flag-influenced hardcore punk band called Virulence, Fu Manchu has since become one of hard rock's most celebrated names. The band released its first single "Kept Between Trees" in 1990 and in the years following, helped give rise to a celebrated style of heavy music tagged "stoner rock" alongside peers such as Kyuss, Monster Magnet and Sleep. Since its inception, the quartet has built itself a fanatical army of loyal enthusiasts all drawn to the group's ridiculously catchy, unpretentious music, guitar-driven sound and carefree lyrics centered on "old muscle cars, choppers, vans, skateboarding and science fiction."

Recorded at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California by the band and producer Sergio Chavez (Motörhead, Helmet) and mixed by Andrew Alekel (Foo Fighters, Danzig), "Signs Of Infinite Power" could well be dubbed "a reawakening" of Fu Manchu as the record delivers monstrous doses of the group's punk energy, hard rock drive and psychedelic crunch in spades. From the instant the album's lead track "Bionic Astronautics" soars from the speakers, it is undeniably evident that Fu Manchu is as primed and hungry as ever before. The record holds the sound of a band rocking purely for the sheer joy of rocking; amps cranked to 11 and revved to maximum overdrive.

The final track listing for "Signs Of Infinite Power" is as follows:

01. Bionic Astronautics
02. Steel.Beast.Defeated
03. Against the Ground
04. Webfoot Witch Hat
05. El Busta
06. Signs of Infinite Power
07. Eyes x 10
08. Gargantuan March
09. Take It Away
10. One Step Too Far

"We're stoked to unleash "Signs of Infinite Power" because we feel that it's the best record that we've ever made," states Fu Manchu front man/guitarist Scott Hill. "We're can't believe that we're going into our twentieth year as a band. The excitement and energy levels that we're feeling right now are as high as they've ever been."

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Fu Manchu has a number of very special events planned for 2010. The band will unveil a host of plans that include rolling out both one-of-a-kind live events and extra special vinyl releases. Additionally, the Virulence (pre-Fu Manchu) recordings will be remastered and packaged with the band's "1985-87 demos" and both live songs and video footage from 1987-89 under the title "If This Isn't A Dream... 1985-1989". The package will be made available on both CD and LP and is slated for a winter 2009 release via Southern Lord Records.

Read more ››

Source:

www2.centurymedia.com

After being dissed by Dimmu Borgir last weekend - Link] - vocalist Simen "ICS Vortex" Hestnæs' webmaster has revealed the man's future plans:

"I think that now is the right time to post some news on the future music plans of ICS Vortex.

Simen will have a meeting with Lamented Souls in mid September to plan a new release and a few gigs in Norway. There is another meeting also planned with Arcturus members to discuss about the future of the band and a possible reunite. Nothing's for certain yet but keep visiting back the page as more announcements will take place about Simen's projects in the very near future!"

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Arcturus

Original news, posted on 12.07.2009

The brand new full-length effort from Swedish death metallers My Own Grave, entitled "Necrology", is now available for streaming in its full entirety at the Pulverised Records Myspace page. The My Own Grave e-card also includes the behind-the-scenes video footage of how "Necrology" was spawned. The e-card will stay on the website for 2 weeks starting on 10th of July 2009 till 23th July 2009.

"Necrology" cover art] tracklist:

01. Awaiting Death

02. Necrology


03. Hail The Blind


04. None Shall See


05. Disciples Of War


06. Cerecloth


07. Bloodline Broken


08. Exhumed To Be Buried


09. Age Of Torment


10. Carnal Revelation


11. Incineration

"Necrology" will officially hit the streets on 20th July 2009.

Official press release: Three years after the debut full-length and a mini-album in between, Sweden's My Own Grave comes back strong with a darker, denser and merciless form of Death Metal with their second effort "Necrology". This is a nasty slab of supreme machine-gun riffs, intensely paced songwriting and with a sound so sinister, "Necrology" will arguably be one of the elite releases in 2009; chained with the abhorrent sound of old Swedish Death Metal and merging with the face-melting brutality of US Death Metal!

This is simply straight-up Death Metal with class, not for the weak of heart!

Features the superb production duties handled by multi-instrumentalist maestro Dan Swanö at Unisound, Sweden (Dissection, Dark Funeral, etc) and killer album artwork courtesy of illustrator / tattooist Jon Zig (Suffocation, Deeds Of Flesh, Sinister, etc).

Commented Dan Swanö: "When I hear albums like this, it makes me proud to be a part of the Swedeath phenomenon. Great songs with well-crafted hooks and a musicianship to die for. The perfect blend between old-school and modern Death Fucking Metal!!"

UPDATE

In conjunction with UK's leading extreme metal publication Terrorizer Magazine, the latest album from Swedish Death Metallers My Own Grave entitled "Necrology" will be available for streaming in its entirety once again from 31st August 2009 till 6th September 2009 at this location.

Read more ››

Source:

myspace.com

Dimmu Borgir keyboardist Øyvind "Mustis" Mustaparta has issued the following statement on his MySpace page:

"Attention to all the worldwide fans of my work with Dimmu Borgir. I feel that I must begin my note to you all by saying that your dedication and interest in my musical work with Dimmu Borgir has been greatly appreciated by me for many, many years and you all have motivated me to continue to push the creative envelope farther each and every day. You might be able to see where this note is heading and if you are thinking correctly you will know that I am informing you all that I am no longer associated with the band and have left the ranks of Dimmu Borgir effective immediately.

My departure was not entirely of my own accord and while I had felt this change was something imminent for my future, my time had been spent addressing the fact that many songs written by me had not been registered properly under my name in their credits. Without naming every single track, let us just say that a good majority of albums like "Spiritual Black Dimensions", "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" and "In Sorte Diaboli" would have been vastly different had I not composed and created as much as I actually did. Sadly, based on terrible gaps in the communication process and a failure to find logical rationale for why this had been done this way found me hitting wall after wall as opposed to finding a professional and reasonable solution to the problem. My inquiries and investigation into the issues which I wished to resolve and move on from would in the end find me being fired from the group. No discussions about it, just "goodbye" (via text message).

I can say to you that this was not a new dispute and is something that has been going on for some years and since these are my individual creative rights and work that are being denied of me, we shall now let the resolution come from the lawyers instead of dealing with more dishonesty and lies on a one on one personal level. On this I cannot say anymore because we will be walking into sticky legal territory. I mentioned earlier that my fans have motivated me to create great music again and again and they should know that I will continue to do this and shall return to them in the not too distant future with material that I hope will keep their musical needs fed. In advance I will say that I thank you for notes and texts of support and ask that you please understand that there is not much more I can say on this, nor will be able to answer every single message that I get. I ask you to please keep tabs on my official MySpace page. I will do my best to post what I am legally allowed to share with you so you remain informed."

Read more ››

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Dimmu Borgir

Official press release

Sensational news to report: Revolution Renaissance has joined the Napalm Records ranks! The band's mastermind is none other than legendary songwriter and guitarist supreme Timo Tolkki, who has already carved his name in the book of Metal by writing timeless hymns for his former band Stratovarius.

With Revolution Renaissance he continues to take Symphonic/Melodic Metal fans by storm and presents the ever-growing fanbase with powerful riffs, sweeping melodies, catchy choruses, and a top notch production that makes even the tiniest detail audible. Since 2008, the band has released two successful longplayers with a third one currently in the works. More details cannot be revealed at this point in time, but fans can expect yet another masterpiece of Symphonic/Melodic Metal! The new album will hit the streets in 2010. Stay tuned for more info in the coming months!

Timo Tolkki: "I am very happy to start a co-operation with Napalm Records. They are an excellent company with strong promotional capabilities extending all the way to the US, where they have their own office. I'm looking forward to bringing my music to the Metal Fans with the help of this strong record label. I am also looking forward to bringing my story to the public in the form of an autobiography which will be released later this year."

Read more ››

Source:	revolution-renaissance.com
Band profile:	Revolution Renaissance

After a small hiatus, Year Of Desolation have issued the following update on their MySpace:

"I am pleased beyond belief to be able to say this: Year Of Desolation IS going to start tearing shit up again. That's right, after a year and a half long hiatus, we've all talked and it's going to happen. The line up is going to be:

Chad Zimmerman - Vokills
Brandon Lytle - Bass
Matt Behner - Drums
Josh Kappel - Guitars
John M. Hehman II - Composition/Guitars

Mike had to leave us about 2 and a half years ago because of some personal issues but he's got it all sorted out and we're glad to have him back on board. That being said, Brandon Lytle is a 100% phenomenal Bassist, we appreciate him, the time he spent with us and we wish him all the best. Much love and respect Bran.

So what's going to happen?

New material: We've got some stuff we've all been workin on the past 2+ years and we're gonna get together over the winter and try to finish it up and get it recorded. It's going to be slightly different than what you're used to from us. Bigger riffs, more memorable parts etc. The "progressive" aspect will still be there but these songs are written with the "lets just fucking headbang" mentality. Is it going to be the fastest shit we've ever done? If 265bpm isn't fast enough for you, go drive a Top fuel dragster.

Record Label: Not holding our breath, this may be a self financed operation from here on out. Maybe if we saw something on goldflek paper and inked in blood.

Touring: There is NO big rush to get back into touring, we're going to look for the right opportunities instead of just killing ourselves by taking everything that is thrown at us. That being said, don't be surprised if you see us out around spring time next year.

Management: Who knows."

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Year Of Desolation

Italy's Corroosion have revealed details for their forthcoming debut "Punish The Mind". The album will hit the streets on November 13th in Europe and November 16th in UK & Ireland. Release date for Japan, USA & Canada will be announced soon, but pre-orders have already started.

The album was recordered at 16 cellar Studio, Rome. Mastering is made by A. Douches (Killswitch Engage, Emmure, Carnifex, The Acacia Strain, Terror, Cannibal Corpse, Ion Dissonance, Hate Eternal).

On the new MySpace profile of the band it's possible to watch a studio report video with previews of some tracks.

"Punish The Mind" cover art] tracklist:

01. Inconsistency
02. Waiting For Your Suicide
03. Mirror Of Void Mirror
04. Mind Punishment
05. The Flesh
06. Dechoerence
07. Life Is Beautiful But, Sometimes, Hard Porn Is Better?
08. Enumerate Muriatic Breakdown
09. Unforgotten Scream
10. Colossal Misanthropy
11. In Death's Frequency
12. Faces Of Paradoxical Existence

Read more ››

Source:

myspace.com

Swedish extreme metallers Shining have been confirmed to support Satyricon on the upcoming European Tour. The 17-date tour, set to start on the 2nd December, also includes Negură Bunget and Dark Fortress.

Referring to the recent cancellation of Shining's European tour, front man Niklas Kvarforth said: "We are all too aware of the fact that a lot of fans were disappointed by the actions of the Metal Maniacs Agency, which forced us to cancel the tour, but hopefully the tour with Satyricon will go some way towards making up for it. We are also looking at a lot of possibilities for next year at the moment, so be prepared for Shining and 2010".

Dates so far confirmed for the Satyricon + Shining + Negură Bunget + Dark Fortress tour as follows:

Dec. 02 - Hof Ter Lo - Antwerp, Belgium
Dec. 03 - TBA
Dec. 04 - Trabendo - Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Turock - Essen, Germany
Dec. 06 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
Dec. 07 - Backstage - Munich, Germany
Dec. 08 - Estragon - Bologna, Italy
Dec. 10 - Szene - Vienna, Austria
Dec. 11 - (venue TBA) - Bratislava, Slovakia
Dec. 12 - Folimanka - Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 13 - Studio Club - Krakow, Poland
Dec. 15 - Train - Ahus, Denmark
Dec. 16 - Markthalle - Hamburg, Germany
Dec. 17 - Batschkapp - Frankfurt, Germany
Dec. 18 - Alte Spinerei - Glauchau, Germany
Dec. 19 - Effenaar - Eindhoven, Netherlands
Dec. 20 - O2 - Islington Academy, London, UK

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Shining
Event:	Satyricon + Shining + Dark Fortress

Robot Monster Army, the brainchild of ex-Wargasm frontman Bob Mayo, have posted an exclusive live track on the RMA's official MySpace page. "Break Every Bone (Live)" is one of 3 tracks that will appear on the forthcoming "Strange Angel" EP, the second release from Robot Monster Army.

"Strange Angel" EP cover art] tracklist:

01. Strange Angel
02. Animal Heart/Machine Head
03. Break Every Bone

Robot Monster Army's self-titled debut album was released in June on YAAG Records and is currently available via all major online music outlets. The 70's-inspired album features performances by several members of Boston's metal elite: former members of Wargasm, Only Living Witness & Gang Green appear, and current members of Steel Assassin, Bad Karma and Meliah Rage also contributed.

"2 of the songs on the EP are basically left-overs from the first album", says Mayo. "It's an outtake from the album sessions ("Strange Angel"), the b-side to the "She's The Future" single ("Animal Heart/Machine Head"), and also a live track ("Break Every Bone"). I don't remember much about the live one..."

Each Robot Monster Army release will benefit a worthy cause; a portion of the proceeds generated from the "Strange Angel" EP will benefit Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

"Robot Monster Army " cover art] tracklist:

01. Flame On!
02. Halfway
03. Red Planet
04. Gazelle
05. Your Dog's Teeth
06. Nerve Damage/Nerve Ending
07. She's The Future
08. We're All Going To Hell
09. On The Moon/Moon Rock

Read more ››

Source:	myspace
Band profile:	Wargasm

Bay Area ambient chamber dark rock act Worm Ouroboros have completed work on their self-titled debut album.

Featuring members that have helped shape legendary Bay Area acts as The Gault (one of the greatest acts to ever emerge from the Bay Area) and Amber Asylum, along with featuring members from down-tempo Bay Area death metal act World Eater (not too hard to pinpoint who they are influenced by), Worm Ouroboros will bear familiar ground to those familiar with Amber Asylum and especially The Gault, since Worm Ouroboros bassist/singer Lorraine Rath (who also supplied the stunning artwork that will grace the album packaging, and who was likewise responsible for the stunning artwork that graced the debut Hammers Of Misfortune album "The Bastard") was the one who shared songwriting duties with John Gossard (Asunder/Weakling) in The Gault respectively. Also Worm Ouroboros conjures a sound picture reminiscent of classic 4AD acts as This Mortal Coil and The Cocteau Twins, along with reminiscing the vibe of such classic enigmas like 3rd And The Mortal, As Divine Grace, and even This Empty Flow (the post-Thergothon act). Just more dreary and doomy of course as one could say Worm Ouroboros can appeal to doom fans who embrace such essential artists as Asunder, and Unholy.

Where very delicately woven crafted structures counteract with segments of distorted down-tuned heaviness, it is through this interaction of the two opposing styles that help mold the ethereal and flowing atmospheric vibe of Worm Ouroboros where the drifting and floating aura of the trio's debut album creates a unique and special enigmatic presence; one that is ultimately very dark and haunting.

Recorded at Earhammer Studios (Asunder, Laudanum), tracklisting for the Worm Ouroboros debut goes as follows:

01. Through Glass
02. A Birth A Death
03. Winter
04. Goldeneye
05. Failing Moon
06. Riverbed
07. Brittle Heart
08. Pearls
09. A Death A Birth

An MP3 of the epic track "Riverbed" can be downloaded here (.mp3) or the band's MySpace page. The Worm Ouroboros debut will be released somewhere in October/early November through Profound Lore Records.

Read more ››

Source:

profoundlorerecords.com