Vengeance Music (Pakistan) and The Flaming Skull Podcast (India) have launched a digital compilation, entitled Metal Asia on MySpace. The project is supposed to be one of the largest compilations of the Middle Easters/Asian scene, including the oldest, best, most creative and influential bands from The Middle East, Srilanka, Indonesia, India and Pakistan.

The compilation is said to feature 26 tracks, of which 22 are streaming on MySpace. The MySpace player includes bands such as Nervecell, Bilocate, Demonic Resurrection, Kimaera, Sammath Sathanas, Tyrant Throne, Bhayanak Maut, J, Kalodin, Dei Tetra, Chaos, Soul Vomit, Kuadrumana, ReVolt, Qayaas, Devoid, Cranialschism, Augury , Bouq-Berserk, Satanik, Blood Ink, and Exile.

A "full" Asian metal band list can be found here.

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Source:

myspace.com

On October 12, Southern California's Intronaut are releasing their new album Valley of Smoke on Century Media. The final album version of one of the new songs, "Elegy" from that upcoming release, is now streaming at this location. (If you share on Facebook or Twitter you can also get a free download of the track).

Valley of Smoke was produced by Josh Newell (Jane's Addiction) and features a guest appearance by Tool bassist Justin Chancellor. The album's cover artwork was done by David D'Andrea.

Intronaut guitarist/vocalist Sacha Dunable previously stated about the band's upcoming material: "This record rules so much that I'm literally embarrassed to have been a part of everything we've done up until now. Not to sound pretentious, but this is absolutely the best music ever made."

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Source:	centurymedia.com
Band profile:	Intronaut

US death metallers Dååth have revealed the cover artwork for their upcoming eponymous album. The new album will be hitting the shelves on October 26 via Century Media Records. One of the new tracks, "Destruction/Restoration", is already streaming at this location.

Guitarist Emil Werstler previously said the following about the new material: "I've been listening to the final master of this record for a couple of days now. It is hard to believe that the task has been in process since March. In retrospect, I will say that more sacrifice was put into this record than anything I've ever been involved in. The content is EXTREMELY dark, distraught, and completely honest. The timing is appropriate as well considering how lacking music has been in the creative department for the last year or two.

I'm not hinting that we are going to become some pop culture phenomenon. We have no interest in that. As long as someone completely hates it, loves it or is moved in anyway be it positive or negative, our job is done. We have no interest in middle ground. You would have to be deaf to not hear that."

Vocalist Sean Z. added: "This album will definitely be the most real thing this band has put out to date. It's on a level everyone can relate to. The lyrics have taken a brand new direction and the music compliments the insanity creating a fucking masterpiece of a way different kind."

Dååth cover art] tracklist:

01. Genocidal Maniac
02. Destruction/Restoration
03. Indestructible Overdose
04. Double Tap Suicide
05. The Decider
06. Exit Plan
07. Oxygen Burn
08. Accelerant
09. Arch {Enemy} Misanthrope
10. Manufactured Insomnia
11. A Cold Devotion
12. N.A.T.G.O.D.
13. Terminal Now

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Dååth

Polish female fronted traditional Heavy Metal act Crystal Viper are on the verge of releasing studio album number three. Humbly entitled, Legends, the new Crystal Viper album will be released on October 22 through AFM Records in Europe and the States / Spiritual Beast Records in Japan. In anticipation of this release, the band has now revealed a small album teaser to keep you warm until next month. Check it out below.


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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Crystal Viper

German power metal veterans Grave Digger have shot a music video for the track "Highland Farewell", from the upcoming new record The Clans Will Rise Again, to be released in Europe by Napalm Records on October 1st 2010. Check out the clip below.


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Source:	youtube.com
Band profile:	Grave Digger

Extravagant shock rockers Gwar have updated their North American tour schedule. The tour will now last for more than two months, stopping in more than 50 cities. All tour dates below.

In other news, the long awaited DVD Lust in Space: Live at the National has been released. Lust in Space: Live at the National contains the awesome 82 minute set that was in the Lust in Space album concept plus the hilarious 10 minute mocumentary "Behind the Murder" plus a special features section containing interview extras, a behind the scenes look at special F/X being shot and a slideshow featuring band shots from the album cover.

October 02 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
October 04 - Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
October 05 - Knoxville, TN @ Valarium
October 07 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
October 08 - Ybor City, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
October 09 - Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live
October 10 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
October 11 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
October 12 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
October 13 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
October 14 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
October 15 - Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights
October 16 - Worcester, MA @ Rock and Shock, Palladium
October 17 - Montreal, QC @ Theatre Telus
October 19 - Moncton, NB @ Club Oxygen
October 20 - Halifax, NS @ The New Place
October 22 - Quebec City, QB @ Theatre Imperial
October 23 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
October 24 - Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall
October 26 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
October 27 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
October 28 - Sauget, IL @ Pop's
October 29 - Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
October 30 - Detroit, MI @ Harpo's
October 31 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
November 02 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
November 03 - Little Rock, AR @ The Village
November 04 - New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
November 05 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues
November 08 - Lawrence, KS @ Granada
November 09 - Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom
November 10 - Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
November 11 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theater
November 12 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
November 13 - Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
November 14 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
November 15 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
November 16 - Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
November 17 - Ventura, CA @ Majestic Ventura Theatre
November 18 - Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre
November 19 - Reno, NV @ Knitting Factory
November 20 - Bend, OR @ Midtown Music Hall
November 21 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom

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Source:	gwar.net
Band profile:	Gwar

As you all know Running Wild broke up in April last year. But it seems that the now ex-frontman, Rolf "Rock'n'Rolf" Kasparek, is still making music. You can check out a new song, entitled "Burning Wheels", online at this location. The music player is at your upper right, where you can listen to "Burning Wheels" featuring the vocals and guitar of Rock'n'Rolf.

More details about this supposedly new project as they surface.

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Running Wild

Darkest Hour have confirmed the dates for their headlining tour of North America with guests Veil Of Maya and Periphery (the opening slot is still to be confirmed, but is rumored to be Revocation, ed.). Darkest Hour will be celebrating their fifteenth anniversary on this trek.

Comments the band: "In celebration of our 15 year anniversary, Darkest Hour presents to you the legacy tour! We will be performing selected tracks from our entire discography in chronological order (including "Verdis, Equitas", the legendary instrumental from Hidden Hands Of A Sadist Nation). This will be a truly unique night for fans of Darkest Hour."

November 12 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
November 13 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
November 14 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
November 15 - Quebec City, QC - Dagobert
November 16 - Montreal, QC - Tulipe
November 17 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
November 18 - Detroit, MI - Majestic Theatre
November 19 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
November 20 - West Dundee, IL - Clearwater Theatre
November 21 - Des Moines, IA - People's Court
November 22 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre
November 23 - Salt Lake City, UT - In The Venue
November 24 - Las Vegas, NV - Area 702
November 26 - San Diego, CA - Soma
November 27 - Pomona, CA - The Glasshouse
November 28 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
November 29 - West Hollywood, CA - The Whisky
November 30 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Theatre
December 01 - Albuquerque, NM - The Launchpad
December 02 - Lubbock, TX - Tequila Jungle
December 03 - Austin, TX - Emo's
December 04 - Dallas, TX - Trees
December 05 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
December 07 - St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre
December 08 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
December 09 - Wilmington, NC - The Soapbox
December 10 - Philadelphia, PA - Starlight Ballroom
December 11 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
December 12 - Richmond, VA - Hat Factory

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Darkest Hour

Agony & Opium - the debut release from Olympia, Washington-based traditionale heavy metal act Christian Mistress - is now streaming in its entirety on Decibel Magazine's website.

Still a fairly new act, Christian Mistress have created a massive stir in recent weeks, building up to and following the recent arrival of Agony & Opium, which was released on August 24th via Olympia's 20 Buck Spin label. Jacking tons of fresh and unique energy into a classic style, the band are quickly becoming known internationally via incredible media and fan response to the album.

"Unapologetic, un-produced and ready to rock the local bar or backyard party like the world is ending." Tune in now to check out these six tracks of thunderous, purely infectious, classic heavy metal.

Agony & Opium cover art] tracklist:

01. Riding on the Edges
02. Desert Rose
03. Home in the Sun
04. Poison Path
05. Black Vigil
06. Omega Stone

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Source:

decibelmagazine.com

Extreme sludge doom metal trio Salome have completed work on their highly anticipated new album that has been christened Terminal. The album will hit the streets on November 9th through Profound Lore Records. An MP3 of the track "Master Failure" can be heard here.

Known as one of the most prominent bands within sludge/doom metal circles today, Salome have build up quite a reputation within said scene over the years since their eponymous 2008 debut, and with the split LP they did last year with their peers Thou. Most notably, it has been through Salome's intense and brutal live shows where the trio comprised of vocalist Kat (Agoraphobic Nosebleed), drummer Aaron Deal (Nitro Tokyo), and guitarist Rob Moore, have been building their reputation as one of doom metal's most devastating bands today.

With a presence unlike any other band in doom metal, Salome's brand of crawling time-stretching amplifier abusing doom builds the fine line between a stripped down, claustrophobic, tight introverted torturous audial assault and an expansive cinematic earth crumbling soundscape of pure devastation. This of course all conjured by the use of Kat's inhuman brutal vocal assault (a female vocalist who is easily considered as one of the most intense vocalists and performers in extreme metal today), Aaron Deal's thunderous and ritualistic methodical drum pounding and noise manipulating, and Rob Moore's brutally glacial guitar grooves and crawling chord progressions.

In what will easily come across as Salome's most accomplished and epic work to date, Terminal is an intense 70-plus minute sonic jaunt of punishing sludge doom metal reverence.

Terminal cover art] tracklist:

01. The Message
02. Terminal
03. Master Failure MP3]
04. Epidemic
05. An Accident Of History
06. The Witness
07. The Unbelievers

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Source:

profoundlorerecords.com

System Divide's new album, The Conscious Sedation, is set for release on September 14th, 2010 through Metal Blade Records. The album was mixed by the legendary James Murphy (Testament, Obituary, Death, etc.)

System Divide has members hailing from Israel, Belgium and the United States, featuring Sven De Caluwe (Aborted) and Miri Milman (ex-Distorted) on vocals, Cole Martinez (ex-Years Of Fire, Antenora) and Joseph Spiller (ex-The Binary Code) on guitars, Andrew Lenthe (Antenora) on bass, and Mike Heller (Malignancy) on drums.

From now until its release, you can stream The Conscious Sedation in its entirety exclusively on Metalunderground.com.

The Conscious Sedation cover art] tracklist:

01. Vagaries Of Perception
02. An Intoxicating Affair
03. Echoes
04. The Apex Doctrine
05. Lethargy
06. (N)Ether
07. Hollow
08. Purity In Imperfection
09. Repent/Forget
10. The Conscious Sedation
11. Stagnant Progression

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Source:

metalunderground.com

Official press release

Season of Mist is proud to welcome the first Czech band of the label's history by adding Silent Stream Of Godless Elegy to the roster. The folk metal act's sixth album has been scheduled for an early 2011 release.

Guitarist Radek Hajda wrote the following statement: "Slava! After five albums and intensive work on our new record, it's actually a kind of big satisfaction for us to proudly announce the new Silent Stream Of Godless Elegy album is going to be released worldwide by Season of Mist. Supported by this label with a roster of amazing bands like Septicflesh, Cynic, Rotting Christ or Morbid Angel, we can finally show the world that there is the other way of what is called "folk-metal" nowadays. Look forward to a unique combination of traditional Moravian folk music and melodic doom/death metal, look forward to Silent Stream Of Godless Elegy. Thank for your trust in us, Season of Mist. And thank you, our fans all over the world, for supporting us!"

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Source:	season-of-mist.com
Band profile:	Silent Stream Of Godless Elegy

Epica vocalist/guitarist Mark Jansen has started a new project called MaYaN. The following statement regarding the band has been posted on Epica's website:

"Although Epica has been touring around the world for months, Mark found the time to put another band together, which he takes very seriously: MaYaN. Mark founded MaYaN together with Jack Driessen (ex-After Forever) and Frank Schiphorst, named after the wise and rich mayan culture.

"There was only one record label we wanted to sign with: Nuclear Blast, so we didn't even look for other companies to work with and we're very happy that this appreciation is mutual", Mark says and announces: "The debut album will be recorded and mixed at the end of the year 2010 and the beginning of 2011 by Sascha Paeth (who produced the former Epica records as well). We're also stoked to announce that Jeroen Paul Thesseling (Pestilence, Obscura), known for his signature six-string fretless playing in progressive death metal, will join as permanent member on bass guitar. Isaac Delahaye (Epica, ex-God Dethroned) and Arien van Weesenbeek (Epica) will complete the line up!"

The release of the album will take place around May 2011 and the CD presentation will be at Paradiso - Amsterdam! The music is a mixture of death, black and progressive metal combined with symphonic orchestral arrangements. "We'll work with some very interesting guests and these will be announced very soon!"


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Source:	epica.nl
Band profile:	Epica

Textures is proud to announce the addition of new keyboard and sample-maestro Uri Dijk to their line-up.

This past summer Uri helped out by filling in on keyboards at the band's festival appearances. During the rehearsals and live shows there was a strong personal and musical connection between Uri and the band members of Textures, which made the band decide to ask Uri to join Textures as a full member. Uri gladly accepted, which means Textures is a 6-piece again after a small period being without a keyboard player.

Uri comments about joining Textures: "First of all I am honored to have been asked to join Textures. This is an opportunity that doesn't come along every day, and let's be honest, how could I refuse. Getting to know the guys in the past few weeks has shown me that the spirit of Textures is as much alive as ever and that this is just an amazing group of friends who have worked very hard to bring mind-blowing music to the world. I feel privileged to be able to become a part of this and I am happy the band is now complete again. I hope I can bring as much atmosphere and musicality to the band and its music as Richard did. We are back in business!"

Textures had the following to say about Uri joining the band: "To see Richard leave shortly after the departure of Eric, was quite a blow for us. Richard was a part of the band from the beginning, so it would feel pretty weird to fit a new person in that role. But after Uri joined us to help us out for the live shows it felt really good to have a well skilled person on keys again. It was such a good experience with Uri that we couldn't see ourselves moving on without him. Uri is more than a well skilled synth-maestro and besides an amazing guy to be around. We are very glad that Uri accepted the position and we are working very hard to write new material. We are working on taking it to the next level, so be ready!!"

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Source:	texturesband.com
Band profile:	Textures

Firewind will celebrate the upcoming release of the new album Days of Defiance with a limited number of special North American headlining shows. The trek, which kicks off on November 4th and runs all the way through November 7th, features Powerglove and The Absence in the support slots.

Gus G. states: "We are very happy to announce four special album release shows in North America this fall in support of our new record, Days of Defiance. It"s been awhile since Firewind played North America, as our last tour was Spring/Summer 2008. This is a very special run for us, as it will be the first time we'll play the new songs live. It also might be awhile until we come back for a full North American run, so we REALLY hope to see many of you come out to these shows. We'll be sure to rock you to the ground and that's a promise!"

November 4th - Volume 11 - Raleigh, NC
November 5th - Jaxx - West Springfield, VA
November 6th - The Gramercy - New York, NY
November 7th - Les Foufounes Electriques - Montreal, Que

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Source:	firewind.gr
Band profile:	Firewind
Event:	Firewind: US Mini Tour