Swedish progressive metallers Evergrey, who are currently on tour through Europe, have cancelled their dates in in Spain (Llodio, A Coruña, Albacete, Madrid and Barcelona) and Portugal (Benavente) after their tour bus has been burglarized. The band's statement reads as follows:

"Due to a break-in in Evergrey's tourbus all gigs in Spain and Portugal are cancelled. Evergrey lost equipment and merchandise for a value BEYOND 35000 EUROS so it is impossible to continue? we pass Lyon on the way home and will use the equipment of the local support. MAYBE we can go home and get new equipment for the Holland shows and come back but this is still uncertain?

A list of ALL things stolen will be presented here together with the Police report.

More details on this soon?

To our Spanish and Portuguese fans we are extremely sorry but we have NO chance of making it with everything being stolen."

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Source:	evergrey.net
Band profile:	Evergrey
Event:	Evergrey [CANCELLED]

Swedish metallers Nocturnal Rites have announced Christopher Rörland will replace Nils Norberg as their new lead guitarist.

Commented by rhythm guitarist Fredrik Mannberg: "It feels great to have Chris in the band. He's a really, really nice guy. We're very happy to have found this guy very close to our hometown. We are very excited to start working on new material and play some live shows with him, so it's great."

Nocturnal Rites are still working on the follow-up to The 8th Sin, released exactly three years ago.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Nocturnal Rites

Can't make it to Europe this June for one of the seven Sonisphere "Big Four" shows featuring Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax? No problem. The Sonisphere concert in Sofia, Bulgaria will be broadcast exclusively in high quality HD-format in 800 movie theaters across the world (450 US movie theaters, and 350 theaters across Europe, Canada, and Latin America).

These theater shows will feature nearly four hours of live performances (so each band's entire set will not be shown) and behind-the-scenes footage.

Tickets for the one night only event are available at the local theater box offices and online at thebigfourlive.com where you can see a complete list of presenting theaters. Tickets will start to go on sale Friday, May 21 in the USA and Friday, May 28 internationally.

(Note that ticket on sale times and even days will vary by theatre, so check with your friendly neighborhood participating movie theatre for exact days and times tickets will be available and keep watching thebigfourlive.com for theatre additions/changes.)

Delayed screenings for Australia, South Africa and New Zealand will be announced later.

For the USA:

Presented by NCM Fathom, this one night event will be simulcast exclusively in select movie theaters on Tuesday, June 22nd at 7:30 pm (local time). Ticket prices in the US will be around $20 plus whatever service charges your local theater may add.

Click here for a list of all participating US movie theaters.

For Europe:

Info tba soon. Keep an eye on thebigfourlive.com for updates.


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Source:	thebigfourlive.com
Event:	Sonisphere Festival 2010

Equilibrium just posted another brand new track called "Verbrannte Erde" off their upcoming album Rekreatur to the bands official MySpace profile.

Commented mainman, guitarist and songwriter René Berthiaume: "We decided to release "Verbrannte Erde" to show you guys how diverse Rekreatur turned out to be! Each song on the album has its own story and sounds totally different. "Verbrannte Erde" is about the deployment of an army before the first wave of attack, about the unbroken will to win and determination to be victorious despite several previous setbacks. It's one of my current favourite Equilibrium songs!"

Rekreatur will be released on June 18, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Yura.]

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Source:	nuclearblast.de
Band profile:	Equilibrium

Former Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley has issued the following update:

"As you all probably know, Anna Di Laurenzio (manager) and drummer Larry Paterson have decided to leave the band. This is for reasons we will not go into to respect their privacy. We wish them well in the future.

First of all our apologies for not coming out with this news first, but we are on road and didn't have the opportunity to do so. This will only be a short statement as we are facing a 12-hour drive today to Moscow.

We would like to reassure you that this will not change anything for the band. We are going on with finishing the gigs that are booked and new bookings are still coming through. All recording plans for the next album stay on as well as all other plans for the future.

We have found a good, talented replacement drummer in Claudio Tirincanti, so hope that the fans will support him as well. So far we have had incredible reactions on this tour and hope that you will keep on supporting us as you have done in the past."

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Source:	blazebayley.net
Band profile:	Blaze Bayley

Masterplan frontman Jørn Lande is set to release a tribute album to the musical legacy of the late Ronnie James Dio. The new album, aptly entitled Dio, will be released on Frontiers Records on July 2nd in Europe and July 27th in the US. Dio was mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios.

Handpicking some lesser known tunes of the Dio era, along with some of the true classics, Jorn offers a fine collection of songs that present the music of the Man and the Artist, with a unique twist. In Jørn Lande's own words: "Throughout the years I have had the privilege of both meeting and working with many of the musicians that have inspired me on my musical journey. Ronnie James Dio has inspired me through decades, and this man's influence continues to add colour to my creative spirit. Ever since the first time I heard his royal roar back in the 70's, I have been fascinated by this extremely talented man's creative force and dedication to music. His career has been going on for so long and includes so many great songs, that it was a challenge to decide which songs and what era to focus on. I ended up focusing on the Dio era".

The album also includes an original song for which a videoclip, shot by Thomas Tjader (Pretty Maids, In Flames) was produced. Jørn says "I wrote "Song for Ronnie James" as a tribute and a personal thanks to the man who has been my mentor for more than 35 years. This great man has affected my life and career in such a way that without his presence, I would not have become the artist I am today".

Dio cover art] tracklist:

01. Song For Ronnie James
02. Invisible
03. Shame On The Night
04. Push
05. Stand Up And Shout
06. Don't Talk To Strangers
07. Lord Of The Last Day
08. Night People
09. Sacred Heart
10. Sunset Superman
11. Lonely Is The Word / Letters From Earth
12. Kill The King
13. Straight Through The Heart
+ Song for Ronnie James

Zmaj Ognjeni Vuk]

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Source:	frontiers.it
Band profile:	Jorn

So your regular provider of epic metal video goodness, Thryce, is a busy little bee and authorized yours truly to give it a shot with the next installment. Here goes nothing.

Earlier this month I caught the Between the Baroness and Mastodon gig, and arrived early enough to enjoy the opening act, Valient Thorr. Their energetic stage show and "P-A-R-T-Y - you ain't go no alibi, YOU PARTY!" chant, coupled with some barley sodas got me fueled up to enjoy the rest of the gig. They were rocked hard enough that I took the time to chat with them at the merch stand, buy a disk after their set, and later went to their website where I discovered this inspiration for this column.

The creative mind and ambition of director Mike Aho combines special effects that make Avatar look lame with gratuitous violence and the best car chase scene since the Blues Brothers to great effect. His artistic vision with an amazing, Oscar-worthy performance by Valient Himself results in a truly fantastic metal video for "Tomorrow Police" off of their 2008 release, Immortalizer that is worthy of much praise indeed.

Enjoy.

The band is still touring the US before hitting Hellfest and the rest of Europe this summer. Get there early and be prepared to party.

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Source:

metalstorm.net

As announced last month, Mar De Grises' next album will be released on Season of Mist. We can now reveal that the Chilean doomsters' third album will be entitled Streams Inwards, and it is slated for an August 30th release.

Bassist Rodrigo comments on the title: "The name Streams Inwards reflects the idea that emotion is the connection between us and the world that surrounds us, between our most intense feelings and the universe. All of us, all of this, everything is part of an endless sea. It is about how all the elements around us build and nourish our most sincere emotions - good, bad, whatever...

"Our previous album, Draining the Waterheart, referred to some similar process: the liberation of these same streams. The new title shares that same concept, but in a broader way. Wherein the mix of these simple and transcendent elements define our most pure nature, to feel and create."

More details on the album to follow soon.

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Source:	season-of-mist.com
Band profile:	Mar De Grises

We're disastrously late with this report, but just in case you haven't heard, vocalist Francesco Paoli has left Hour Of Penance right after a few unfortunate (read: fucked up) events.

It all started when the band had to cancel the remaining dates of their European Tour. When the band were ready to play at the "Coyote Ugly" venue in Alicante, Spain, it became apparent that drummer Mauro Mercurio wasn't able to play (due to intoxication), so the band cancelled their set. Then, employees of the venue started grabbing the band's equipment and other belongings, and the police were called in.

Turns out that before going on stage, Mauro Mercurio had smashed a 50-inch flat-screen TV, among other things damaging the place. Mercurio was detained for 48 hours at the police station (his ID had been stolen by the venue's employees), before the whole band made it back home to Italy, forcing them to cancel the last 3 shows of the tour in Spain.

A few days later, Paoli posted a message he and Fleshgod Apocalypse (where Paoli plays drums) dissociated themselves from what happened to Hour Of Penance. He wrote: "Things have changed on May 7th, when I decided to leave Hour Of Penance following the facts happened at "Coyote Ugly", in Alicante. It's been such a severe thing to me that I decided to leave Hour Of Penance. Me and Fleshgod Apocalypse will go on supporting Giulio Moschini (guitars) and Silvano Leone (bass) from Hour Of Penance as friends and musicians."

Again a few days later, Paoli wrote another clarification. There he said he had already made the decision to leave the band before the incident in Alicante. On the one hand, because Mercurio's college career was interfering with Hour Of Penance's live schedule. On the other hand because Paoli had trouble combining the two jobs (vocalist in Hour Of Penance and drummer in Fleshgod Apocalypse) at the same time.

He adds: "The fact that I split-up officially with this line-up, doesn't mean that I will not be able or happy to cooperate with Giulio and Silvano again in the future in the limits of my disponibility, if they will decide to go on with this project."

And: "I would also like to tell everybody still filling their mouth with bullshits about this fact, that Giulio and Silvano DIDN'T abandone Mauro in any way, and of course it's not their fault if Hour Of Penance will not be able to go on. The situation will be clear when everything will be solved."

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Hour Of Penance

Spanish Thrash Metallers Angelus Apatrida are soon to release their Century Media Records debut album Clockwork on June 21st, 2010 all over Europe.

Clockwork, the band's third album after two independent national releases, was produced by Daniel Cardoso at Ultrasound Studios in Braga, Portugal, early 2010 and the cover artwork of the album comes courtesy of Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, God Forbid, Krisiun, etc.).

As first promotional online song, the furious "Blast Off" has been launched on the band's MySpace profile and will easily stress why fans of classic Thrash Metal in the vein of Testament, Megadeth, Overkill or early Metallica will surely dig Angelus Apatrida as well.

The band comments on the upcoming album release as follows: "We are extremely happy for what this record means in terms of fulfillment of many of our dreams. It represents all we got and what we are, and we can't wait to hear what the metalheads around the globe think of it. We hope you bloody like it!"

Clockwork cover art] tracklist:

01. The Manhattan Project
02. Blast Off
03. Of Men And Tyrants
04. Clockwork
05. Devil Take The Hindmost
06. The Misanthropist
07. Legally Brainwashed
08. Get Out Of My Way
09. My Insanity
10. One Side War
11. Into The Storm
12. National Disgrace
13. Be Quick Or Be Dead Iron Maiden cover] (limited edition bonus)

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Angelus Apatrida

German thrash legends Sodom have cancelled their upcoming US tour.

The band's statement reads as follows: "Due to solid problems with our local tour promoter and getting our Visa in time, we are forced to cancel the upcoming shows. We already had our suitcases packed and were ready to go. We are awfully sorry to take these steps, but everybody acquainted with the entering provisions of the USA knows what we're talking about. We are deeply disappointed by this situation, but in the end there's the awareness, that not everything is done to our entire satisfaction.

We are "only" the musicians, who would have loved to rock the USA again. We owe this to our fans, even more because we made ourselves scarce in the US since the foundation of this band, of course through no fault of our own. The one who botched this up will have to be confronted with the local organizers and club owners and account for his faults.

We surely will catch up on these shows as soon as possible, which we especially owe to our fans. In the end, this set of problems redounds upon us, because we're in the front line and have to be answerable to our fans. I hope we didn't lose too many fans due to this mess, but all people who know us are aware of the fact, that we would do anything for our fans. The risk of being forbidden to enter the USA for 10 years or even getting arrested is too high. We hope for your understanding and keep you informed about the latest facts."

In other news, Sodom recently completed their forthcoming DVD, Lords Of Depravity Part 2.

Read more ››

Source:	sodomized.info
Band profile:	Sodom

Just about a month ago we reported that power metal band Dawn Of Destiny had parted ways with their vocalist Tanja Maul. Now it seems that also drummer Patrick Klose left the band at some point, as Dawn Of Destiny have announced the addition of two female vocalists and a new drummer to their ranks.

"Finally, after a long term of carefully chosing and nerve-wrecking auditions, we can introduce these fine new band members: Jeanette Scherff and Monika Wesely will be the new lead vocalists, while Boris Frenkel will take over drumming duties.

We are very lucky to have them with us now and look forward to a bright future. If you should wonder.... YES, Dawn Of Destiny will perform with two lead vocalists from now on. A new chapter is opened in the band's carreer, exploring new and exciting territories."

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Dawn Of Destiny

This ninth edition will feature Hooded Menace, Desire, Fall Of The Idols amongst others. As usual the festival will be a stage for new and emerging talent (locally bred) as well as for bigger established acts within the doom genre.

The festival will be held on November 6 and 7 and will once again host around fifteen bands. The first names that have been announced are Hooded Menace (Finland, first show in the BeNeLux), Desire (Portugal), Fall Of The Idols (Finland), Iron Hearse (England), and Evadne (Spain).
Former organiser Pim Blankenstein has been quoted saying: "Also for the upcoming edition of the world's longest running doom festival the first bands announced are finger licking good. Variation within the doom genre is enormous and, once again, we will try to feature as many subgenres as possible.
What about the debut on Duch soil of the Finnish Hooded Menace and the return of the Portuguese Desire, who already made a huge impression during the second edition in 2003?
During the first weekend of November Rotterdam will once again confirm its "name" Rotterdoom and tremble on its foundation due to all the heavy tunes.

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Event:

Dutch Doom Days IX

Danko Jones are pleased to announce that the long awaited video for "Full Of Regret" is finally here. The video features Elijah Wood, Selma Blair, Mike Watt and Lemmy Kilmister. The song comes off the recently released Below The Belt.


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Source:

myspace.com

Vocal powerhouse Veronica Freeman (Benedictum), will be doing session work for the Lyraka project.

Lyraka is described as a "Wagnerian Opera Metal" project that encompasses a set of highlights CD's, as well as a 3-D animated movie. Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz) and Tommy Heart (Uli Jon Roth, Fair Warning, Soul Doctor) are also contributing vocal tracks.

Andy DiGelsomina, the composer and lead guitarist of the project, commented: "I was massively inspired by Veronica's performance on the Benedictum CD's. She is not only viciously heavy when neccessary, but has a phenomenal sense of dynamics. Veronica is as gloriously heavy metal as you can get, and we are excited about working with her."

The first volume of the CD set, Lyraka Volume 1, is set for release in March 2011.

Visit the band's website for more info.

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Source:

lyraka.com