Official press release

Keyboard player Richard Rietdijk has left Textures to pursue other interests. In a statement to the band's fans he had to say the following:

Dear fans,

After 10 awesome years playing synths in the band, I've decided to leave Textures. There are other projects (music and other) I've been wanting to do for a while now and currently the time and effort it takes to be in the band is in the way of me achieving those.

I want to thank all you fans for your continued support and making this journey as awesome as it has been. I got the rare opportunity to travel and meet the most awesome people from all over the world and appreciate the sustained contacts online. I hope all of you will continue supporting this hardworking band. They earn every bit of it. Their next album will blow your socks off, believe me!

To the guys (including the crew) I'd like to say it's been an absolute honor and a privilege to have been in this band, seeing and helping it grow from this small local band to the phenomenon it is now. It will take a while to get used to not doing this with you guys anymore, and I'll cherish the friendship we have forever. I wish you guys well in all your future endeavors. You're going to be just fine.

This decade has been one hell of a ride! Thank You!

For people wanting to keep up with my projects either follow me on my Twitter or on my homepage.

The band commented on Richard's departure:

After 10 very great years, it is sadly finally so... our synths & samples-maestro is leaving... We will miss Richard a lot, especially his laugh and his awesome humour..

After Eric left a few months ago, of course we began to think more about our future times...and everything we do along the way. Things change... all the time! For everyone.

We know Richard will have a great time doing the other things he really loves, but meanwhile our tourbus is going to keep hitting the road...we are unstoppable!

So Textures will live on of course, we are in the middle of writing a new album...and at the same time we are keeping our eyes open for a new keyboard player! So keep 'em coming folks!! The band is contemplating how to fill Richard's place within Textures.

In other news the band have announced their first appearances with the band's new front man Daniel de Jongh. The band will perform at Fortarock taking place in Nijmegen, the Netherlands on the 3rd of July and Sikelian Hell on the 24th of July in Palermo, Italy.

Read more ››

Source:	richardrietdijk.com
Band profile:	Textures

Singapore metallers Rudra have issued the following update on their MySpace blog:

"The third chapter in the trilogy is titled Brahmavidya: Immortal I, with 11 tracks, and is well on it's way to completion with drums and guitars already tracked, and recording shall be completed by the end of April.

Release date shall be announced soon!"

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Rudra

Indian metal band, Demonic Resurrection has signed to Candlelight Records for the worldwide release of their new album The Return To Darkness, which was released independently by the band in January.

Commented the band: "We've just completed a decade in music and we can't think of a better way to celebrate than to announce that we've signed with Candlelight Records for the worldwide release of our third album The Return to Darkness. In signing with Candlelight, we're joining a roster of bands that have been an integral part of our musical growth and we couldn't be prouder. We believe Candlelight is the right fit for our music and a label that completely respects our artistic integrity. We look forward to a longstanding relationship with them to take our music to the next level."

Read more ››

Source:

candlelightrecords.co.uk

Official press release

New Jersey's very own pirate thrashers Swashbuckle recently parted ways with drummer Captain Crashride. A new replacement has already been found with a guy called Bootsmann Collins!

"Ahoy scallywags and asshats! There's been a bit of a change in the 'buckle rank as of late. We have recently parted ways with drummer Captain Crashride. He brought us five years of service and utter shenanigans, and we wish him nothing but the best in combating that extreme outbreak of scurvy. With that being said, we now have a new drummer stepping up to fill the boots and more so to speak, and that man be none other than Bootsmann Collins. He's a fucking killer drummer and quite the retarded pirate. So we couldn't be more stoked to have him aboard. So please give him a warm welcome with yar internet shit-talk and utter disgust for everything piratical. We wouldn't have it any other way. Eat a bowl of fuck!

Love, Admiral Nobeard.

P.S. Check out the bootsmann's other band as well - We All Have Day Jobs MySpace].

Check out the video introduction right here.

Swashbuckle's new album Crime Always Pays is set to be unleashed in summer 2010!


Read more ››

Source:	nuclearblast.de
Band profile:	Swashbuckle

Katatonia will return to North America in September/October. Support on the tour will come from Swallow The Sun and Orphaned Land.

Tickets go on sale today exclusively through EnterTheVault.com until May 1 at which point they will be made available through all regular ticketing systems.

Sep. 08 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
Sep. 09 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
Sep. 10 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
Sep. 11 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
Sep. 12 - Montreal, QC - Petit Campus
Sep. 13 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
Sep. 14 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Sep. 15 - Detroit, MI - Blondies
Sep. 16 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
Sep. 17 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's Rock Club
Sep. 18 - St Paul, MN - Station 4
Sep. 21 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Sep. 22 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
Sep. 23 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theater
Sep. 24 - San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside
Sep. 25 - Santa Ana, CA - Galaxy Theater
Sep. 26 - West Hollywood, CA - Whisky A Go Go
Sep. 27 - Mesa, AZ - U.B.'s
Sep. 28 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock
Sep. 30 - Dallas, TX - Trees
Oct. 01 - Austin, TX - Emo's
Oct. 02 - Houston, TX - Warsaw
Oct. 04 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
Oct. 05 - Louisville, KY - Uncle Pleasants
Oct. 06 - Raleigh, NC - Volume 11
Oct. 07 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx

Read more ››

Source:	katatonia.com
Band profile:	Katatonia
Event:	Katatonia + Swallow The Sun + Orphaned Land

In a statement on the band's website, the US heavy metal band Icarus Witch announce the news they have parted ways with their singer, and already announced his replacement. Here's the full message:

"We are excited to announce yet another massive shift in our ranks as we welcome new vocalist Christopher Shaner to the Icarus Witch circle and part ways amicably with original vocalist, Matthew Bizilia. Matthew's contributions to the band have been immeasurable over the past six years. While this was a serious decision for both parties, professional differences of opinion led to the change. Bizilia is a phenomenal talent who will always be a part of the Witch family as we wish him much success on his future ventures.

Incoming vocalist and Erie, Pennsylvania native Shaner is a long time friend and collaborator of guitarist Quinn Lukas. Before Quinn moved to Pittsburgh to join Icarus Witch in 2006, he had worked on various musical projects with the singer. Much like the recent acquisition of second guitarist Ed Skero, the choice to add Christopher to the band was based on a combination of what he brings to the lineup personally, musically and professionally. His powerful vocal range, sense of harmony and intense work ethic are a perfect fit for the next phase of this band. Writing for the follow-up to Draw Down The Moon has already commenced with the new recruits and it promises to be the band's most diverse, melodic and epic release ever.

Friends of the Witch can get a taste of the new line-up as Christopher and Ed make their debut at Pittsburgh's Hard Rock Cafe Friday, May 28th, where the band will be opening for Lizzy Borden. Also on the itinerary are the Warriors Of Metal III Festival in Ohio this June, and some exciting tour news to follow in mere days.''

Read more ››

Source:	icaruswitch.com
Band profile:	Icarus Witch

Tampa, Florida thrashers Generichrist have announced the addition of bassist Daniel Santana and drummer Jay Tomaszewski to the line-up. The band have currently been working on the follow up to Vomit Culture, that was released on Death Star records earlier in the year. Frontman/founder Tony Anderson has confirmed that Strangulation Of Twisted Mind will be the title of the next record that will see a July release date and no label has been confirmed yet . The artwork will be handled by Florida artist Mark Cooper who has worked with the band on several of their past releases.

In other Generichrist news, Asian label AreaDeath productions has just released a special limited edition Generichrist CD titled Mindumpster that is limited to 666 handnumbered copies with special artwork and layout. AreaDeath has put out work's from bands like Necrophagia, Nunslaughter, Ritual Sacrifice and Deceased.

For more information visit MySpace.

Read more ››

Source:

myspace.com

Power Quest have issued a short update regarding the upcoming new album:

"We can now reveal that the forthcoming fifth Power Quest record will be titled Blood Alliance. Work on the new material continues apace and the songs that have been demo-ed so far are sounding awesome and true to the PQ tradition of catchy, melodic metal.

Thanks to everyone who applied for the vacant guitarist position in the band. We had a huge amount of applicants from all over the world and unfortunately couldn't reply to each and every one of you. Those shortlisted for audition have been informed via email and we look forward to seeing you on May 2nd in Derby."

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Power Quest

NoiseArt Records - a subdivision of Rock The Nation - are proud and extremely enthusiastic to welcome Thaurorod on the roster.

Commented managing director Stefan Hattinger: "A group of great persons, who understands to write outstanding songs and know how to play their instruments. Great melodic vocals from Markku Kuikka and an incredible guitar work performed by guitar hero Emil Phojalainen are the ingredients which stick out. Everybody who loves Dream Theater, Blind Guardian or Wintersun should check out this great band."

With Thaurorod NoiseArt Records signs, after Swedish heavy metal sensation Steelwing and German viking metalheads Varg their third artist.

Thaurorod's so far unnamed debut album will be released later this year. Meanwhile check out the band's MySpace page where you can listen to a pre-mastered version of the song "Warrior's Heart".

Bad English]

Read more ››

Source:

blogs.myspace.com

French thrashers Lyzanxia have posted a short teaser to their upcoming album Locust. The album will hit the streets on May 31st 2010 through XIII Bis Records - Sony Music distribution. Locust was recorded and produced by David and Franck Potvin between the Déclanché Studio (Switzerland) and the Dome Studio (France).


Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Lyzanxia

"Great Are The Eyed" the first official video from Against The Plagues can be viewed below.

The clip was filmed in Miami with directors, Eduardo and Gregg Alvarez from Elephas Production. The song comes off the band's new album Decoding the Mainframe released in Europe on March 31st via Dutch label Vic Records. The album was mastered by Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity, Aeon, Dissection, Katatonia, Marduk).

Commented the band about the new video: "This is our first official video clip. It was filmed during the winter time in the Miami area. We chose the song "Great Are The Eyed" because we feel that it best represents the essence of our music (extreme, melodic, speedy, powerful riffs, etc.) During the filming, we chose 3 different locations and spent a few days to create this video; this included a great deal of involvement coming from Elephas Production directors Eduardo and Gregg and their their awesome crew. Our goal was to give the listeners bit more than what they have been used to as far as Against the Plagues goes. The video presents the band with our strongest line-up. But over all, we thought it would be fun to create simple and solid metal video that would acompany our album Decoding the Mainframe."


Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Against The Plagues

Mors Principium Est vocalist Ville Viljanen has posted the following blog on the band's MySpace page:

"Yeah yeah, it's been a while since last time updated, but there hasn't been anything to update. Anyway, we are writing new material. Have been writing for a long time already, but it's not so easy to get something ready. Couple of songs are kinda ready music wise, but no vocal parts yet.

And this is especially for those people who are asking are we still alive or not and when is our next album coming out. Well, I don't want to sound rude, but if a band still has gigs to play, doesn't that mean that the band is alive??

And about the album. I will not promise anything, because I can't. I really don't know when do we have enough songs ready and also once we have about 4-5 songs ready, then we will start to negotiate with various record labels and that also may take a while. Sooo, IF we are really lucky, we could have a new album out at the end of the year 2010, but I personally think, that 2011 sounds more realistic. But like I said, I can not promise anything. We'll just have to wait and see how things go."

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Mors Principium Est

Guitarist Martin Haglund has decided to leave Astral Doors. Martin explains:

"This decision has not been easy to make, but its needed. I have reached a point where I feel I have to focus more on my kids and support them in their hobbies and interests, by doing that I'm not able to give Astral Doors 100%. I don´t want to be the one that´s holding the band back so I let go. I will continue playing, writing and record music but on a more suitable level. I´ll keep the metal flowing that´s for sure.

Being a member of Astral Doors has given me experiences and memories that I'll bring to the grave. I am truly proud of my time in Astral Doors and what we have accomplished and brought to the hard-rock scene. Thanks and hugs to all of you! Now Astral Doors will reload and hit you harder then ever."

Nils Patrik Johansson, singer of Astral Doors comments: "Martin is a great guy and we wish him all the best. He did a great job with the mixing of our previous album that's for sure. Hope the job he did with that album will open a lot of doors for him as a producer."

Astral Doors will not bring in a new guitar player in the band to replace Martin; Joachim Nordlund (founding member of Astral Doors, together with Johan Lindstedt and Nils Patrik Johansson) will from now on handle all guitars himself.

Read more ››

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Astral Doors

Blackmore's Night guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore (ex-Deep Purple, ex-Rainbow) has issued the following short update:

"April 2010 finds us diligently working in the studio and going into final mix stage on the new Blackmore's Night CD. Candice Night and I and our minstrel band are looking forward to performing some of our new songs and your favorites from past albums in September."

September tour dates:

05 - Kloster Buch - Leising, Germany
08 - TBA - Prague, Czech Republic
10 - Prinzgegententheater - Munich, Germany
16 - Theatre des Westens - Berlin, Germany
18 - Rhein - Main Theater - Niedernhausen, Germany
23 - CCH Saal 2 - Hamburg, Germany
26 - Theater am Marientor - Duisburg, Germany

Read more ››

Source:	blackmoresnight.com
Band profile:	Blackmore's Night

The Obsidian Conspiracy, the long-awaited new album from Nevermore, will be released in Europe on May 31 and in North America on June 8 via Century Media Records. Another teaser video has been revealed too - the previous one can be found here. Watch the clip below.

The Obsidian Conspiracy cover art] tracklist:

01. The Termination Proclamation
02. Your Poison Throne
03. Moonrise (Through Mirrors Of Death)
04. And The Maiden Spoke
05. Emptiness Unobstructed
06. The Blue Marble And The New Soul
07. Without Morals
08. The Day You Built The Wall
09. She Comes In Colors
10. The Obsidian Conspiracy


Read more ››

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Nevermore