Obscura sees a worldwide premiere of their video for "The Anticosmic Overload" tonight at 21:00 CET, the first video from their already critically acclaimed debut album "Cosmogenesis", via MySpace exclusively.

"The Anticosmic Overload" was directed and filmed by Steffen Kummerer & Christoph Harrer for their final project in video design at the University of Deggendorf, Germany. The video was shot at the Metropolis Music Hall in Munich during November 2008. "Cosmogenesis" will see a March 2nd international release.

Additionally Obscura will undertake a massive "Cosmogenesis" USA tour in April 2009 as support of death-metal-masters Cannibal Corpse. With a follow up tour in Europe to be announced later this year. More info and tour dates can be found at this location.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Obscura

"On And On", the new video from Irish rockers The Answer, has been made available online.

The clip was directed by Isaiah Seret and shot in US while the band was on tour with AC/DC.

"On And On" comes off the new The Answer album, entitled "Everyday Demons" cover art], which will be released in Europe on March 2 (March 31 in the US) via Steamhammer/SPV.


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Source:	youtube.com
Band profile:	The Answer

German metal band Fall Of Serenity have called it quits. Here's the official statement:

"After 10 years, we have to close the chapter Fall Of Serenity. In the last weeks we thought, after almost splitting up in 2008, we could go on doing the next record - at least after a break from playing live. But something unexpected happened just this week. Our singer John will join the band Deadlock on the bass position. These circumstances, and the global warming, make it impossible to go on. So we felt that we, including John, should finally end it. We wish John good luck and thank him for everything. Also a big thanks to all our supporters and foremost to our great fans. Thank you! Three of us will continue with a new project, so there is a chance to see our ugly faces somewhere in the future again. Bye, bye!"

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Fall Of Serenity

Australian melodic power metal band Black Majesty have began work on their fourth cd with writing well under way. This will be Black Majesty's fourth release for their Limb Music Products label following up their most recent "Tomorrowland" release. In other news, Black Majesty will support Paul DiAnno of Iron Maiden fame on two of his forthcoming Australian tour shows:

Saturday 30th May 2009 - Hifi Bar & Ballroom, Melbourne,
Saturday 6th June, 2009 - Manning Bar, Sydney.

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Black Majesty

After Forever have posted the following statement:

"Dearest Fans,

After nearly 15 years and with heavy hearts, we have decided to call an end to a great and exciting time as After Forever. We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished, and especially of the road we took to get here. After Forever has never been a band that repeated itself; we always tried out new things, even though many of them were certainly done at a risk. We think that that has been one of the reasons we've always enjoyed enormous support from all our loyal fans.

The break we took in 2008 made us appreciate all the more what we'd experienced. Now more than ever, we can look back on so many fantastic moments, something we never would have expected to be part of when we started the band all those years ago.

However, that break also made us aware of the fact that we can only continue After Forever with the energy, the full 110%, that we have always put into it and we've noticed lately that there is something missing. We have always been musicians who create music with lots of passion, and during the break we built up our own lives again and have been musically active and experimenting in several genres.

Although After Forever is very special to us, we feel that we have reached the point where we need to explore the world of music in each of our own different ways. Thus, we've decided to quit while we're ahead. We are sincerely proud of every CD; each album represents a unique period, and all comes together in our last album "After Forever," which made all of our dreams possible. We hope After Forever will continue to be a source of inspiration for new bands and musicians alike so that our music can live on.

As band members, but also as friends, we've experienced so very much; highs and lows, good times and bad. We'll keep supporting each other in all of our various individual projects and continue inspiring one another in making music.

Our MySpace page will be used for updates on all of these projects and of course After Forever-related news, as well.

You can be sure that this is not an easy decision for any of us. We'd like to thank all of our fans for their support, also during the break.

We know that this will be a big disappointment to you, dear fans, and it makes it that much harder for us. You have always given us your all and it was our pledge, in turn, always to give at least as much back to you for as long as we exist. In this moment, that's unfortunately just not possible, so we'd rather leave you all the albums and gigs we achieved with maximum input. We'd also like to thank Nuclear Blast, TEG and MOJO for their patience and enthusiasm, the live crew, the fan club, the fan sites and everybody who's helped in every way possible.

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Source:	afterforever.com
Band profile:	After Forever

Eternal Tears Of Sorrow's new single "Tears Of Autumn Rain" will be released in Finland, the 18th of February, 2009 by KHY Suomen Musiikki Oy. You can pre-listen to new single track at the band's official MySpace site.

The second track of the single is remade version of "Vilda Mánnu", which was the title song of the band's second album, released in 1998. The cover artwork for single was made by Travis Smith and can be previewed at this location. "Tears Of Autumn Rain" was recorded at Tico-Tico Studios, Note On Studios, Finnvox Studios in Finland and Space Valley Studios in Norway 2008.

Engineered by Ahti Kortelainen, Janne Tolsa, Mikko Karmila and Henning Ramseth. Mixed at Finnvox Studios December 2008 by Mikko Karmila. Mastered at Finnvox Studios by Mika Jussila. Produced by Eternal Tears Of Sorrow. All arrangements by Eternal Tears Of Sorrow. All clean vocals and choirs produced and arranged by Jarmo Kylmänen. Drums by Petri Sankala. Female vocals by Miriam Renvåg (Ram-Zet) and Heidi Parviainen (Amberian Dawn).

This week Eternal Tears Of Sorrow started the final recording session for the forthcoming album.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Eternal Tears Of Sorrow

Sweden's Steel Attack have posted the following short update on their MySpace:

"We're Sad to announce that Simon Johansson has left the band, "due to personal reasons". There's no bad feelings between us, it just didn't work... simple as that! We bow and thank you Simon, for your time and efforts! At the same time we're very glad to announce the return of Johan Jalonen Penn (Steel Attack guitarist between 2004 and 2007)! Welcome back, Johan."

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Steel Attack

German death metal band Hackneyed announced the departure of their long-time friend and guitarist Felix "iX" Papp. A permanent replacement has just been found with Juan Sierra.

Quoted drummer Tim Cox: "iX's decision to leave the band was pretty unexpected and of course we pity it. Nevertheless, iX leaves as friend and we wish him all the best for his future musical as well as private endeavours. We are excited about having Juan with us now who's already contributing to the songwriting just after a few rehearsals! He's an outstanding guitarist and will add a lot to the band with his abilities!"

Currently Hackneyed are hard at work for their upcoming yet untitled new album. The album is slated for a summer 2009 release.

Source:	nuclearblast.de
Band profile:	Hackneyed

Metal Blade press release

Dutch Death metal band God Dethroned have announced to release their upcoming new album "Passiondale" as a limited double Digipak edition including a bonus CD. The double digipak will feature a stunning artwork (soon to be revealed) and two discs. First off, the brand new and long anticipated new album "Passiondale" and on disc 2 a live recording from 2005 featuring 9 songs.

Tracklisting "Passiondale":

01. The Cross Of Sacrifice
02. Under A Darkening Sky
03. No Man's Land
04. Poison Fog
05. Drowning In Mud
06. Passiondale
07. No Survivors
08. Behind Enemy Lines
09. Fallen Empires
10. Artifacts Of The Great War

Tracklisting bonus disc "Live In 2005":

01. Nihilism
02. Boiling Blood
03. The Warcult
04. Soul Sweeper
05. The Art Of Immolation
06. Villa Vampiria
07. The Last Zip Of Spit
08. Sigma Enigma
09. The Serpent King

"Passiondale" will also be released on vinyl in a limited amount of 666 copies. More details about the concept of "Passiondale" and the actual artwork will be posted soon.

"Passiondale" is set for release on the 24th of April in D/A/CH/I and on the 27th of April in the rest of Europe.

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Source:	metalblade.co.uk
Band profile:	God Dethroned

After 6 years of silence Sweden's Funeral Mist is back with a new album. The album will be called "Maranatha" and will contain 8 tracks. Release date is set for 23rd of February. The cover art can be viewed here (Explicit Content Warning: not work friendly).

"Maranatha" tracklisting:

01. Sword Of Faith
02. White Stone
03. Jesus Saves!
04. A New Light
05. Blessed Curse
06. Living Temples
07. Anathema Maranatha
08. Anti-Flesh Nimbus

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Source:	noevdia.com
Band profile:	Funeral Mist

Guitarist Craig Locicero of Bay Area Thrashers Forbidden has issued the following update:

"Time for a quick news bit about what's upcoming. We're going to be laying down some tracks on a couple of new Forbidden tunes next week with Tim Narducci co-producing it with the band. We've been working on a gang of new material for a few months and we wanted to get the first taste out as soon as we could find the time. It's important for us to let our fans (who may be the most patient in the world!) in on what we've been at this whole time. We can tell you only this much... it's Killer! Tim's going to do a great job of capturing our new energy and we're stoked as Hell!

It's been great working with the other guys this closely again. There is still so much more work to be done! The thing we all realize is, it's best to take our time and not rush the stuff. That would be a dis-service to the ones who have been waiting. It's funny, so many opinions are thrown at us weekly about what the material 'should' sound like. The fact is- it's taking on a life of it's own. We can never really go in the Way Back Machine and sound just like the kids that recorded "Forbidden Evil". As cool as that record was, we would be regressing a bit to do such a thing. This stuff is more in the vein as "Twisted Into Form" with our experiences over the last 20 years wrapped into it. Heavy, Melodic, Thrashy, Technical, Forbidden!!! It's a blast.

I can also tell you that Mark and Steve are doing fantastic work. Most of the material was written like the old Forbidden. Started with Guitar and Drums with skeleton arrangements. Mark has done nothing but impress me with his ideas and input. He's got a lot to offer and he knows that he needs to deliver. Those are still mighty big shoes to fill with Paul and Steve playing on the previous albums.

Steve Smyth has been great to work with as well! As a few of you may know, Steve lives in London but comes back to the Bay often. He was here last month. But I think Forbidden can get a endorsement from Skype, because Steve and I have been working on it so much since he's gone home. You get a ton done for free with no gas money spent! We go through all the details and it's easy. Especially when there is a great chemistry within our communication. I think all of the guitar geeks (like us) are going to be blown the fuck away! We have some cool sh1t in store for you.

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Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Forbidden

USA Tennessee's speed metal group Horns Of Moses have just signed a deal with Deka Records, an independant record label based in London, England. They will be entering Sonic Designs Studio in Bristol, Virgina in early March to begin working on "The Last Plague", their first full length for Deka. The band will once again be recording with Gene Hughes. The album will be available in stores and online everywhere this summer.

All info on http://www.myspace.com/hornsofmoses.

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Source:

hornsofmoses.com

Guitarist Mike Stone has decided he will not be touring with Queensrÿche this spring. The band commented: "We will miss him. He is a wonderful player and has contributed to our lives musically and spiritually. We wish him the best and hope to see him succeed in everything he chooses to participate in."

Mike Stone adds this statement: "After much consideration, I will not be joining Queensrÿche on the 2009 "American Soldier Tour". I feel now is the time to focus on other musical endeavors, including my new band Speed X with Nick Catanese of Black Label Society. I would like to thank all of the Queensrÿche fans around the world for being nothing less than amazing to me during my time with the band. You have treated me like gold, and I will never forget it. It has been an honor to be a part of the Queensrÿche family, and I wish Geoff, Michael, Scott and Eddie nothing but the very best."

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Source:	queensryche.com
Band profile:	Queensrÿche

US metallers Acheron have posted three new songs online, called "I Am Heathen", "The Apocalypse" and "Blood Oath (Pactum Tacitum)". You can listen to the songs at the band's MySpace page. These songs are coming from their forthcoming album, entilted "Final Conflict: Last Days Of God", which is scheduled for release on April 30th via Displeased Records.

Here's the "Final Conflict: Last Days Of God" cover art] tracklisting again:

01. Intro
02. The Apocalypse
03. Rise Of Rebellion
04. Blood Oath (Pactum Tacitum)
05. I Am Heathen
06. Godless? (We Are Gods!)
07. Salvation Through Hatred
08. Power And Might
09. Millennium's End
10. A New Age
11. Anno Armegeddon

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Acheron (USA-OH)

Candlelight Records press release

Candlelight today confirms the worldwide signing of Susperia. Currently finishing work on their fifth album, the band recently announced a string of early spring UK dates that will kick off what is expected to be a busy year for the popular Norwegian metal band. "Ten years and still the same five guys," exclaims vocalist Athera of the band's long commitment to their music. "We have worked nearly two years on this material, perfecting it for your pleasure and our devoted fans. It will take you back to the early days with melancholic riffing and dark emotional vocals. It's a perfect blend of everything Susperia has been and become."

"A blend of thrash metal drawing on influences that include Sepultura, Anthrax, and Testament," says Allmusic.com of Susperia's now highly regarded sound. The popular music portal continues its early 2005 review noting "their songs are melodic yet intense and forceful, and shredding guitars are the rule." Formed in 1998 by drummer Tjodalv (then of Dimmu Borgir) and guitarist Cyrus (then of Satyricon/Old Man's Child), the band released their debut, "Predominance", via Nuclear Blast in 2001. The band's much-acclaimed second album, "Vindication", followed in 2003. Signing with Norwegian-based Tabu Records (with release in the US via Candlelight Records) in 2004, the band released their third album, "Unlimited", later that year. Brave Words Bloody Knuckles called the album, "a scorcher from start to finish, on par with Testament classic The Gathering."

A powerful live act, the band has consistently remained focused to the live arena. With numerous high profile support, headline and festival appearances, one of the band's most cherished experiences thus far remains supporting the newly reformed Testament in late 2005. The dates would culminate in the release of the band's Norwegian charting mini-album "Devil May Care". Work on their fourth album, "Cut From Stone", would see out the end of the year. Unfortunately due to financial constraints two tries to visit the US to support the Daniel Bergstrand-produced album during 2007/08 would set back the album's overall sales target but the band remained committed. Touring Europe, including numerous dates with W.A.S.P., the band's ambitions stayed and continue to remain in tact. "We now have the backing of one label worldwide and this is going to make life easier for us," says bassist Memnock. "We hope that finally we get to play to our American fans."

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Source:	candlelightrecords.co.uk
Band profile:	Susperia