HellYeah - You Wouldn't Know - Videoclip

By Elric on 10:14 AM 30 March 2007

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Hellyeah, the new band featuring former Pantera/Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott alongside members of Mudvayne and Nothingface, has made the video for its first single, "You Wouldn't Know", available for viewing at Yahoo! Music. The clip was shot on February 25, 2007 with director Nathan Cox in the parking lot of the Dallas, Texas recording studio co-owned by Vinnie Paul and his late brother and bandmate, guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. The song comes off the band's self-titled debut album, which arrives on April 10.

To watch the video click here.

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Manowar - Die For Metal - Videoclip

By Elric on 9:38 AM 29 March 2007

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Manowar's video for the song "Die for Metal" has been posted online at YouTube. Portions of the clip were filmed on February 24, 2007 in Bochum, Germany, during the release party for the band's new album, "Gods of War". Besides the fans, the video stars well-known German actor Tim Sander.

"Die for Metal" comes off Manowar's tenth full-length album, "Gods of War", which was released on February 23 in Germany (February 26 for the rest of Europe and April 3 for the USA/Canada).



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A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free) Available For Streaming

By Elric on 9:41 AM 27 March 2007

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Megadeths's new version of the song "A Tout Le Monde", now retitled "A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)", is available for streaming in its entirety at this location (Windows Media). The 2007 version is a duet with Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia.

You can read Dave Mustaine's comments here.

Commented Cristina: "Dave Mustaine actually asked me to be part of this duet, and I was really surprised about it because 'A Tout Le Monde' is a song that I've always loved, even if it's not like the new version because the original song was released on the album 'Youthanasia'. It was a big surprise for me to get this invitation — I was really honored to be part of it. And seriously, when I heard the final result, I was awesomely surprised 'cause I think that the two voices are fitting incredibly well together. I think that the version of 'A Tout le Monde' 2007 has a stronger attitude. If the original version was for the mellow mood, this one is way more rock, way more powerful. I totally love it. I was surprised myself, and I think that a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised.

"It was recorded, like an hour from Birgmingham. So I flew in and recorded my parts with Andy Sneap. He's an amazing guy — super professional — and the atmosphere in the studio was so relaxed. It was like a family vibe, and I think that's the most amazing thing when you have to work. You can work and still smile, you know, and be relaxed.

"I tracked the entire song because we weren't really sure what we had to do, so we just wanted to be totally sure, so we recorded all the parts that Dave sung with some improvisation with it, double vocals. We basically made anything possible, so they could pick up whatever they wanted to."

"A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)" will appear on Megadeth's new album, "United Abominations", due on May 15 via Roadrunner Records.

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Amott Brothers Reunite

By Elric on 9:13 AM 26 March 2007

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Arch Enemy are pleased to be able to announce that original guitarist Christopher Amott is rejoining the band with immediate effect. The band, having finished an intense 18 month touring cycle all over the world promoting the "Doomsday Machine" album and "Live Apocalypse" DVD, are currently busy working on songs for their new studio album.

Christopher surprised many by departing Arch Enemy at the end of the "Doomsday Machine" recording sessions in 2005, having been in the band for 10 years (starting with Arch Enemy at age 18). Christopher followed his urge to see the outside world and find what else is out there apart from music. Having done that, the time is right for him to return to the fold with a newly injected bite and focus and to resume his career.

Commenting on the re-grouping announcement he states:

"This is very exciting for me, returning to Arch Enemy as a fulltime member! Right now we are working on our forthcoming album and I'm very pleased about the way it's turning out. The new songs are fast and furious with lots of melody! To all the people who sent me kind messages while I was out of the band, thank you for your support, it helped me a lot. After this (much needed) two year break, I'm looking forward to getting back on the road. I hope to see you all later this year!"

Arch Enemy mastermind Michael Amott compliments his younger brother Christopher perfectly in style and chemistry and together they have become one of the most infamous and ripping guitar teams in extreme metal. Michael comments:

"So, we are back with my brother Christopher on guitar - it's a huge rush to have him back playing in his signature style! He's jumped in at the end of the songwriting process for the new album and added some of his unique spice! I feel Christopher's playing has matured and is more precise and even faster than before! Guitar fans are going to freak on the stuff we are getting up to on the new album!"

The last two years have been the busiest and most successful touring campaign of Arch Enemy´s entire career, so the many fans both old and especially new can now look forward to witnessing Christopher´s return to the stages of the world. In regards to Fredrik Åkesson, the Swedish guitar-wizard who has been touring with Arch Enemy for 18 months and who can be seen on the band´s latest video clip for the song "My Apocalypse", Michael states:

"I want to add that we are eternally grateful to Fredrik Åkesson, who did an outstanding job with Arch Enemy over the past 18 months while we dragged the 'Doomsday Machine' around the world a couple of times - YOU ARE FUCKING AWESOME!"

Arch Enemy have spent the last weeks locked in intense rehearsals at their homebase in Halmstad, Sweden, putting the final touches to the new material and integrating Christopher on the new songs for the forthcoming studio album. More news on this will follow in the next few days, so stay tuned…

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Cult to Support The Who In Europe

By Elric on 5:44 PM 23 March 2007

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The Cult will reportedly support The Who on a number of dates in Europe this summer. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.

The Cult is currently working on material for the group's first album since 2001's "Beyond Good and Evil". "We've got some ideas down, circulating," guitarist Billy Duffy told ChartAttack.com last week. "Each album gets its own life and while it's early to really tell with this one because it's in the formative stages, it still feels trashy and sort of ramshackle, which I like. Ian isn't singing with The Doors anymore and I think that's lifted his spirits for a Cult record, too."

The Cult current touring lineup includes principals Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy alongside bassist Chris Wyse, drummer John Tempesta (ex-Whit Zombie, Testament, Exodus, Helmet) and rhythm guitarist Mike Dimkich.

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Dark Tranquillity - Focus Shift - VideoClip

By Elric on 9:15 AM 20 March 2007

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Swedish melodic death metallers Dark Tranquillity have posted their video for the song "Focus Shift" on YouTube.com. The clip was directed by Roger Johansson, who previously worked with the group on the "Lost to Apathy" and "The New Build" videos from the 2005 release "Character" [2005]. The "Focus Shift" video will be featured on the limited-edition version of the upcoming Dark Tranquillity album, "Fiction".

Due in April via Century Media Records, "Fiction" was mixed by the acclaimed Tue Madsen (Himsa, The Haunted) and encompasses all of the elements on which the band built their career: thought-provoking lyrics, shredding guitar work, captivating melodies and sheer brutality. This offering is perhaps best compared to a modern-day version of the group's revered classics "The Gallery" and "The Mind's I", only with more intensity behind it.

Niklas Sundin (guitar) previously stated about the new album: "Tue Madsen did a fantastic job with the sound, and the result is diverse and exciting enough to satisfy even the most critical of listeners. The 10 songs are extremely varied and showcase all facets of the D.T. experience while breaking new ground as well as reviving some elements that haven't been featured in D.T. songs since the early years."

Dark Tranquillity holds the esteemed distinction as being one of the bands responsible for founding an entirely new genre of death metal in the early '90s, which came to be known as "the Gothenburg sound." Their previous album, "Character", was hailed by critics and fans alike as the group's most savage and dynamic offering yet.

In late March 2007, Dark Tranquillity kick off the touring cycle for "Fiction" with a massive co-headlining U.S. run with The Haunted and Into Eternity followed by European summer festivals and a full length tour in autumn, revitalizing the genre they helped to create and further cementing their status as one of the scene's most influential metal bands.

"Fiction" track listing:

01. Nothing To No One
02. The Lesser Faith
03. Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive)
04. Blind At Heart
05. Icipher
06. Inside The Particle Storm
07. Empty Me
08. Misery´s Crown
09. Focus Shift
10. The Mundane And The Magic
11. A Closer End (Japan bonus track)
12. Winter Triangle (instrumental) (Australia bonus track)

The limited album version will include a bonus DVD with live songs, behind-the-scenes footage, last album's "The New Build" promo video and the brand-new "Focus Shift" clip. Cover artwork was once again created by the band's guitarist Niklas Sundin.

Release dates:

North America: Tuesday, April 17
Sweden: Wednesday, April 18
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy: Friday, April 20
U.K., France, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Rest Of Europe: Monday, April 23
Finland, Hungary: Wednesday, April 25




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Iced Earth Album and Single Details

By Elric on 10:51 AM 19 March 2007

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Iced Earth mainman Jon Schaffer has sent the following update to Blabbermouth.Net:

"I just wanted to give you an update of what's happening in Iced Earth world.

"We just finished mixing and mastering the new single, which will be titled 'Overture of the Wicked' and should be released in late May or early June. The four songs that will be featured on this are as follows:

01. Ten Thousand Strong
02. Prophecy
03. Birth of the Wicked
04. The Coming Curse

"'Ten Thousand Strong' will be the song that we will be filming a video for in the following months, most likely in June right around the Sweden Rock festival.

"I'm very happy with the results of our efforts. We've been really working hard on delivering something special to you guys and this single is just a hint of things to come, and it's freakin' awesome.

"We will be finishing the rest of production for Part 1 over the course of the next few weeks, with plans to mix in the early part of May. The title of the full release is 'Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part 1)' and should be out in the late August/September time frame. The 'Framing Armageddon' tracklist will appear as follows:

01. Overture
02. Something Wicked (Part 1)
03. Invasion
04. Man's Motivation
05. The Setian Massacre
06. A Charge to Keep
07. Reflections
08. Ten Thousand Strong
09. Execution
10. Order of the Rose
11. The Clouding
12. Infiltrate and Assimilate
13. Retribution Through the Ages
14. Something Wicked (Part 2)
15. The Domino Decree
16. Framing Armageddon
17. When Stars Collide (Born is He)
18. The Awakening

"The working title of Part 2 is 'Revelation Abomination Something Wicked (Part 2)' and the tracklist is as follows:

01. The Sacred Flames
02. Behold the Wicked Child
03. Minions of the Watch
04. A Gift or a Curse
05. I Walk Among You
06. Harbinger of Fate
07. Ancient Rage of the High Priest
08. A Gathering Threat / Time Marches On
09. Sacrificial Kingdoms
10. Something Wicked (Part 3)
11. Divide Devour
12. Conspiracy / Pilgrimage In Guile
13. Come What May

"The final tracking and mixing for Part 2 will take place between the festivals and world tour and will have a targeted release in February/March of 2008.

"Due to family health issues, Bo Wallace will not be able to be involved with Iced Earth. I played the bass guitar parts on the single and we will be bringing Dennis Hayes, who worked with Tim [vocals] on his Beyond Fear side project, in to play on parts of the remainder of the recording. He will be doing the live shows as well."

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Ozzfest Tour Dates

By Elric on 11:50 AM 15 March 2007

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The complete itinerary has been announced for this year's Ozzfest, which is scheduled to kick off July 12 in Seattle, WA. It is as follows:



Jul. 12 - White River Amphitheatre, Seattle, WA
Jul. 14 - Gorge, George, WA
Jul. 17 - Sleep Train Amphitheatre, Sacramento, CA
Jul. 19 - Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA
Jul. 21 - Hyundai Pavilion, Devore, CA
Jul. 24 - Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
Jul. 26 - Journal Pavilion, Albuquerque, NM
Jul. 28 - Coors Amphitheatre, Denver, CO
Jul. 30 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Kansas City, MO
Aug. 02 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, San Antonio, TX
Aug. 04 - Smirnoff Music Center, Dallas, TX
Aug. 06 - UMB Bank Pavilion, St. Louis, MO
Aug. 08 - Germain Amphitheatre, Columbus, OH
Aug. 10 - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Aug. 12 - Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Aug. 14 - Verizon Wireless Music Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
Aug. 16 - PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
Aug. 18 - New England Dodge Music Theatre, Hartford, CT
Aug. 20 - Tweeter Center, Boston, MA
Aug. 22 - Tweeter Center, Philadelphia, PA
Aug. 24 - Post Gazette Pavilion, Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 26 - DTE Energy Music Theatre, Detroit, MI
Aug. 28 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC
Aug. 30 - Sound Advice Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, FL

The traveling extravaganza will once again be headlined by Ozzy Osbourne, with the rest of the lineup yet to be announced. Ozzfest co-founder Sharon Osbourne said during a press conference last month that doing the tour like this was unprecedented: "We're doing 25 shows across America, and it's the first time that actually a summer festival tour has gone out free. There's been millions of free one-off shows, but this is gonna be a 25-city tour. And we're having our second stage, as usual, and everything goes as normal, except it's free."

Ozzfest will utilize sponsors to offset the costs of producing and running the festival. To gain entry into the event, fans will go to Ozzfest.com or LiveNation.com to find links that will direct them to special sponsor sites where tickets can be secured. More details regarding the process are forthcoming.

Sharon said that rising artist fees would have forced Ozzfest organizers to raise ticket prices this year. While smaller acts have traditionally not received a fee, Sharon insisted that no one is getting paid this time: "We are giving people a stage, and we're giving them a chance to play in front of thousands of people. And we're giving them the chance on days off, they can go work wherever they wanna work, gig wherever they wanna gig. They can even play Ozzfest and then go off that night and do another gig, 'cause we start music from noon. But they can come, they can sell their merchandise, they can sell their music. But it's free. We're not paying anyone."

Sharon said that the tour already had "bands committed," adding, "We know there aren't any major headlining acts that would tour all summer for nothing, but we're confident we can turn some of the genre's biggest bands on to what we're doing and have them come out to play a date or two."

In a prepared statement, Sharon also said that the reason for doing the tour this way was simple: "We're reaching the same point we did years ago when kids no longer wanted to pay for overpriced CDs. As a result, they found alternative ways of getting music. That's what's happening with summer touring in this country, it's out-pricing itself. We started this and we want to keep it and we want to make it bigger and bigger each year by getting bigger sponsors to be involved with the festival and underwriting the festival."

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DEMO: Havok - World Shroud (2006)

By Elric on 9:39 PM 12 March 2007

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Swedish death metalers, Havok, formed in the year 2004 but the line-up wasn’t complete until late 2005 when Andreas Johansson joined. Havok entered the studio for the first time in 2006 to record their first, four tracked demo, “Realms of Reverie”. Havok were not overly satisfied with how the sound turned out, moving on composing the follow-up single, entitled "World Shroud". It was recorded at the end of 2006 at the Blacklodge Studio in Orkelljunga, and it was released in the beginning of February.

World Shroud” is a two tracked single. “The Ambulant Plague of Humans” is a pure Floridian death metal song. Blast beats in drums, growling vocals, technical guitars with nice riffs and breaks. I could say that is a mix of Cannibal Corpse and Death. “Season of the Locust” is slower and much more technical. Great guitars on that song with three (!) nice melodic solos. Overall a very good effort.

I believe that Havok will be famous very soon. "World Shroud" is decent demo that it is worth to buy and support the band. I expect from them a great full album soon.

Rating: 83/100


The Band

* Johan Bergström - Vocals
* Mahan Ahmadi - Guitar
* Miguel Cabrera - Guitar
* Andreas Johansson - Bass
* Johan Cronqvist - Drums and percussion, words.


Tracklist

1. The Ambulant Plague of Humans
2. Season of the Locust

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Rush - Far Cry - Single Stream

By Elric on 9:37 AM

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Rush's brand new single, "Far Cry", is available for streaming in its entirety at www.rush.com. The track comes off the Canadian trio's new album, "Snakes & Arrows", due on May 1 via Anthem/Atlantic.

"Snakes & Arrows" promises to be the most organic-sounding Rush effort in decades, having been influenced by their experience of making "Feedback", the band's 2004 EP of classic-rock covers.

Lee told Revolver: "Playing those songs that we loved and grew up on, I think it helped us remember how sometimes it's the simplicity or the directness of an arrangement that really makes a great song. And the other thing is, we played all together in the studio for a lot of the 'Feedback' stuff. That's something that a lot of producers had been pushing us to do for a while but which we hadn't done in years. It was great to turn off the click and just play — you know, not worry so much about being so, quote, metronomic — and that definitely carried over into this record."

"Snakes & Arrows" track listing:

01. Far Cry
02. Armor and Sword
03. Workin’ Them Angels
04. The Larger Bowl
05. Spindrift
06. The Main Monkey Business
07. The Way The Wind Blows
08. Hope
09. Faithless
10. Bravest Face
11. Good News First
12. Malignant Narcissism
13. We Hold On


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Daath - Subterfuge - Videoclip

By Elric on 9:16 AM 09 March 2007

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Daath is new extreme supergroup. Their debut album "The Hinderers" will be in stores in few weeks. The band just shot a promotional videoclip of the song "Subterfuge" . Click Read More to watch it.

Daath is a Hebrew word meaning knowledge, referring to a knowledge not regularly attained by ordinary masses. Says keyboardist and conceptualist Mike Kameron, “On a mental level, Daath acts as a doorway between instinct and intellect, and in our opinion the struggle between those two aspects of mind is what causes most of the ills in the world.



Daath - Subterfuge


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Korn To Release New Album In July

By Elric on 1:31 PM 08 March 2007

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Launch Radio Networks reports: Korn tentatively plans to release its eighth studio album on July 17, according to an interview with the band that ran on a Los Angeles radio station yesterday morning (Tuesday, March 6). The group has been recording the disc with temporary drummer Terry Bozzio and guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer told us that Bozzio has taken Korn music in a new direction. "It's a little less straightforward, I think, than what we're used to, and it's a lot more technical. I think it's probably more like a progressive Korn that people are gonna be used to. Very heavy though."

Bozzio is considered one of rock's greatest living drummers and is best known for his work with Frank Zappa and Missing Persons. He is filling in for founding Korn drummer David Silveria, who's taking a "hiatus" from the group this year.

Korn's "MTV Unplugged" CD arrived in two days ago (Tuesday, March 6). It documents the band's first-ever full-length acoustic performance, which was taped last December in New York City. The CD includes several songs not featured on the broadcast version, which premiered last week.

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Tool Reschedules Tour

By Elric on 9:41 AM

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Tool drummer Danny Carey apparently injured himself while lifting something at home, according to sources close to the band. Carey tore his bicep last week, requiring surgery and forcing the group to postpone its North American tour, which was scheduled to begin on March 15 in Las Vegas. Carey went under the knife last Wednesday (February 21), and doctors will examine him this week to determine just how much time he'll need to recuperate.

Tool has rescheduled live dates postponed last month. The itinerary will now begin April 30 in Reno, Nev.

Tool's rescheduled tour dates:

April 30 - Reno @ Reno Event Center
May 02 - San Diego @ Cox Arena
May 05 - Las Cruces @ Pan American Center
May 06 - Tucson @ Convention Center Arena
May 08 - Albuquerque @ Tingley Coliseum
May 15 - Southaven @ DeSoto Center
May 19 - Oklahoma City @ Ford Center
May 21 - San Antonio @ AT&T Center
May 22 - Corpus Christi @ American Bank Center
May 24 - Baton Rouge @ River Center
May 9 - Colorado Springs, CO @ World Arena
May 11 - Wichita, KS @ Kansas Coliseum
May 17 - Bossier City, LA @ Centurytel Arena
May 25 - Pensacola, FL @ Pensacola Civic Center
May 26 - Birmingham, AL @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
May 29 - Tampa, FL @ USF Sundome
May 31 - Orlando, FL @ Amway Arena
June 1 - Sunrise, FL @ Bank Atlantic Center
June 2 - Jacksonville, FL @ Veterans Memorial Coliseum
June 4 - Duluth, GA @ Gwinnette Center


Tool bassist Justin Chancellor recently told Launch that fans who missed the 2006 dates will get a second chance to see a similar show on the upcoming trek. "Actually, we're kind of playing places that we didn't play last year, so I don't think, it won't be, like, completely different songs, you know," he said. "It won't be a completely different thing, but it will be slightly more evolved. I mean, it naturally evolves as we go through time, you know."

Tool intends to record some dates on its next North American tour for a live CD and DVD.

The stage production on the next Tool tour will be "more intense" than the band's last trip, with computer animation and props possibly being included.

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Rosen Leaves Hammerfall

By Elric on 10:29 PM 07 March 2007

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Power metallers Hammerfall have issued the following update regarding the departure of bassist Magnus Rosén:

"Bass player Magnus Rosén has elected to step down from Hammerfall to be able to focus on his own projects. While it is surprising, it's not a total shock to us since he has seemed to be unhappy with the situation in the band and on tour for quite a while. We wish him all the best with his future endeavors and turn our attention to the future, immediate and distant.

This will change nothing for us as far as booked gigs and other planned activities are concerned. Rest assured, Hammerfall will continue blazing its trail just like before. The process of selecting the right replacement both musically and personally is already set in motion, and we will announce it as soon as a decision is made."


Magnus Rosén has issued a statement explaining his decision to leave the band. It reads as follows:

"Thanks to all the fans around the world who supported the band for 10 years. You all gave me very nice memories after all the concerts we did. It was a pleasure to get such a good audience like you guys! Without you we wouldn't be able to do record so many CDs and make so many tours as we did during the last 10 years. So thank you all.

"It's important for me to tell you that I loved every single second I had on stage during our concerts! To hear your voice, see your happy faces and hear your nice words really made my day!!! It was a pleasure to meet each one of you before and after the concerts, sign your CD, take pictures with you and shake your hands!

It was also very nice for me to use my fame to do my solo concerts for charity in countries like Peru, Chile and Brazil. With these concerts I got food and money for poor people and it was because of YOUR help! Also for supporting me during my bass clinics in schools and in other projects as music against violence and music against drugs! I believe it's very nice way to give and take.

"So it's time for me to be more creative in my career. That's the reason I left Hammerfall. So from now on I'll give myself a chance to write songs and be creative in bands that allow me to. The years are passing by fast and it is important for a musician to grow in the situation he is in!

"I hope that Hammerfall will find a nice and good bassist for you all. And I hope our fans will respect my choice!

"Anyway, be sure that I'll still be doing heavy metal! So keep your eyes open!"

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New Velvet Revolver Album Is Complete

By Elric on 3:15 PM

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Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum revealed during this past weekend's Camp Freddy Radio broadcast on Los Angeles' Indie 103.1 FM that the band has finished mixing its second album, "Libertad".

Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland told MTV.com last week that the new CD "definitely still rocks, but it's incredibly more musical. There's a lot more textures, and Slash and Duff have really sort of risen the bar. It just goes places that the first album didn't go."

Weiland and Slash will give the induction speech for honorees Van Halen during the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, set to unfold inside New York's Waldorf-Astoria hotel on March 12. Velvet Revolver will also perform at the event in Van Halen's place (the group has apparently rehearsed a version of "Ain't Talking About Love", according to Sorum), although it's not presently clear if all the members of the latter band will be present to accept the honor.

Velvet Revolver is slated to tour South America with Aerosmith this April.

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Katatonia - July - Videoclip

By Elric on 9:10 AM

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Katonias's brand new video for the song "July", shot and directed by Charlie Granberg, has been posted online.

Granberg: "It's basically a perfomance video. But I wanted the feeling of the band playing in a very rough, abandonded or even bombed out house, in an extremely warm country like Mexico or somewere in the middle east. Dark on the inside, but with sunbeams searching their way through the dust, hitting the bandmembers here and there. I really wanted the feeling of the outside world being so much better and brighter than the place the band is in. The biggest challenge with this video I think, was that I wanted to use really warm and grainy colours, wich is kinda rare in this type of music, but at the same time wrap it in a gloomy, apocalyptic feeling. But I think the balance is there and I'm happy the band liked it so much."



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King Diamond Comments On New Album

By Elric on 2:24 PM 05 March 2007

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Renzo van Soelen, the webmaster of King Diamond's official web site, Coven Worldwide, has issued the following update:

"I just got off the phone with King. We talked about two hours and he gave me some very exclusive info about the forthcoming King Diamond CD. King told me he had just finished recording the vocals which he had been doing for the last four weeks about six hours a day.

"In the next three weeks King and Andy [La Rocque, guitar] will be mixing and mastering the album (starting Monday, March 5).

"Is this better than 'The Puppet Master', I asked him. King started laughing and explained it as follows: 'We tried to get our driver's license for twenty years and now we finally got it. We passed the test! It's the best album ever, definitely — there is no doubt about that, for sure. Even the work mix sounds better than any album yet. The music and story are great. I am sure these are my best vocals yet. Andy said to me that he not played solos like this since 'The Eye'. Mike [Wead, guitar] told me he has never been so inspired to do solos as on this album. And, yes, Livia is on the album too!'

"King said to me: 'I guarantee you this is the best album yet — I am positive about it. It's more King Diamond than there has ever been. It has the best King Diamond top class through the whole album. The story is very dark, perhaps one of the darkest I have ever done.'

"King mentioned the intro to the album is a 'real' intro again, like where Midnight (from 'The Puppet Master') was more of a pre-song .

"Want to get a little taste of what you might expect from the lyrics? Here you go:
'Me and my black cat Magic, the beautiful house on Never Ending Hill, the little girl in the bloody dress and her dead little brother, the dark, the floating head woman, shapes of black and YOU.'

"The cover represents a little girl standing on a winding stairs in a white dress covered with blood (which actually is the blood from her little brother). I have seen the unfinished cover and I'll just know you're gonna love it! King also said that the front cover will look like a mirror.

"The album will probably be released late June/beginning of July. Nothing is certain yet but it looks that way."

The album, which will be "Gimme Your Soul … Please", will contain the following 13 tracks:

01. The Dead (King)
02. Never Ending Hill (Andy)
03. Is Anybody Here? (King)
04. Black of Night (Andy)
05. Mirror, Mirror (King)
06. The Cellar (Andy)
07. Pictures in Red (Andy)
08. Gimme Your Soul (King)
09. The Floating Head (Andy)
10. Cold as Ice (King)
11. Shapes of Black (King)
12. The Girl in The Bloody Dress (King)
13. Moving On (King)

Revolver magazine recently reported that King Diamond new CD was inspired by a painting called "My Mother's Eyes" which the band's distributor in Denmark stumbled across while surfing the Net (and which Diamond has since bought for the new CD cover). The more Diamond looked at the image of a battered blond girl with blood covering her white dress, holding out palms affixed with protruding eyeballs, the more it captivated and inspired him. "I can feel the energy of the front cover in all the songs we wrote, and it will definitely affect my lyrics," he promised.

Diamond wrote the music for the new album from December 2005 through February 2006, then recorded the basic tracks in his basement.

"It classes over anything I've ever done," Diamond beamed. "The arrangements are more intricate, the production is better, and for the parts where there are violins, it sounds like we hired the Royal Philharmonic. As long as I don't fuck up the vocals, this should be our best record."

King Diamond current lineup:

King Diamond - Vocals
Andy La Rocque - Guitar
Mike Wead - Guitar
Hal Patino - Bass
Matt Thompson - Drums

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A New Version of A Tout Le Monde

By Elric on 10:12 AM

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Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine has revealed that the first single off the group's upcoming "United Abominations" album will be a re-recorded version of the band's "Youthanasia" classic "A Tout Le Monde". The 2007 version is a duet with Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia and is said to be more uptempo than the original 1994 version. It also features an extended solo.

Commented Mustaine: "The original 'A Tout Le Monde' video was banned, the single was shelved, and without [the fans'] loving support of a truly beautiful song it would have died. MTV banned it because they said it was a 'song about suicide,' as did many people, but why would the line 'I'd love to stay with you all' be in there? It would need to say something like 'I want to die,' right? And I had a manager at the time that was told, along with me, by MTV not to use director Wayne Isham because we had used him too much; odd request, but I heard them loud and clear. Of course, management didn't listen and tried to slip it into MTV under a pseudonym and MTV flipped. They are/were pissed at me for something I didn't do and I would be OK if it was something I did, but I told the manager, and David Ellefson [ex-Megadeth bassist] can attest to this, NOT to use Wayne. Their solution was to ban the $300,000-plus video, and radio in America was following MTV very closely at the time — still do to an extent — and did not play the single. The song was left at the altar. I got sent a bill. Then after the [college] shooting in Montreal [in 2006], where someone tried tying this song into that horrific act, I knew it was time to follow something that had been haunting me from the start of that song: I could not allow myself to accept the failure of my music because of someone else. I will take the heat, I am well forged by now, so there is yesterday's news.

But there was something else: I'd wanted to hear that song as a duet, since it truly was a song of love. But the person had to be perfect; had to be angelic. I decided, and I have sang 'A Tout Le Monde' again with Cristina Scabbia because she is that person. I had Lisa Marie Presley confirmed, as well as two other attempts, but Cristina was the obvious choice for our metal community. The song was sped up a little, like it was supposed to be on 'Youthanasia' before all the tempos were turned down. It has a 50% longer solo of original Glen Drover lead guitar blending into the original Friedman solo, and launching off of that at the end of the solo taking it up a little bit more.

So, now that leaves us with what to do with this song. Well, its intention was only to soothe my wounds, and it was meant to be a 'B-side' for Japan, but that didn’t happen, as you will no doubt read. The song was finished and turned in to the record company and the radio department and everyone, including people that have heard the song before, are saying, 'This is the single for America!' There was excitement and a buzz, and they ALL agreed on this, which is a feat in itself when you have some many creative people in one place at any given time.

Imagine my surpise, and my sense of being vindicated, and then the shock and concern about you [the fans] not understanding (which apparently you don't), let alone the indifferent public, which is now the primary target, since you have already heard it and it was supposed to be a simple 'B-side,' and the haters who will undoubtedly hate. On one hand it worked, and on the other, I have to explain myself, which I don't like.

But it gets stranger.

Now 'A Tout Le Monde' has a new life and people are reacting, but there is concern about, as I was told, 'the guy in Arkansas that calls the song 'A Toot Lay Monday.' I said, 'I say the pronounciation in the song,' but it was suggested to me, to help the public to discover this classic you all know and most love (and some don't want tampered with) to add a subtitle.

"I said, 'huh?' The moments after that were inconsequential, and I just found myself agreeing because there were worse things I had to fix at the time, and I had to pick which thing I was going to give my attention to at 'crunch time.'

So, in an effort to make things easier for the DJs, and remember this is just for radio, there has been a subtitle added to 'ATLM' ala 'A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)' for the album and the single has been called 'Set Me Free (A Tout Le Monde)' for radio by Roadrunner.

You have gotten 'Sleepwalker', we posted 'Gears of War', and everyone seems to have heard 'Washington Is Next!', and I think we are doing pretty good.

All I can say is, just trust me on this one. Again, it was meant to be a 'B-side' and with all of the professionals over at Roadrunner, I think they really may be right and they may have a real surprise for you.

We shoot the video for this song on the 8th of this month before I leave for Vancouver, and Cristina shoots her part on the 9th.

Thank you to the guys in Lacuna Coil for supporting Cristina in doing this, and to you Ms. Scabbia, you were fantastic!"

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Rockwave Festival 2007 Confirmed Bands

By Elric on 9:34 AM 04 March 2007

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Heaven And Hell, Dream Theater and Iced Earth are among the newly confirmed bands for this year's installment of Rockwave Festival, which is set to take place from July 1 to July 3 in Terra Vibe, Malakasa, Greece. The billing is now shaping up as follows:

July 1

Heaven And Hell
Dream Theater
Iced Earth
Anathema
Kinetic
Plus more to be announced

July 3:

Metallica
Plus more to be announced

Pre-sale starts on March 1. Tickets cost 50 euros general admission, Pitch A 70 euros and Distinguished area 80 euros.

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Amorphis Finished Recordings For New Album

By Elric on 10:35 AM 01 March 2007

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It seems that the new singer Tomi Koivusaar brought freshness and inspiration to the band. Amorphis guitarist Esa Holopainen has issued the following update:

"It's national celebration day. Amorphis has finished new album recordings and also today is the day of Kalevala. With the help of old and wise Väinämöinen, skilled smith Ilmarinen, adventurer-warrior Lemminkäinen, Louhi; the female ruler of Pohjola and the tragic hero Kullervo Amorphis aheads to new dimensions with upcoming album. We have put a lot of energy and emotion into this album and hopefully it will reflect to all you next August. Stay tuned and happy Kalevala day!"

Amorphis's new CD was recorded at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki, Finland. Mixing duties will be handled by Mikko Karmila (Nightwish, Stratovarius) at Finnvox studios.

Amorphis' latest album, "Eclipse", was issued in a limited vinyl edition in a deluxe gatefold sleeve by Black Lodge Records under worldwide license from Nuclear Blast Records.

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Edguy's 15th Anniversary Shows

By Elric on 12:21 AM

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This past weekend (February 23-24), German melodic metallers Edguy played two 15th-anniversary shows at at the Wartenberg Oval in Angersbach near Fulda, Germany. German metal queen Doro was the support act both nights. A bunch of photos from the February 23 concert can be found at sounds2move.de. Edguy's setlist was as follows:

01. Intro
02. Spooks in the Attic
03. Sacrifice
04. Painting on the Wall
05. Babylon
06. Save Me
07. Lavatory Love Machine
08. The Piper Never Dies
09. The Headless Game
10. Drum Solo
11. Superheroes
12. Out of Control
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13. Avantasia
14. King of Fools
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15. Vain Glory Opera

Edguy filmed a live DVD on November 3 at the Credicard Hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The band has just finished touring in support of its latest album, "Rocket Ride", which entered the German national album chart at position No. 8 upon its release in late January 2006. The CD also came in at No. 8 in Sweden, No. 25 in Finland, No. 32 in Hungary, No. 48 in Japan, No. 50 in Switzerland, No. 50 in Austria, No. 79 in Norway and No. 81 in Italy.


On other new concerning the band, Tobias is working on another Avantasia album.

"I've heard rumors going around and - yes - they're true. Quite some time ago I've started working on another Avantasia adventure! Again it's going to be a conceptual album with different musicians and singers. More about it from now on at this site www.avantasia.net. You ask why I am doing it? Because I can! Because I am dying to go for it! And because the time has come that I feel ready and strong enough to start something big, bombastic and monumental again! Believe me: you won't find any other man on the face of the earth who has got more work and stress right now - and who's yet as happy as I am. It's so exciting to see another dream of mine take shape."

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