Hansi Meets Aneurysm

By Elric on 11:24 AM 29 June 2007

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Singer Hansi Kursch of German power metallers Blind Guardian has reportedly signed on to make a guest appearance on the forthcoming sophomore album from Italian "techno thrash" metallers Aneurysm. Entitled "Shades", the CD is tentatively due later in the year via Old Ones Records.

Aneurysm's debut album, "Aware", came out in 2002.

Aneurysm is:

Gianmaria Carneri - Voice and Rhythm Guitar
Peter Calmasini - Guitars
Marco Piran - Drums
Ivano Dalla Brea - Bass
Stefano Torregrossa - Samples and Keyboards

For more information, visit www.aneurysm.it.

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Tool - The Movie

By Elric on 3:31 PM 28 June 2007

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Billboard.com reports that Tool is tossing around ideas for a band movie.

"It has to be a collective thing as far as the band members," guitarist Adam Jones tells Billboard.com. "Everyone has to be very happy and it has to be done in a way where people would see integrity and hard work and not just something thrown together or home movies or some sh*tty filmed live show.

"It's a selfish thing.There's that selfish quality of what we want versus what everyone else wants. But I think at the end of the day if we get what we want, it's reflective in what other people see in that."

Jones, who is the visionary behind many of the group's music videos, says movie discussion is nothing new to the Los Angeles-based band. If the right financial backer entered the picture, it could become a reality sooner than later.

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Buckethead Joins Bootsy Collins

By Elric on 11:24 AM 26 June 2007

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Fformer Guns N' Roses members Buckethead (guitar) and Brain (drums) have joined forces with bassist Bootsy Collins in a new project dubbed Science Faction.

Science Faction's yet-to-be-titled debut (which is being co-produced by Collins and guitarist Greg Hampton) is set for worldwide release early next year, with a tour to follow. Song titles include "L.O.A.F. (Living on Another Frequency)", "Fatally Flawed Flesh", "Neuro World", and a track with a working title of "Living in Eden".

"We're looking at it like, 'What would happen if we wound up a situation down the line as we evolve, that our technology takes over and we are the ones that they're looking at as 'the scum of the earth'. It's kind of like 'Planet of the Apes.' What would they be like? What would that feel like? We're just trying to warn the world that that's comin', and we're having fun with that."

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Queen Preparing New Material With Paul Rodgers

By Elric on 3:30 PM 25 June 2007

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Paul Rodgers has told that he "recorded some nine songs" with Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor, and that there are plans to return to the studio in October to do some more work.

Rodgers won't commit to a definite timetable, but he guesses a new album may appear "probably next year the way things are going," with a tour likely to follow.

"With Queen and myself, it's a very organic thing. We're letting it sort of develop itself naturally and not pushing it or giving it any pressure. We go in, just the three of us. Roger gets on the kit, Brian gets on the guitar, I get on the acoustic guitar and piano, either/or, and then we share the bass line afterwards."

Rodgers describes the new material as "interesting" and says he's been particularly fascinated by watching May craft Queen's trademark harmonies. "What happens is he can hear the song line and then he can hear all the harmonies on top of it. We can't hear them, but when we go out in the studio he tells us what line we should sing. He knows exactly what he's doing and we don't know what it's going to sound like, but when we go back into the studio and the engineer puts everything up we all go, 'Holy smokes, listen to that! So that's the genius of the harmonies."

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Warrel Dane To Record Solo Album

By Elric on 12:57 PM 24 June 2007

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Nevermore frontman Warrel Dane is scheduled to enter the studio in early August to begin recording his solo debut, tentatively due in early 2008. "As of now I have written about eight [tracks] together [with Dane], and Warrel is also collaborating with Matt Wicklund [ex-Himsa guitarist] for a few songs," former Soilwork guitarist-turned-producer Peter Wichers says.

In a September 2006 interview with Metal-Rules.com, Dane stated about the upcoming solo CD, "I've been working on it for like the last year off and on, just writing songs with Peter Wichers, and at some point we'll finish them then go in the studio . . . It doesn't sound like Nevermore, and I think, you know, if it did, there wouldn't be much point in doing a side project. If it sounded like Nevermore I think it would be a little redundant . . . Of course it's metal! Kind of like metal-infused hard rock, I think. It's different and it's a chance for me to explore myself — explore myself in other ways! [laughs] Well, for me, and for Peter from Soilwork as well, it was kind of a chance for us both to 'step outside the box,' because people expect a certain thing from both those bands and with this we don't have to fulfill any expectations. We can do whatever we want."

Dane stated a year ago that his solo debut would include an appearance by Warrel's former Sanctuary (pre-Nevermore) bandmate Dave Budbill (currently in Zerocreep) on drums.

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Motorhead New Live Album

By Elric on 10:40 AM 23 June 2007

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On July 16, 2007, SPV released "Better Motorhead than Dead: Live at Hammersmith", a double live CD recorded at Motorhead's 30th-anniversary show on June 16, 2005 at London's Hammersmith Appollo/Odeon. The set will be released in digipak form.

"Better Motorhead than Dead: Live at Hammersmith" track listing:

Disc 1

01. Dr. Rock
02. Stay Clean
03. Shoot You In The Back
04. Love Me Like A Reptile
05. Killers
06. Metropolis
07. Love For Sale
08. Over The Top
09. No Class
10. I Got Mine
11. In The Name Of Tragedy
12. Dancing On Your Grave

Disc 2

01. R.A.M.O.N.E.S.
02. Sacrifice
03. Just 'Cos You Got The Power
04. (We Are) The Road Crew
05. Going To Brazil
06. Killed By Death
07. Iron Fist
08. Whorehouse Blues
09. Bomber
10. Ace Of Spades
11. Overkill

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K.K. Downing Answers Your Question

By Elric on 11:10 AM 22 June 2007

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Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing recently answered a number of fan questions via his newly launched web site. A few excerpts follow:

Q: I was wondering who makes your guy's leather jackets and pants, and does he have like a website or something I could look at because I really want some of that gear. If you were a Priest song then what song would it be? Do you know were I could get either a K.K. Hamer model or if Glenn has a model out?

Downing: "The guy who makes not just our stuff but many bands is called Ray Brown and he lives in L.A. For more info you can contact Jayne Andrews at Trinifold Management in London. I think you could put me down as "Sinner". I am not sure if you could get a new Hamer but I know at one time Hamer did make K.K. Vector VS and also an SG GT guitar for Glenn so maybe a second hand one might be an option. Other than that Hamer has a custom shop so they can make what you want."

Q: We all know that you and the guys were on tour with AC/DC back in 1979 during the "Highway To Hell" European tour. My question to you is how it was to be on tour with Angus and Co and especially with the late legendary Bon Scott. Any memories about him? Does any photos exist with Priest and AC/DC together?

Downing: "The tour you mentioned with AC/DC was one of my most cherished memories. The guys were great to us, they even let us ride with them on long journeys as they had a huge bus and we only had a small van. Bon was a total gentleman his dedication to his fans was second to none. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any photos but maybe if someone who reads this has any, please would they let me and the other fans see them as we would be very grateful!"

Q: Will the new album be like "British Steel", "Painkiller" or "Angel of Retribution"? How many years have you played guitar? I want to learn some techniques if you can help.

Downing: "The new Priest album is still evolving but I don't think it can be compared to any one particular Priest album. Hopefully it will have all of the usual Priest ingredients and a whole lot more. I have been playing since I was 16. It is hard to give you technical advice not knowing what standard you play but always practice scales, start with major and minor pentatonic, then major and natural minor, then the cool stuff, diminished, harmonic minor, whole tone half tone, that should keep you busy for a while."


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Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos (2007)

By Elric on 1:15 PM 21 June 2007

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Dream Theater, the gods of progressive metal are back with their ninth studio work called “Systematic Chaos”. Albums like “Images & Works”, “Awake” and “Metropolis pt II” concerned among the best progressive metal albums. Although after 2002 Dream Theater had a slight decline. “Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence”, “Train of Thought” and “Octavarium” were good albums but couldn’t reach the level of “Metropolis”. Besides it’s not easy to surpass perfection. “Systematic Chaos” is their latest to effort to succeed in it.

The title of the album, “Systematic Chaos” indicates the mind condition of Dream Theater. The album opens with “In the Presence of Enemies part I”. The song starts where “Octavarium” ended, but the various sound effects and LaBrie’s voice makes the song much more interesting. In “ForsakenRudess’ melodies are fantastic but the refrain is somewhat ballad-ish something that I believe it is not fit their style.

So far the songs are good but nothing that you don’t expect from Dream Theater. But “Constant Motion” will blow your ears and speakers, Heavy sound, fast riffs and blowing solos. Moreover the voice of James Hetfield ... sorry I mean James LaBrie is amazing. The song reminds me the early days of Metallica (except the technical part). “The Dark Eternal Night” is probably one of the fastest songs that Dream Theater ever recorded. The song contains some core elements (!!) and some effects in voice (!!).

But the are more surprises. Besides the influences of Dream Theater are from Metallica (they have recorded the entire “Master of Puppets” live!!) and Rush, to Radiohead and Muse. “Repentance” talks about Portnoy’s alcohol problems. A slow, mellow song and probably the weakest of the album. “Prophets of War” is letter of protest against the politics of U.S.A. and the Muse influences are clear here. “Ministry of Souls” is a 14 minute song that start as a ballad and transforms into an orgy of solos equal to “Dance of Eternity”. The album closes with “In the Presence of Enemies part II”. An amazing song of 16 minutes with many dark passage and numerous changes in melodies, riffs and, of course, solos!

I will not say anything about the sound. I will not say anything about their music skill also. Just that their instruments are extensions of their bodies. There is also a special version of “Systematic Chaos” that comes with an extra DVD that contains the entire album in 5.1 surround sound and a 90 minute documentary “The making of Systematic Chaos” directed by Mike Portnoy.

I don’t know if they succeeded in surpassing “Metropolis part II” but I am sure that this is the best album Dream Theater released since 1999.


Rating: 90/100


The Band

  • James LaBrie vocals
  • John Petrucci guitars
  • John Myung bass
  • Jordan Rudess keyboards
  • Mike Portnoy drums

Tracklist

  1. In The Presence Of Enemies pt I
  2. Forsaken
  3. Constant Motion
  4. The Dark Eternal Night
  5. Repentance
  6. Prophets Of War
  7. The Ministry Of Lost Souls
  8. In The Presence Of Enemies pt II




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Journey Parts Way With Jeff Scott Soto

By Elric on 11:31 AM

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Journey has parted ways with its most recent lead singer Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmstenn, Talisman). Jeff's first appearance with Journey was July 7, 2006 in Bristow, VA. He had been filling in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the tour shortly after it began on June 23 due to illness. Jeff's last performance was May 12, 2007 in Leesburg, VA.

Says guitarist Neal Schon: "We appreciate all of Jeff's hard work and we can't thank him enough for stepping in when Steve Augeri got sick last year. He did a tremendous job for us and we wish him the best. We've just decided to go our separate ways, no pun intended. We're plotting our next move now."

Keyboardist Jonathan Cain adds: "We were lucky to have a friend who was already a Journey fan step in on a moment's notice during the Def Leppard tour to help us out. Jeff was always the consummate professional and we hope that he remains a friend of the band in the future. We just felt it was time to go in a different direction."

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Moonspell To Re-record Early Material

By Elric on 1:01 AM

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Portuguese metallers Moonspell will enter the studio in early July to record a very special project. The recording sessions will be held at the Denmark's Antfarm Studios with Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Dark Tranquillity, Rob Halford) co-producing with the band. This release will consist of re-recordings of the band's legendary "Under the Moonspell" (1994) but also going back as far as their first demo "Anno SatanÆ" and their sole track as Morbid God, "Serpent Angel". All the songs will be re-arranged and revamped in order to "underline their revered distinction as underground classics but now with a mature dark energy and class," according to a press release. "The full-length record (eight songs and around five instrumental compositions) will be released in early October via SPV worldwide.

The track listing is as follows (not in final order):

01. Halla alle halla al rabka halla (Praeludium/Incantatum Solistitium)
02. Tenebrarum Oratorium (Andamento I/Erudit Compendyum)
03. Interludium/Incantatum Oequinoctum
04. Tenebrarum Oratorium (Andamento II/Erotic Compendyum)
05. Opus Diabolicum (Andamento III/Instrumental Compendyum)
06. Chorai Lusitânia! (Epilogus/Incantatam Maresia)
07. Intro
08. Goat on Fire
09. Ancient Winter Goddess
10. Wolves From The Fog
11. Outro
12. Serpent Angel

The band is also in the process of writing material for the follow-up to "Memorial", which will go into production before the end of the year at the Woodhouse Studios with producer Waldemar Sorychta. A "best of" collection from Moonspell, entitled "The Great Silver Eye", will be released in July through Century Media.


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Gamma Ray Teams Up With Helloween

By Elric on 11:04 AM 20 June 2007

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Helloween drummer Dani Loble has re-entered singer Andi Deris' Mi Sueno Studios in Tenerife, Spain to resume the recording sessions for the band's new album with longtime producer Charlie Bauerfeind (Blind Guardian, Saxon). Tentatively titled "Gambling with the Devil", Helloween's 12th studio LP is scheduled for release on Halloween (October 31). A world tour in support of the CD will start mid-November in Europe, to be followed by visits to Southeast Asia, North and South America in the first half of 2008.

As already rumoured during the last couple of weeks, it is now confirmed that Gamma Ray will team up with Helloween on their upcoming European tour! The tour will kick off mid of November this year, and the line up will be completed by 1-2 additional acts.

Apart from very few festival appearances, this will be the first time ever both bands touring together and bears the possibility of Kai Hansen -Gamma Ray leader and ex- Helloween member- entering the stage to jam one or the other classic Helloween-song with his former band mates!

This is going to be a historical event for all Helloween fans, we are looking forward to have Kai and his band on our tour with us” states Helloween guitarist Michael Weikath.

It is also planned –but not confirmed- to expand this promising package to the territories of South East Asia, North and South America.

Helloween's "Keeper of the Seven Keys – The Legacy World Tour 2005/2006 Live on 3 Continents" DVD/CD registered the following first-week chart positions in Europe: Germany: #9 (DVD), #58 (CD); Sweden: #9 (DVD); France: #10 (DVD). The film footage comes on a DVD 9 featuring PAL and NTSC versions, the audio formats Dolby Digital 2.0 and Dolby Digital 5.1, and an overall playing time of around 280 minutes. Some tracks feature a special multi-media tool which allows the listener to switch between the different shows. The double CD consists of 12 songs with an overall playing time of almost two hours, including the two bonus tracks, "Occasion Avenue" and "Halloween", recorded in Tokyo and at the Masters of Rock in Vizovice, Czechia. The material was mixed by Charlie Bauerfeind.



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Madball Studio Report

By Elric on 10:12 AM 19 June 2007

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New York City hardcore legends Madball will release their new album, "Infiltrate the System", on August 21 in the U.S. on Ferret Music (in Europe on I Scream, in South America on Liberation, in Australia on Resist).

"Infiltrate the System" track listing:

01. Justify
02. Infiltrate the System
03. Revolt
04. No Escape
05. Takeover
06. Renegades
07. Set Me Free
08. The Messenger
09. Liberty or Death
10. A Novelty
11. You're Gone
12. P.Y.I.T.F. Part 3
13. Stand Up NY

Speaking from Planet Z studios in Massachusetts, where the band recorded the CD with producer Zeuss (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, Throwdown), Madball frontman Freddy Cricien recently said about the new material, "The album will lyrically keep some of the hardcore standards while branching out from any of their previous work. We are hoping to branch out conceptually with 'Infiltrate'. We do have a few songs written about themes that are familiar to our fans, such as life on the streets, but we also have some songs that delve more into social commentary. By no means are we a political band now, we're still giving you first hand accounts of our life but there is other topics we want to talk about such as self-empowerment which everyone can relate to. Kids from the hardcore scene are infiltrating the system everyday and making changes to old ways of thinking, we have fans whom grew up with our band and are in all walks of life including CEOs of companies, politicians, teachers and more."

Musically, Circien says that the songs will contain some surprises. "For the first time ever, we have songs that are over three minutes, a record for Madball," he said. "We are going to have Hoya (bass) and Mitts (guitar) sing as well, because I discovered that Mitts has an excellent voice. This record is also going to be a lot heavier, so if kids don't want to dance to this, I don't know what they will want to dance to!"

"Infiltrate the System" is the follow up to 2005's "Legacy", a critically acclaimed album that received feature coverage in Revolver, Decibel, and Metal Maniacs.

Formed when Cricien was in his early teens, Madball has been one of the driving forces of hardcore in recent years delivering anthemic, touchstone albums such as "Demonstrate My Style" (1996) and "Set It Off" (1994).

You can watch their videoclip "100%" from the last ablum "Legacy", here.


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Rudy Sarzo Joins Blue Oyster Cult

By Elric on 10:24 AM 18 June 2007

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Starting today, June 16th, Rudy Sarzo joins Blue Öyster Cult as bassist for the balance of 2007. Former bassist with Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and long time friend of the band, Rudy will play until Ronnie James Dio returns from touring with Heaven And Hell. (Rudy is the current bassist in Dio).

Rudy and Eric Bloom have been friends since meeting up at Hear 'N Aid in 1985. Bloom adds that "Buck and I are really happy to have Rudy playing bass with us. He's a great fit and a great guy."

Upcoming Blue Öyster Cult live dates include:

* 6/16 - Uniontown, PA - State Theatre
* 6/20 - Jackson, CA - Jackson Rancheria Casino
* 6/23 - Rothbury, MI - 19th Annual Corley Memorial Bike Run
* 6/29 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest
* 6/30 - Mt. Clemen, MI - Stars and Stripes Festival
* 7/1 - Naperville, IL - Ribfest
* 7/2 - Chandler, AZ - Gila River Casino (with STEPPENWOLF)
* 7/3 - Atlantic City, NJ - House of Blues (with THE SMITHEREENS)
* 7/4 - Frederick, MD - Baker Park
* 7/5 - Virginia Beach, VA - Neptune's Park
* 7/7 - Park City, UT - Forum at the Canyons (with FOGHAT)
* 7/13 - Beloit, WI - Riverfest with Cheap Trick
* 7/14 - Chippewa Falls, WI - North Wisconsin State Fair
* 7/27 - Superior, WI - Head of the Lakes Fair
* 7/28 - Morgantown, WV - Mountainfest Motorcycle Rally
* 7/31 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion (with DEEP PURPLE)
* 8/2 - Wallingford, CT - Chevrolet Theatre (with Deep Purple)
* 8/3 - Kalamazoo, MI - Ribfest
* 8/4 - LaJunta, CO - Music at the Junction Festival
* 8/9 - Sturgis, SD - Boneyard Saloon Amphitheatre
* 8/10 - Des Moines, IA - Iowa State Fair (with ALICE COOPER)
* 8/11 - Sedalia, MO - Missouri State Fair
* 8/16 - Englewood, NJ - Bergen Performing Arts Ctr. (with Foghat)
* 8/18 - El Paso, TX - Custom Car & Chopper Festival
* 8/24 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
* 8/25 - San Antonio, TX - Sunken Gardens Amphitheatre
* 8/26 - Dallas, TX - Palladium Ballroom
* 9/1 - Essex Junction, VT - Champlain Valley Expo (with JOAN JETT, Foghat)
* 9/17 - Albuquerque, NM - New Mexico State Fair



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Nightwish New Album Info

By Elric on 10:56 PM 17 June 2007

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Nightwish have revealed the details of their upcoming album.It will be called "Dark Passion Play" and will be released by Nuclear Blast on September 28th, by Spinefarm Records / Universal on September 26th and by Roadrunner Records on September 28th.

The tracklist will be the following:

01. The Poet And The Pendulum
02. Bye Bye Beautiful
03. Amaranth
04. Cadence Of Her Last Breath
05. Master Passion Greed
06. Eva
07. Sahara
08. Whoever Brings The Night
09. For The Heart I Once Had
10. The Islander
11. Last Of The Wilds
12. 7 Days To The Wolves
13. Meadows Of Heaven

Even before that date, on August 24th (Nuclear Blast) and on August 22nd (Spinefarm/Universal), the single "Amaranth" will be released. It will come in different versions, their tracklists will be announced later.

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Neverland: Blind Guardian singer announced!

By Elric on 3:16 PM

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German power metal giants Blind Guardian's singer, Hansi Kursch, has been announced for Dreamtone & Iris Mavraki's much promising project, Neverland. Hansi just finished recording the vocals for the song "To Lose The Sun" which is going to be on the project's debut studio CD, "Reversing Time".

The album (all apart from the guest appearances) was recorded at ATM Studios in Istanbul , with Erim Arkman and Alp Turac - who won the Eurovision Song Contest (sic!!) back in 2003 together with singer Sertab Erener (for the song "Every Way That I Can").The mixing process took place at Division One Studios (Hammerfall , In Flames etc) in Gothenburg , Sweden .The mastering of "Reversing Time" will be handled by senior mastering engineer Leon Zervos (Santana, Aerosmith) at Sterling Sound in New York.

"Reversing Time" features, apart from Iris Mavraki & the Turkish progressive metal band Dreamtone, the Philarmonia Istanbul Orchestra and the guest appearances of renowned musicians such as Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian), Tom Englund (Evergrey), Mike Baker (Shadow Gallery) and Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery).

Some song names on "Reversing Time" are:

"To Lose The Sun" (performed by Hansi Kursch)
"World Beyond These Walls" (performed by Tom Englund)
"Reversing Time" (performed by Mike Baker)
"Mountain of Judgment "
"Mountain of Joy "
"Black Water"
"Mankind Is A Lie"
"Who Asked You To Fight?"

The project is currently going through various offers from major record labels worldwide.


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Metal Hall Radio Has Been Launched

By Elric on 10:54 AM 15 June 2007

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FINALLY METAL HALL RADIO HAS BEEN LAUNCHED !!! After a couple of months of hard work we are proud to present our internet radio station. Still the project is on testing mode but its working perfectly...so far. Below are a tutorial to listen and some plans info for the future.

To listen live the Metal Hall Radio Station:

1. Go to http://www.box.net/shared/spnagkeakb
2. Download the file MetalHallRadio.mu3 (only 93 bytes) or Download it immediately from the link at sidebar
3. Open it with winamp (or any other player)
4. Bang Your Head!

Attention: in order to listen you may need ogg codecs (for e.g. if you use w.m.p.) so we suggest winamp or vlc players. Ogg codecs can be found in different sites for free.


Future plans about the station

1. Live DJ shows
2. Communication between station and listeners
3. Forum

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Sinister Update

By Elric on 8:56 AM

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Swedish death metallers Sinister have issued the following update:

"It has been more than a year since we took the time to write something personal again on this page. Not so strange, since we were extremely busy the last twelve months. We visited almost 30 countries this year for the promotion of 'Afterburner' so you can probably imagine how busy it actually was.

"Meanwhile Aad [Kloosterwaard, vocals] found the time to become a daddy some months ago, so Alex [Paul, guitar] (who has a 3-year-old daughter running around) is not the only one in the band anymore who likes to talk about dipers and duplo, haha!

"About the new album; Alex wrote on this moment three complete songs with a total running time of 22 minutes!!! Yes… the new songs are longer then the stuff we did before. One of them is even longer then 10 minutes. Musically it will follow the direction of 'Afterburner', which means fast catchy blastbeats combined with slow atmospheric melodic parts.

"Unfortunately, we haven't got any time yet to practice them as a band. However, we will take it slower on the concerts the next few months to work on this situation. Our goal is to make a demo this summer with four tracks so we can get an idea how they will sound on the album.

"Also a word to our Mexican fans; this August we will visit your beautiful country to do some shows. Mexico City has been confirmed and hopefully we can add two more gigs. It has been four years since our last visit so it would be great to see you guys and girls again."



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Max And Igor Cavalera Together Again

By Elric on 1:02 PM 13 June 2007

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Sepultura founding members and brothers Max and Igor Cavalera have confirmed that they are collaborating on new music for the first time in more than 10 years. According to reports, the material will be released as a completely new project, separate from Max's work in Soulfly.

Jose Mangin of Sirius Satellite Radio's Hard Attack just returned from Phoenix, Arizona where he visited Max at his home and got a chance to hear some of the music that has been written for this new band.

The material, which has been described by Mangin as "sick"-sounding, may include guest appearances by members of Napalm Death and Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo, although this has not yet been confirmed.

Igor Cavalera left Sepultura in June 2006 due to "artistic differences." He has since been replaced by Jean Dolabella (ex-Udora).

Igor's departure from Sepultura came five months after he announced that he was taking a break from the group's touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their new son (who was born in January 2006). Filling in on drums during the band's spring 2006 European tour with In Flames was Roy Mayorga, who played with Max in Soulfly for several years in the late '90s and again in 2001-2003.

Max Cavalera left Sepultura in December 1996 after the rest of the band fired his wife Gloria as the group's manager.


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Sepultura Update and Video Clip

By Elric on 12:50 PM 12 June 2007

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Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser has issued the following update:

"Last week, I got infected with the virus of Dengue, an infamous virus that attacks the muscles and brings you down. A lot of pain! Terrible. Getting better now, but it's a shame that Brazil still is unable to resolve and destroy this mosquito so evil for all of us.

"We had a gig last Saturday and I played, still with the virus on my body. The show was great, besides my health. THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

"Getting ready to destroy Europe once more! See you all soon!"

As previously reported, a rare video clip of Sepultura and the Brazilian kings of hardcore Ratos De Porao performing a cover of Ramones' "I'm Not Jesus" on the Brazilian TV show "TVMix" in 1990 has been posted online. You can watch it at the end of post.

Sepultura will embark on another European tour beginning late June





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The Cult - New Album Info

By Elric on 1:38 PM 11 June 2007

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The Cult has set "Born Into This" as the title of its new album, tentatively due on September 25 via Roadrunner Records in conjunction with The Cult imprint label, New Wilderness. The group's first CD since 2001 is currently being recorded in London with producer Youth (Verve, Primal Scream), who will be adding final touches and mixing.

In the meantime, The Cult, led by founding members vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy, will embark on a series of European arena shows with rock legends The Who starting June 5th. The band will be adding headline dates and festival appearances along the route, building on the overwhelming reaction to their 2006 sell-out world tour. A U.S. headline tour will follow in the fall.

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

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Download Will Be Webcasted

By Elric on 10:23 AM 10 June 2007

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The following performances from this year's Download festival, which is scheduled to take place June 8-10 at Donington Park, Leicestershire, England, will be webcast via the event's official web site today (Sunday, June 10):

PARIKRAMA 11:00 - 11:25
REUBEN 11:45 - 12:15
CHIMAIRA 12:35 - 13:05
PAPA ROACH 13:25 - 14:00
MASTODON 14:20 - 15:00
LAMB OF GOD 15:20 - 16:00
STONE SOUR 16:20 - 17:05
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE 17:25 - 18:15
EVANESCENCE 18:40 - 19:55
IRON MAIDEN 20:40 - 22:30

Watch the webcast at this location. Other acts confirmed to perform this weekend include Korn, Suicidal Tendencies, Motley Crue, Dream Theater, Dimmu Borgir, Within Temptation and Napalm Death.

The Download festival is a three-day rock/metal/punk festival held annually at the spiritual home of rock music in England — Donington Park, which hosted the Monsters of Rock festivals between 1980 and 1996, and 2002's Ozzfest. It takes place in early summer, and is owned and managed by Live Nation.

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Monster Magnet Are Back On Track

By Elric on 10:32 AM 08 June 2007

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Monster Magnet guitarist Ed Mundell has finished laying down the tracks for the group's new studio album with producer Matt Hyde.

Monster Magnet mainman Dave Wyndorf was forced to halt work on the CD in February 2006 after overdosing on prescription drugs, (I thought drugs for Dave is like water to normal people).

Hyde, who worked with Monster Magnet on their "Powertrip" and "God Says No" releases, stated about the band's new CD back in March 2006, "I believe it has the potential to be their best record since 'Powertrip'."

Monster Magnet's last studio album, "Monolithic Baby", was released in 2004 via SPV.

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Anneke Leaves The Gathering

By Elric on 11:26 AM 07 June 2007

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Anneke van Giersbergen, singer for world-renowned Dutch rock act The Gathering, has decided to leave the band and pursue new goals in life and music.

From the band:

"Dear all, We are very sorry to announce the fact that Anneke has decided to leave the band in August 2007. Anneke has several reasons not to be a member anymore. *We really regret the fact we could not find a way to continue together.*However, we will be working on new material with male & female vocalists. Expect a CD release somewhere in 2008.

With Anneke we’ve made great albums and did fantastic shows, which we are very proud of! We had a great time! We wish Anneke all the best for the future.

The remaining festivals we will play together with Anneke. No new gigs will be scheduled. The last gig with Anneke will be the Ankkarock Festival in Finland, the 4th of August. Also the new DVD A Noise Severe as well as the double live CD will still be released this summer."

Frank, Hans, Marjolein & René.

From Anneke:

"Dear people,

I wanted to send out this message to all of you to inform you that I have decided to leave The Gathering. After much consideration and some serious soul searching, I feel that it is time for me to change my direction in life and develop and search out new goals.

In all the wonderful years that I have been a part of The Gathering, we, as a band, have always strongly believed in sincerity: both personally and within our music. I have always been able to give one hundred percent of myself to the band and its music. Over the last year I developed an urge to initiate my activities from a different place in my heart, focusing on myself and my family.

In order to stay true to myself, the band, crew and the fans, I see no other option than to leave the band and pursue my new goals in life and music.

I loved my 13 years with The Gathering and I take pride in all the beautiful music we have made together and will always cherish the good times we shared on the road and in the studio. The decision to leave all of this behind has been incredibly difficult, but since it’s made from the heart, I strongly believe that I have to go with it. Although it saddens me to say goodbye, I have made a lot of exciting plans for the future both personally and professionally.

Thank you for all the love and support and I hope we will meet again in life and music.

Over the last 10 years I have turned many dreams and experiences into songs. I started recording a selection of the very personal ones during the past 6 months. We’ve laid down the basic tracks at the Waterfront Studio’s in Rotterdam and recorded overdubs at The Void in Eindhoven, as well as in the comfort of my own home studio. I’m excited to send these songs off into the world and share them with you all!

I have formed a band called Agua de Annique to help me voice these songs. We will release an album called ‘Air’ in the fall of 2007. Besides the wonderfully talented people in the band, a few of my friends will make appearances on this album.

The lovely Kristin Fjellseth will sing additional vocals, Jeffrey Fayman has made a string arrangement for a song called “Ice Water”. Heleen de Witte plays the flute and provided some killer trumpet work. The album is mixed by Timothy ConroyJon Anders Narum."

Anneke

Agua de Annique is:
Anneke van Giersbergen; vocals/piano
Joris Dirks; guitars/vocals
Jacques de Haard; bass
Rob Snijders; drums


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Midnight's M2 Project

By Elric on 10:00 PM 05 June 2007

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Former Crimson Glory vocalist Midnight has issued the following update on his "M2 - Descending into Madness" solo effort, which was originally supposed to be issued in May 2006 as a limited-edition release (limited to only 112 copies) via his official web site:

"Because of my recent association with Matt [LaPorte, guitar] from Jon Oliva's Pain and another wonderful musician and spirit from the band Monstrosity, I'm sorry to say I had to push the recording back a few weeks due to the fact I now wish to have more than myself on the album. On M2... It's already a double album, around 20 songs or more now. Some of these songs are extremely complex in their true form, and to do a proper representation of the song I think I have the ones I want to completely fulfill my vision. Now I have a full band... FINALLY!! So I need to work out some details with them before recording. In essence I must rethink my approach since now I have two new guns to shoot at the fans with. Believe me, it's going to be cool as shit. These guys are good and with Phil (Anderson, drummer from Midnight's 'Sakada' project] along for the ride who is awesome, so now I have keyboards, three guitar players, a bass player, two drummers, a dalcimer player, a mandolin player, a banjo player, an awesome flute player. I have so many toys, guys. I want to make this EPIC... Do you mind?"


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By Elric on 11:34 PM 04 June 2007

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I was searching the net for some funny videos and this is what I found. A video clip of a death metal fan auditioning for the German "American Idol"-style singing contest TV show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" ("DSDS") with a unique rendition of the Cannibal Corpse classic "I Will Kill You".

Also, I found a hilarious video clip of a black metal fan having a really hard time while he is performing the Naglfar track "The Brimstone Gate" on the Austrian TV show "Starmania".








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Dark Tranquillity - Terminus - Video Clip

By Elric on 9:52 AM 02 June 2007

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Swedish melodic death metallers Dark Tranquillity have posted their promotional video for the song "Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive)" at YouTube. The song comes off the group's new album "Fiction", which sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Dark Tranquillity video for "Focus Shift" made its "Headbanger's Ball" debut this past Saturday (May 26). The stunning clip was shot by acclaimed director Roger Johansson (In Flames, The Haunted) and captures the band's unmatched live intensity. The track comes off the group's new album "Fiction", a scorching effort that will undoubtedly add an exhilarating new chapter to the genre's storied history. You can watch "Focus Shift" here.


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