Samael - Black Hole - Video

By Elric on 11:30 PM 30 September 2009

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"Black Hole", the latest video from Swiss industrial black metallers Samael, can be viewed below.
 
Personally, I prefer the mid-tempo Samael period and not all that nonsense bastbeats.

Commented singer/guitarist Vorph: "If your favorite video clip from Samael is 'Baphomet's Throne', you're going to love the new 'Black Hole' video. It's black and white with lots of live footage taken from the latest Swiss shows, all mixed up with various designs and animations. 
 

It has been filmed and edited by Sergeï Ulyanov, who happens to be the bass player of Makro's death/doom metal band Sludge. We've tried to come up with something simple which would fit the intensity and aggressiveness of the song. The video is very dense and hard to digest at once. You've been warned!"

In an interview with Beyond the Dark Horizon, Vorph stated about "Above", "It is like an enhanced version of our three or four first albums, maybe the missing link between 'Ceremony of Opposites' and "Passage". With the 'Era One' project we've tried to work on different influences, and with 'Above' we stripped everything down. It is a metal album through and through. . . 'Above' is a little bit of a tribute to our early years as a band and to our first influences. If you listen to our two last albums, you can tell our roots go beyond that but 'Above' is a good résumé of what pushed us to start playing music in the first place."


SAMAEL - Black Hole

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Crippled Black Phoenix - Maybeshewill - Live Report 19/9/2009

By Elric on 11:18 PM 27 September 2009

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When I learned about the Maybeshewill gig it didn’t take me long to decide to buy a ticket even if Maybeshewill were an opening act to Crippled Black Phoenix meaning a significantly smaller playlist.


Around 9:30 Maybeshewill got on the stage without any warning and for about 50 minutes they were grabbing our faces and they were shaking us. With 2.5 albums in their bags Maybeshewill’s music is characterized as post-rock. I will describe their music as ten minutes instrumental song of growing loudness.  And that was what they did from the first minute. Playing really tied they were increasing the volume. The truth is that at the beginning were little shy something that changed quickly thanks to the warm crowd. Also I have to mention the amazing James Collins at drums. The only negative thing was the extensive use of samples. I believe that a session musician at keyboards will improve both their image and their live performance. Best moments probably the How to Have Sex With a Ghost and the Japanese Spy Trasnscript.




At 10:55 Crippled Black Phoenix climbed the stage.  Surely, a band with more reputation since they formed by ex-members of bands such as Mogwai, Electric Wizard and Portishead.  And that was clear from the significantly larger crowd. From the first note of Rise Up and Fight, Crippled Black Phoenix were inviting us to jump into their train and travel with them. And everyone accepted the invitation, me too… although after a while I was looking for a way to jump out!



I am not saying that Crippled Black Phoenix performance was poor. Actually it was exactly the opposite.  Their performance was at least professional. However their majority of their songs are much more suited to listen to them alone in your room than in live gigs. Also the fact that they were spending a lot of time in microphonics was very tiring.



But everything changed when they decided to play a new song (Troublemaker). From that moment Crippled Black Phoenix were far more energetic something that reached the crowd. Next was a Mogwai cover and Burnt Reynolds, the song that probably everyone was waiting to listen to. Best moment without a doubt the encore with the 20 minute Time of Ye Life/Born for Nothing/Paranoid Arm of Narcoleptic Empire played at least three times better than the album version which left us wondering…Why they didn’t play like that all the time?

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Arkaea - Gone Tomorrow - Video

By Elric on 12:28 AM 26 September 2009

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Arkaea the band featuring Fear Factory members Christian Olde Wolbers (guitar) and Raymond Herrera (drums) have completed their new music video for “Gone Tomorrow” and it can be viewed below. This was directed by accomplished directors Dale “Rage” Resteghini (Hatebreed, Trivium) and Dan Dobi (Bleeding Through, Cannibal Corpse).

Arkaea’s new record “Years in Darkness” was released this past summer on E1 Music. The band is set to support Kittie on the “Into the Black Tour” dates can be found below.



In the Black Tour w/ Kittie, Soil and Straight Line Stitch

Sep 26 The Chance POUGHKEEPSIE, New York *No Soil*
Sep 27 BB Kings NEW YORK, New York
Sep 29 The Norva  NORFOLK, Virginia
Sep 30 Ground Zero SPARTANBURG, South Carolina
Oct 1 Jester’s  FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina
Oct 2 Hooligan’s  JACKSONVILLE, North Carolina
Oct 3 Jaxx  SPRINGFIELD, Virginia
Oct 4 Headliner’s COLUMBIA, South Carolina
Oct 5 The Local MARIETTA, Georgia
Oct 7 Scout Bar  SAN ANTONIO, Texas
Oct 8 Tree’s  DALLAS, Texas
Oct 9 Scout Bar  HOUSTON, Texas
Oct 10 Flytrap  TULSA, Oklahoma
Oct 12 Marquis Theatre  DENVER, Colorado
Oct 13 The Juggernaut  GALLUP, New Mexico
Oct 13 Gator’s  FARMINGTON, New Mexico
Oct 14 Rialto Theatre  TUCSON, Arizona
Oct 15 The Key Club  LOS ANGELES, California
Oct 16 Brick By Brick SAN DIEGO, California
Oct 17 The Clubhouse  TEMPE, Arizona
Oct 19 The Black Sheep -  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado
Oct 21 The Rock  MAPLEWOOD, Minnesota
Oct 22 Double Door  CHICAGO, Illinois
Oct 23 McGuffy’s House Of Rock  DAYTON, Ohio
Oct 24 The Machine Shop  FLINT, Michigan
Oct 25 Peabody’s CLEVELAND, Ohio
Oct 26 The Intersection  GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan
Oct 28 Crocodile Rock ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania
Oct 29 Northern Lights  CLIFTON PARK, New YorkType summary here



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Metal Hall eZine Changes

By Elric on 11:51 PM 23 September 2009

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I just finished installing the new template for Metal Hall eZine. I think this layout is more clear and easy to read. Please leave a comment with your opinion about the new template.

Besides the new layout there will be some changes in the categories and the subjects covered by Metal Hall eZine.

First a new review category for albums that are either old and classic or we thing that they deserve more attention will be added. A second category, that was inspired from MetalSucks, is the Five Words Reviews and is... exaclty what it says!

Upcoming reviews

Maybeshewill & Criplled Black Phoenix - Live Report
Lucid Dementia - Trickery
Dream Theater - Black Clouds and Silver Linings

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Paradise Lost - Faith Divide Us Death Unite Us - Video

By Elric on 8:47 AM 18 September 2009

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"Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us", the new album from British gothic metal pioneers Paradise Lost, is being streamed in its entirety on the band's MySpace page. The CD will be released via Century Media Records on the following dates:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy: September 25
Spain, Portugal: September 29
Sweden, Finland, Hungary: September 30
Rest Of Europe: September 28
USA: October 6

The limited formats of this landmark gothic metal opus will include two orchestral versions of the album tracks "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us" and "Last Regret", which were recorded by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra in July 2008.

The limited-edition deluxe two-CD includes special packaging (DVD-sized Mediabook with O-Card in a special leather look) and a bonus track, "Cardinal Zero", on Disc 1 plus a separate bonus CD featuring the "Lost In Prague" tracks. All vinyl lovers will be delighted to hear that the album is going to be available as limited edition gatefold LP.

The highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's "In Requiem", "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us" was recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. As Horizons End
02. I Remain
03. First Light
04. Frailty
05. Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us
06. The Rise Of Denial
07. Living With Scars
08. Last Regret
09. Universal Dream
10. In Truth

The album's artwork, which is based upon a "Danse Macabre" woodcut by Hans Holbein the Younger (first published in 1538), was created by Stefan Wibbeke at Medialogistics (Lacuna Coil).

Paradise Lost's "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us" video can be viewed below (clip created by Nathan T Heys / Link Productions). 


PARADISE LOST - Faith Divides Us Death Unites Us (NEW VIDEO)


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Evile - Infected Nations - Video

By Elric on 10:15 PM 14 September 2009

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"Infected Nation", the new video from British thrashers Evile, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed at Shepperton Studios in Surrey, England — a notorious studio in which many iconic films, such as "Alien", have been shot. Evile once again worked with director Dan Fernbach of Static Films, whom the band previously worked with on their video for the track "Thrasher".

"Infected Nation" comes off the band's sophomore album, "Infected Nations", which is scheduled for release on September 21 in Europe and September 22 in the U.S. via Earache Records.

The cover art for "Infected Nations" was created by Michael Whelan, famous for his sci-fi artworks along with classic album covers from such bands as Sepultura and Obituary.

"Infected Nations" track listing:

01. Infected Nation
02. Now Demolition
03. Nosophoros
04. Genocide
05. Plague To End All Plagues
06. Devoid Of Thought
07. Time No More
08. Metamorphosis
09. Hundred Wrathful Deities

Evile frontman Matt Drake previously stated about the new CD: "When we did [2007's] 'Enter the Grave' two years ago, it was made up of songs we had been playing for a few years and some written in the excitement of actually getting to record an album. We were happy to just be making noise, but since then, we've learnt a few things and we're more interested in making music.

"Evile fans can expect to hear a more mature offering, an album that concentrates on all aspects of what each member can do; it's a heck of a lot more focused, more satisfying and we're really proud of what we've achieved with it. Russ Russell has helped us to push ourselves to the next level and pull us out of the '80s. The whole retro thing has been cool but we feel it's time for us to leave that behind and stand up for ourselves and show people what we can really do, but fear not, it IS a thrash metal album, it is a 2009 thrash metal album, and we're dying to blow your minds with it."



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Kittie - Cut Throat - Video

By Elric on 4:23 PM 07 September 2009

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Kittie premiered their video for the first single "Cut Throat" off of their upcoming release "In The Black" on Headbanger's Ball this Saturday, September 5th.

Here’s what lead singer Morgan Lander had to say:

“’Cut Throat’ is about the harsh nature of humanity and how we can sometimes be so mean and unsympathetic to one another. It’s about not realizing that our selfish actions not only can hurt others, but it ends up coming back around on us if we are not careful. There are no true winners in this game we call life. This existence is one where only the strong survive and we of all people have seemingly become experts on the subject.

Regardless of the heavy nature of the song, we actually had an amazing and fairly relaxed time filming this video. The video was directed by David Brodsky in an old abandoned department store in Brooklyn. No Lights. No air conditioning and no water-- just a kick ass live performance from the band! The atmosphere made for a really intense, gritty, nasty vibe for the video, one that perfectly captures what this band is all about.

The make-up artist didn't really appreciate the fact that our make-up was sliding down our faces from the first note, but this isn't pretty or nice or dainty. This is metal and the ‘Cut Throat’ video perfectly embodies that.”




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Ozzy Joins New Band

By Elric on 9:32 AM 05 September 2009

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There are lot of new lately from the Ozzy camp, like the replacement of Zakk Wylde with Gus G. But the big news is that Ozzy joins a new band!!! Watch the video below with Ozzy explaining the situation



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Ensiferum - From Afar - Video

By Elric on 12:50 PM 04 September 2009

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"From Afar", the new video from Finnish folk metallers Ensiferum, can be viewed below. The song is the title cut of the band's fourth album, which will be released on September 9 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was produced by Tero Kinnunen (Nightwish, Amorphis) and Janne Joutsenniemi ('Victory Songs' producer) and was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa (Sentenced, Amorphis).


The track listing for the album is as follows:

01. By The Dividing Stream
02. From Afar
03. Twilight Tavern
04. Heathen Throne
05. Elusive Reaches
06. Stone Cold Metal
07. Smoking Ruins
08. Tumman Virran Taa
09. The Longest Journey (Heathen Throne Part II)
10. Vandraren (limited-edition bonus track; NORDMAN cover)


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Leaves' Eyes - My Destiny - Video

By Elric on 1:23 PM 03 September 2009

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Leaves' Eyes — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-Theatre of Tragedy singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of Atrocity — released "My Destiny", their new . The clip was directed by Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, Lacuna Coil) of Revolver Film Company in Gothenburg, Sweden.


"My Destiny" will be released in the U.S. on September 22 via Napalm Records.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. My Destiny
02. The Battle of Maldon (non-album track)
03. Scarborough Fair (acoustic version; non-album track)
04. Northbound
05. Nine Wave Maidens (non-album track)
06. My Destiny (remix; non-album track)


Leaves' Eyes will headline the "Beauty & The Beast" European festival tour in November. Support on the trek will come from Sirenia, Atrocity, Elis and Stream Of Passion.

The dates are as follows:

Nov. 13 - Lichtenfels, Germany - Stadthalle
Nov. 14 - Sneek, Holland - Bolwerk
Nov. 15 - Luxembourg - Esch Rockhal
Nov. 16 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Nov. 17 - Essen, Germany - Turock
Nov. 18 - Zandaam, Holland - DeKade
Nov. 19 - Dordrecht, Holland - Bibelot
Nov. 20 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
Nov. 21 - Leipzig, Germant - Paincastle
Nov. 22 - Strasbourg, France - [to be announced]
Nov. 23 - Paris, France - [to be announced]
Nov. 24 - K?ln, Germany - LMH
Nov. 25 - Berlin, Germany - K17
Nov. 26 - M?nchen, Germany - Backstage
Nov. 27 - Budapest, Hungary - [to be announced]
Nov. 28 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Novesta





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Rammstein Preparing New Album and Single

By Elric on 7:40 PM 01 September 2009

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Rammstein, the Berlin, Germany-based industrial metal sextet well known for its controversial and fiery live performances, will release a new single, "Pussy", on September 18. It will be made available a two-song digipack, also featuring the track "Rammlied" as the B-side. A video for "Pussy" was recently shot with renowned Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund.


"Pussy" comes off Rammstein's new album, which will be released in the U.S. this fall via Vagrant Records. The band's first new CD in four years contains 11 songs which were once again mixed and mastered by Jacob Hellner in Stockholm, Sweden. Pre-production for the new release was done at Castle Beerenstedt in eastern Germany's Halle/Saale while the bulk of the recording was done in late 2008 at Northern California's Sonoma Mountain Studio.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Rammlied
02. Ich Tu Dir Weh
03. Waidmann's Heil
04. Haifisch
05. B******
06. Fruehling In Paris
07. Weiner Blut
08. Pussy
09. Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da
10. Mehr
11. Roter Sand



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