Swedish thrashers DARKANE have posted the following message on their web site:

"DARKANE has been rehearsing with Peter and so far it doesn't hurt in his wrist anymore but they can't be totally sure yet. DARKANE will play next Saturday the 24th of July at Tullakroksfestivalen in Ängelholm, Sweden. If Peter still doesn't feel any pain after the show DARKANE will immediately start rehearsing and later on record the new album. Let's hope!"

DARKANE's last studio album, "Expanding Senses", was released in 2002 through Nuclear Blast Records.

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Band profile:

Darkane

DIRTY DARK SUMMER END - AUGUST 30th RELEASES !
INCANTATION : 'Decimate Christendom' (Europe and Australia only) - posh060
This is the grand return of the east coast death metal veterans. Cd comes with limited edition cardboard slipcase with one exclusive bonus track.
Also available in limited edition hand numbered vinyl with full colour insert !. RESERVE YOUR COPIES NOW !
. Check a new MP3 in the SOUND section at www.listenable.net

WATCH OUT FOR THE OCTOBER EUROPEAN TOUR WITH KRISIUN AND BEHEMOTH and RAGNAROK !
first confirmed dates are as follows : please check www.metallysee.com for updates !

21.10. NL TILBURG @ 013
22.10. NL GRONINGEN @ VERA
23.10. BL. VOSSELAAR @ BIEBOB
27.10. D. ESSEN @ ZECHE CARL
28.10. D. OSNABRUCK @ N8
29.10. D. TRIER @ EXIL
03.11. SWE . GOTEBORG @ MUSIK HUS
04.11. NOR. OSLO @ JOHN DEE
05.11. NOR. BERGEN @ GARAGE
06.11. NOR. SANDNES @ TRIBUTE

THE AMENTA : ' Occasus' (world) - posh061
An incredible debut album from those Aussie industrial death metal mongers. Unique in the genre, THE AMENTA is bound to make large waves in the years to come. THE AMENTA is the hidden earth, formed in a faltering new millenium, embodying a new age of extremism ! Cd comes with multimedia bonus section !.
Check both bands MP3 in the SOUND section at www.listenable.net

THE AMENTA and INCANTATION CDs and LP are 15 euros postpaid each (17USD)
payment cash in registered letter only.

GET READY FOR GENERAL SURGERY ! (please use pic attached)
GENERAL SURGERY have inked a three album deal with LISTENABLE records. The new album should be recorded in spring 2005. It will be the first EVER full length album by the band after more than a decade of medical insanity !. In the band tradition of releasing numerous splits and eps, GENERAL SURGERY recently released a new split 7inch with FILTH on BONES BRIGADE records in gut coloured vinyl (http://www.bonesbrigaderecords.com) and a double 7inch on BUIO OMEGA records (www.buio-omega.it ). Get those limited slabs before your neighbour does !. The band recently played a blood drenched live show at the OBSCENE EXTREME festival in Czech republic. www.generalsurgery.nu.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA ENTER 'REDEMPTION PROCESS' !
ANOREXIA NERVOSA are finishing mastering their upcoming brand new album since 2001 entitled 'Redemption Process' at the Cutting Room in Sweden (RAMSTEIN etc.), and here's a track listing (the songs order is not definite).
A limited edition digipack will be available with a bonus track : a raging cover of classic french rock/pop band INDOCHINE ' Tzars'.

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The new Sonata album is entitled "Reckoning Night" and it's, preliminary, going to be released October (11th).

And for the upcoming single, a cover of the song "Two Minds One Soul" by Vanishing Point is being recorded.

Both the album and the single are going to be released through Nuclear Blast!

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Source:	Sonata Arctica's Homage & Vani...
Band profile:	Sonata Arctica

Tristania has returned from 9 weeks in the TopRoom studio and report great confidence in the new-recorded material. Only minor elements remain before everything is completed. The final title has not yet been decided, but the planned release date is 18th of October. The band is anxious to release this album and show their fans what they have been up to these last few years. They are also looking forward to get back on tour and present the new material live.

Furthermore, Tristania is about to sign with SPV. The band is very happy with the contract, which is being finalized now. They are satisfied with SPV as their future collaborator. Several companies were interested, but SPV made the strongest offer and seemed to be the ones who would best support the band's efforts. SPV is a strong contender that will promote and distribute Tristania worldwide. SPV has previously acted as a distributor for Tristania, which the band regards as an advantage. They are looking forward to the cooperation with SPV in the coming years.

Band profile:

Tristania

NILE 's Karl Sanders records guest solo for BEHEMOTH album!

Karl Sanders, guitarist and vocalist from American death metal band NILE has recorded a guest solo for the song "XUL" of the upcoming BEHEMOTH's record. DEMIGOD, which is the title of their new album, is still being recorded at Polish Hendrix Studios and soon we'll be mixed in Swedish Dug Out by Daniel Bergstrand.

"I've known Karl and all the guys in Nile for quite a few years now. Whenever we cross paths we always have a great time and get along really well. Moreover, I've always been totally astonished by their great works, precision, devotion and unquestionable originality. When I asked Karl, if he'd like to put some solo on the album, the reaction was very enthusiastic...It was a really quick job. I handed him a rough mix of the song and next night I found this great lead part in my email box. It sounded TERRIFIC! I'm more than happy about the fact of his contribution. Thank You Karl for such an excellent gift! It is an honor!"

Sanders says:

"I have always held Behemoth in musical high regard. They are somehow transcending many preconceived barriers of Death and Black Metal, creating a music that renders futile any such
external conceptions of artificial stylistic limitations. Behemoth is the epitome of what a Metal band SHOULD be -forging their own sound with originality, fire and brutality.
For me It is a high honor, to be a guest on the new Behemoth, I am a true fan of their work.
I was blown away by the music I heard on the track "Xul". Completely amazing drumming, great riffs, unholy conviction, and a superb tightness to the entire performance that was just kick ass and inspiring. I definitely wanted to play a solo that had feeling and fire, but also worked together with the riffs and rhythm section, in a way that lets all of it work together to make a very dying, apocalyptic end of the world melody -The Flame top 79 Dean V I used for the lead has a very thick singing type of tone -and the track just seemed conducive to let that guitar scream out in anguish. Many thanks to Nergal for making it happen."

From the other news, BEHEMOTH is almost done with laying down the tracks for new album. Lately Nergal has worked with professional male choirs on singing lines on one of the songs...

"This was my first conducting experience and the first time I had a chance to work with professional choirs (Academic Male Choir from Lublin , Poland ). Thanks to Piotr Bañka, one of the most talented Polish Orchestra producers (who actually did some orchestrations on DEMIGOD) we did some nice job on the album...and it sounds...real and huge! We hired the choir to do just few lines in the opening song "Sculpting the throne ov Seth", in order to achieve something more than just ordinary sampled choirs, like thousands of bands do...I'm happy about the way the new album is turning. Wondering what fans will think of this record."

Band profile:

Behemoth

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"Here is what I have been saying in the interviews, what happened chronologically that caused the demise of the band, why Nick was fired, Marty quitting, records turning out the way they did, and finally me walking away.

"When 'Countdown To Extinction' came out, the band and I were ecstatic to have a number 2 record. But if you could believe this, also during that time there were a lot of the 'movie-type intervention group therapy meetings' with me in the middle of a session of what rapidly was referred to as a 'Dave Bashing' session.

"There were all of these complaints and trying to get me to stop using drugs, as well as comments about my leadership skills. I remember them all taking a test and grading me as well as numerous other shameful and painful exercises meant to crack me or break me down.

"Well, this really hurt all of us, mostly me. The members at these sessions were Nick, Marty, Junior, Ron Laffitte (manager), Raymond May (counselor), David White (counselor â?" and not Gadget, the guitar tech).

"Ultimately, it made me start to be very cautious of everything and we instituted a no-drinking, no-drug clause, that everyone would agree to, myself included. There would be random testing and so on, and this was because of Ron's friendship with AEROSMITH's manager and how this 'process had worked for them.'

"I allowed more input from not only management, and the band, but also the counselors and even Max Norman, who had gotten more permission in the next record which was called 'Youthanasia'.

"By the time 'Youth' was done, I had so much inner turmoil that I wanted to leave MEGADETH, but instead I asked to do a solo project. I had been writing songs for the next MEGADETH record after 'Youth' and because 'Countdown to Extinction' had come in at #2 and 'Youth' at #4, Capitol agreed to keep me happy.

"I set out to do a punk metal record with Lee Ving called MD.45, and they gave me $250,000 to do the project.

"As cool as this is for them to have admitted it, Capitol did not market MD.45 at all because it would have possibly interfered with their other priority, the successful band MEGADETH. However, the great people of EMI have allowed me to go back in and re-issue this record, which I am totally pumped about.

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Band profile:

Megadeth

After the announcement of Theatre of Tragedy parting ways with lead singer Liv Kristine in late August 2003, Theatre of Tragedy decided to withdraw and keep a low profile.

All the while, the song-writing activity was kept steady, and at the same time started the search for a new singer. The search had not lasted very long until a strong candidate emerged, and very soon found a natural position within the band, even before an actual decision was made.The new singer, Nell (origin: Norway), quickly proved a refreshing addition to the group, being honest and outspoken, enthusiastic, and with a general working attitude that further strengthened the band's internal bonding.
With a strong and temperamental voice, she fit well into the current style of the band, aiming more for a darker atmospheric, brooding and simplified style, rather than the efficient rock/pop song with dense layers of electronics. And although largely lacking the 'Beauty and the Beast' contrast of the band's early recordings, there is still a complementary tension between Nell's and Raymond's vocals.

The band is continuously writing new material for its 6th studio album. Recording sessions are planned to commence this coming fall. You can find some sound excerpts of two new songs on the website of the band.

Source TOT Official website : http://www.theatreoftragedy.com/

Band profile:

Theatre Of Tragedy

Legendary Florida death metal band Deicide have re-signed with Earache Records for a worldwide 2-album deal. After witnessing Earache's results with "Scars Of The Crucifix", the band have decided to extend their relationship with the label for two more albums.

Since Deicide originally signed with Earache in 2003 for "Scars Of The Crucifix", the band and the label have made great strides together. In its first week out, 'Scars Of The Crucifix', debuted at #18 on Billboard's Independent Albums Chart and #24 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart in the US, hitting both charts higher than any other metal band. In 2004, "Scars" has sold more copies worldwide than any other Earache release this year. Earache commissioned Deicide's first-ever video, for the title track off "Scars", and saw to it that it aired on MTV2, Fuse, Kerrang TV, and Scuzz TV. Around the release of "Scars", Earache secured press covergae for Deicide in such mags as AP, Guitar World, and Revolver in the US, and Metal Hammer, Kerrang!, and Terrorizer in the UK.

Earache is proud now to announce Deicide have chosen to renew this mutually beneficial relationship. Earache's Al Dawson had this to say about the re-signing, "Deicide are a great band who have stood the test of time. They're super cool guys and we're psyched to continue working with them."

Deicide's Brian Hoffman declared:
"I am very happy to be on the best death metal label there is."

Band profile:

Deicide

Seattle-based power metallers NEVERMORE have been forced to cancel their previously announced U.K. tour with NOCTURNAL RITES "due to conflicting schedules," according to a posting on the band's web site. The band are hoping to reschedule the dates later in the year.

Band profile:

Nevermore

ICED EARTH bassist James MacDonough has posted a message on the ICED EARTH fan message board Iced-Realm.de regarding the recent departures of drummer Richard Christy and guitarist Ralph Santolla:

"Ok, just so you can stop freaking out and saying all kinds of outlandish things this statement should be sufficient for the situation.

"All of us were worried because this situation was dumped in our laps, in the middle of a tour. Richard got in touch with Bobby as soon as everything was transpiring and within days were talking to him personally at the shows. Bobby practiced his ass off for the gig and when we rehearsed he jumped in the pocket like he had been there all along. There's a true sense of chemistry with this line up and I'm happier more than I've ever been with the rhythm section. So yes, he's in for the duration. It's kind of hard to describe, you play with awesome musicians and you think 'well that's the peak' then another 'fated' face comes into the fold and you're like' DAMN, that's what it's supposed to be like, well that's the feeling I get when I'm grooving with Bobby, enough said. Richard is an awesome drummer and one of the best I've ever played with and a damn good true friend at that. I'm overjoyed he got his position with the Stern show and it's because of Richard that we have Bobby, he didn't want to leave us high and dry. I've had some of the best times of my life playing with Richard and he is on his way to achieving all of his dreams. Kudos to Richie, he's my bro and I'll miss him always. However, people are destined for their roles, and like I said, Bobby is the man and every time I look back at him on stage it's telepathy, perfect symmetry.

"Ok, on to Ralph. Ralph is the best guitarist I've worked with on this level and there are always things to be considered. There are personal goals to consider on both ends, the way you interact, what you get out of your performance, the whole nine yards. Chemistry. Some things are destined to be and others aren't. I love Ralph's solos and his style, it was exactly what Jon wanted for this album. There was no 'out or in' for Ralph. It was as you saw it. Jon writes the songs, and the solos are the ear-candy, and I love that ear-candy by the way, but other issues come into play and Ralph was destined to do other things instead. Ralph has become a good friend of mine and will definitely do things in the future with him. He's a character and we talk all the time, his plate is pretty full and I'm glad for him. There are no hard feelings between the ICED EARTH camp and Ralph and that's the bottom line, sometimes things fit and sometimes they don't. There is no reason to look further than that. We are in talks with a few people for that role and all will be 'very well' before the next leg. Jon and I talked the other day, and we were wanting to find that person where before they even played a note you could tell that your souls were connected, exactly what Jon felt with Tim the first time they met. In closing, I hope this answers some questions and when we find that last link to the puzzle you'll be the first to know. We're looking for that soulmate that belongs in the band and when we meet 'like Jon and Tim met' then we'll have the stable lineup we've always wanted."

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Band profile:

Iced Earth

Here are some good news on their new album, on the contract with SPV and on touring intentions.

New album close to finished

Tristania has returned from 9 weeks in the TopRoom studio and report great confidence in the new-recorded material. Only minor elements remain before everything is completed. The final title has not yet been decided, but the planned release date is 18th of October. The band is anxious to release this album and show their fans what they have been up to these last few years. They are also looking forward to get back on tour and present the new material live.
Anders' summary of the new album is "heavy and organic". They are working on a comprehensive studio report, which we will post here on their site in the next few days.

New record contract with SPV

Tristania is about to sign with SPV. The band is very happy with the contract, which is being finalized now. They are satisfied with SPV as their future collaborator. Several companies were interested, but SPV made the strongest offer and seemed to be the ones who would best support the band's efforts.

SPV is a strong contender that will promote and distribute Tristania worldwide. SPV has previously acted as a distributor for Tristania, which the band regards as an advantage. They are looking forward to the cooperation with SPV in the coming years.

Tour in planning

The next few days will reveal the dates for the first tour after the release of the new album. It will be an extensive European tour. Tristania is looking forward to getting back on the road and back on stage after this long break from touring, due in large to work on the new album. The last European tour the band had was almost three years back - it's about time they headed back out!

Source:	tristania.com
Band profile:	Tristania

Spiritual Beggars are entering Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden next week. They are working with producer Fredrik Nordström again (who produced the bands previous albums "Ad Astra' and "Mantra III').

Guitarist Michael Amott comments; "We have been working on this new music for over a year, on and off. We have got a great collection of songs that we think are of a slightly heavier and more intense direction than the songs on "On Fire' (2002). The spirit of HEAVY rock is still alive and well in the camp here and it´s all smiles as we rehearse this stuff, we just know this is going to sound absolutely HUGE when we lay it down on Fredrik Nordströms Studer 2' tape machine!!!'?

Source:	spiritualbeggars.com
Band profile:	Spiritual Beggars

Lilitu is almost done with their next studio album, "The Delores Lesion." The band is very satisfied with the result thus far! Mixing will be completed at the end of June after their gig in Augusta, GA. The group is looking forward to getting this beast completed and ready to go! Release date is scheduled for September.

This is the band's more elaborate release to date. According to the members: "Featuring lush strings, grand piano, female vocals, electronic bits, and a little something extra, has made this record exciting to record and mix. The guitars are more up front, and the leads are rocking. "The Delores Lesion" is catchier, great arrangements, and more expressive than anything we have released. We don't want to spill too much, so you guys will have to wait and see! Until the next time?..rock"

Band profile:

Lilitu

From The End website:

THE END RECORDS are proud to announce we have signed a wordwide deal with the acclaimed US act, NOVEMBERS DOOM. Hailing from Chicaco, IL NOVEMBERS DOOM have established themselves through the years as one of the top doom acts in the world and possibly the most prominent one in North America. The initial release will be a re-issue of the last full length "To Welcome the Fade." It will contain a bonus CD with unreleased material such as live songs from our tour with The Gathering, the entire and long out-of-print EP "For Every Leaf That Falls," as well as some other possible surprises. Look for it in stores everywhere this October.

The writing process for the 5th full length CD is complete, and will be recorded in October 2004, for an early 2005 release. The early plan is to once again utilise the talents of Grammy winning Neal Kernon for the final mix of the CD. Entitled "The Pale Haunt Departure" it will contain 8 songs, at close to an hour of music. Tracklisting in no specific order: The Pale Haunt Departure, In the Absence of Grace, Dark World Burden, Swallowed By the Moon, The Dead Leaf Echo, Through a Childs Eyes, Collapse of the Falling Throe, and Autumn Reflection.

Plans are still in the works for a live performance to be pro shot for a DVD release in 2005. The band has lots of old footage, and some great handheld camera shows from the last tour, so the bonus material will be plenty. A video shoot for the new CD is also being planned, and possibly something containing old material compiled of old handheld camera clips to also be included.

From Lake of Tears website:

The release date for Black Brick Road has been set to August 30.

The gig at the Sweden Rock Festival was a sucess! It was the first gig in seven(!) years and the band was overwhelmed by the great audience (~3000 people). Daniel: "We would like to thank everyone who attended the gig... we had a fantastic time and it was all thanks to you!".
After being called in a second time to play "Headstones" as the encore, the band met up with the fans in front of the stage for a short signing/photo session. Worth mentioning is that it was the first time Magnus Sahlgren played with the band live.

Setlist:
Boogie Bubble
Cosmic Weed
Making Evenings
Crazyman
Hold on Tight
Pagan Wish
The Greymen
Encore:
Headstones

Band profile:

Lake Of Tears