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Gamma Ray - Hellish Rock Show Filmed For DVD

Taken from the official Helloween website:

"The Spanish portion of the 'Hellish Rock Tour' has started with a sold-out concert in Barcelona where the performances of all the three bands - Axxis, Gamma Ray, Helloween - have been filmed. While the performances of Axxis and Helloween will be used at a not confirmed later date, Gamma Ray will be using the recordings to update their long awaited DVD with the working title "Hell Yeah!!! The Awesome Foursome" which will now be released this year."

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Source: helloween.org
Band profile: Gamma Ray
Posted: 18.01.2008 by Baz Anderson | Comments (8)


Scythian - Sign To Galactic Records

"Galactic Records are proud to welcome the UK's Scythian to their fold.

Fear the coming of their armies, for the omens have foretold the arrival like a plague upon the wind. Ashes shall fall as rain from the skies as they pass and the hallowed temples of this world shall be as blackened husks, charred beyond recognition. Thousands strong ride from distant horizons, a prayer to slaughter on their lips.

As soon as Scythian's "Suffering To The Conquered" demo fell from the heavens into his hands, label head Leon Macey knew the decision to release the band's forthcoming album had been made for him - as if an unknown force was guiding its destiny. Talks immediately commenced with the then three Scythian members. Shrouded in armour, they raised their drinking vessels in union and a deal was subsequently set in stone...

"Conquest is our everlasting purpose. For what could be more glorious than the joy of destroying our enemies and standing side by side with those we call our brothers? Victory or glorious death! That is the ethic of Scythian. Either we succeed in our endeavours? or pay for failure with our lives. For years we have honed our craft in secret, forging musical weapons to carry us through the battle to come." A. Satyrus.

Whelped on the teachings of Bathory and Sodom, Scythian formed in 2004, following the fated meeting of A. Satyrus (guitar) and J. Volgaard (drums). In brotherhood, the visionary and the master-craftsman were unified, working tirelessly towards an individual musical identity, which was not only true to them but to the heroes who had first inspired them to take up arms and march on the world. Cursed in the beginning by defeat and dishonour, the pair would find strength, symbolic purpose and a staunch ally in S.Vrath (vocals/bass), a warlord of some small renown who would lead the three across bloodied fields to undiscovered lands and the recording of their first demo, "Suffering To The Conquered".

Scythian's barbaric style, headstrong attitude and integrity makes for a formidable force that is rarely seen by today's standards. Woe-betide anyone who dares stand in their way, for Scythian's blades are sharpened and they're ready to charge headlong into the heart of extreme music's elite.

The band are due to enter the studio in mid February to record their first full-length album and debut for Galactic Records. A release date will be announced soon, along with full album details."

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Posted: 09.01.2008 by Baz Anderson | Comments (2)


Destruction - Brand U.K. Booking Agent 'An Insult To True Metal Fans'

German thrash gods Destruction have released the following statement after the recent tour of the U.K. and Ireland.

"All three bands really want to thank all of the fans who turned out to support us on our recent Tour of the UK., but we also wish with hindsight, to apologise to some of you that you had to see us in circumstances that were not ideal, at some venues which sometimes should not have even been included on the schedule. This is solely down to the work undertaken by the booking agent we opted to use, Jon Knight of HAGP Music and we would like to draw the attention of all other bands and the fans to this person because we are most disappointed that charlatans like this continue to be in positions of power in the industry we all love - that of Metal!"

Destruction frontman Schmier adds - "After 24 years of playing Metal on a professional level, working with this Concert agency was the worst and most unprofessional experience we've ever had in Europe! I wanna thank all the faithful fans that made this tour a success. Our loyal crew & our brothers in Onslaught and Amenti who suffered the same circumstances as well, (Sorry mates!!) but, we all really deserve better than this HAGP Music guy, surely?! No catering on most of the gigs, no posters & advertisement for the shows and the technical rider, which we did send to the UK several months ago, all just seemed to have evaporated or been ignored!"

"Some of this tour was an insult to METAL! A bloody fuckin´ shame, but because the fans had waited so fuckin´ long, we did not want to disappoint any of you. I really hope that the of the lack of professional equipment at some of the venues will not harm any of the bands in the future or take away from the fact that we know many of you supported us to the hilt on this tour. WE found solutions to go on and did not lose a single show on this chaotic horror trip! The replacement gig (Nottingham, Old Angel) for the cancelled show (in Liverpool) came with local assistance and from within the touring family, not from HAGP Music, who then decided also to stop talking to our management and ignoring our email requests for assistance?"

Realistically, several shows on this tour should never have been booked in the first place. HAGP Music didn't care about contracts, venues, the fans, the bands, not even his local guys who were making the best of it sometimes. To have shows announced as being cancelled without our knowledge, to not have the right equipment or have even researched the venues at all etc., caused dreadful tumult to everyone on the tour and required us ourselves to go on to Metal Forums telling people that the gigs would go ahead. How unprofessional is that? Without the long held experience of our combined band and crew and the great support shown by the Onslaught and Amenti blokes, this tour wouldn't have survived! I publicly thank every single one!"

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Source: destruction.de
Band profile: Destruction
Posted: 23.11.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (17)


Megadeth - Announce European Tour Dates

Megadeth have announced on their official website the following 2008 European tour dates:

UPDATED: (on 19 November) thanks to White Winter Sun

Feb. 06 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Arena
Feb. 07 - Oslo, Norway @ Sentrum Scene
Feb. 08 - Copenhagen, Denmark @ KB Halle
Feb. 10 - Berlin, Germany @ Columbiahalle
Feb. 11 - Dortmund, Germany @ Westfallenhalle
Feb. 13 - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg @ Den Atelier
Feb. 14 - Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
Feb. 15 - Antwerp, Belgium @ Hof Ter Lo All
Feb. 17 - Norwich, UK @ UEA
Feb. 18 - Nottingham, UK @ Rock City
Feb. 19 - Glasgow, Scotland @ Academy
Feb. 20 - Newcastle, UK @ Academy
Feb. 22 - Birmingham, UK @ Academy
Feb. 23 - Manchester, UK @ Academy
Feb. 24 - London, UK @ Brixton Academy
Feb. 26 - Paris, France @ Elysee Montmartre
Feb. 28 - Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz
Feb. 29 - Madrid, Spain @ Macumba
Mar. 01 - Bilbao, Spain @ Santana 27
Mar. 03 - Zurich, Switzerland @ Rohstofflager
Mar. 04 - Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz
Mar. 05 - Pordenone, Italy @ Palasport
Mar. 07 - Uherske Hradiste, @ Czech Republic Metalmania 2008 - Zimny Stadion
Mar. 08 - Katowice, Poland @ Metalmania 2008 - Spodek
Mar. 10 - Munich, Germany @ Zenith
Mar. 11 - Frankfurt, Germany @ Hugenottenhalle

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Source: megadeth.com
Band profile: Megadeth
Event: Megadeth: European Tour
Posted: 17.11.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (12)


Falconer - New Album In The Works

The following update has been posted on the official Falconer website:

"Hi folks!

Now we have all the new songs for the next album written. There's just the finishing touches left to do. We will start recording around christmas this year and then mix it in May 2008. Faster and more complex than the last album is a quite good description I would say.

The 3rd birth has happened within Falconer in a year as Magnus got a little son.

All shirts are sold out now and we're looking for companies to handle the printing and selling of the official merchandise in the future. As long as it is a fair deal it's interesting. We'll see what happens.

Until then, take care!

Stefan / 12th of October '07"

Source: falconermusic.com
Band profile: Falconer
Posted: 13.10.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (13)


Gamma Ray - Reveal New Album Track Names

Today the official Gamma Ray website was updated stating the new album, "Land Of The Free Part II", will last around 65 minutes and will contain the following tracks, but not necessarially in the final order.

01. Rising Again (0:28)
02. To Mother Earth (5:09)
03. Empress (6:22)
04. Rain (5:20)
05. Into The Storm (3:45)
06. When The World (5:43)
07. From The Ashes (5:30)
08. Leaving Hell (4:20)
09. Real World (5:44)
10. Hear Me Calling (6:45)
11. Opportunity (7:15)
12. Insurrection (11:30)

Source: gamma-ray.com
Band profile: Gamma Ray
Posted: 25.09.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (13)


Hatesphere - Part Ways With Vocalist & Cancel European Tour

The following message has been posted on the band's official website:

"As a result of personal issues, HateSphere and vocalist Jacob Bredahl have parted ways. This has been in the air for a little while now and is without doubt, the best decision for the band. Having to tour with a person who's not able to give it one hundred percent in the future and vice versa is pointless. We'd like to thank Jacob for 10 years of hard work and good times, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours! This may come as a shock for many of you but we can only emphasize that HateSphere will continue and are already in the midst of auditioning new singers.

In effect of this and some unanticipated, economical circumstances, we have been forced to cancel our upcoming European tour with Dimmu Borgir and Amon Amarth. We are very sorry for that but have seen no other solution, as it would be too difficult to find a new singer in only ten days. The gigs we have after the tour will not be affected by this, and we promise you all to come back soon and make it up to you.

Jacob and Pepe have always been a part of what is called HateSphere, so no question that this is also weird for the rest of the band. As you probably know, Pepe has always been writing practically all the music, so as far as that matter goes, it shouldn't mean that much. Also, the song writing for the next album is about to start and we are looking forward to work together as a new and revitalized group.

We know all you fans will have tons of questions but what's been said here explains everything, so please refrain from asking questions regarding this subject. Jacob left on amicable terms and we are simply moving on. We realize this has to be weird for you guys, to see almost the entire band being replaced just within three months, but there's no other way and we have so much more music in us, so why stop now? Hopefully you will respect our decisions and support us in the future - We are still here and will be back sooner than you think, to kick you in the ass!

See you all on the road soon!

Cheers,
HateSphere"

Source: hatesphere.com
Band profile: Hatesphere
Event: Dimmu Borgir + Amon Amarth: The Invaluable Darkness Tour
Posted: 18.09.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (11)


Moonsorrow - First Band Confirmed For Bloodstock 2008

The Bloodstock Open Air website has been updated stating Finnish metallers Moonsorrow as the first band confirmed for next year's festival, and that more bands will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The message reads:

"Bloodstock are very pleased to confirm the first band to announced for next years Bloodstock Open Air, finnish Metallers Moonsorrow!

Moonsorrow have been a band continually requested by the fans and the band are very excited about their only UK festival appearance of 2008!"

The message continues:

"Bloodstock will be confirming bands for 2008 in the coming weeks, we are negotiating as we speak with some incredible bands for next year and we will ensure we bring bands to the UK that rarely play as well as bands that are highly requested by the metal masses!

Keep watching the news section & forums for more announcements soon..."

The recently unveiled artwork for Bloodstock 2008 can also be seen at this location.

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Source: bloodstock.uk.com
Band profile: Moonsorrow
Event: Bloodstock Open Air 2008
Posted: 15.09.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (3)


Led Zeppelin - To Reunite For One Night Only

Classic Rock has just announced after much speculation that Led Zeppelin will reunite for a one-off special show at the O2 Arena in London on Monday, November 26.

The message on the Classic Rock website procedes:

"Tickets cost £125 each and will be available 'by ballot'. More details as we have it.

The bill also includes Pete Townshend, Bill Wyman & The Rhythm Kings, Foreigner and Paolo Nutini.

Founding members Jimmy Page (guitar), Robert Plant (vocals) and John Paul Jones (bass) will be joined by Jason Bonham, son of the late John Bonham, on drums.

The one-off performance has just been announced via a handout given to attendees at a press conference in the Vue cinema at the O2 complex. It's a memorial gig in honour of Ahmet Ertegun, the co-founder and longstanding chairman of Atlantic Records.

Ertegun, the man who signed Zep to Atlantic, died in December 2006 at age 83.

Profits from the show will go to Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund which provides students with annual scholarships to universities in the UK, USA and Turkey."

To read the full message visit the Classic Rock page at this location.

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Source: classicrockmagazine.com
Band profile: Led Zeppelin
Posted: 12.09.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (46)


Savage Circus - Announce New Members & Update

The following message has been posted on the band's official website:

"Dear Friends,

After all it's time for some good news again. Savage Circus is happy to present our new official drummer, Mr. Mike Terrana. Known from great bands like Axel Rudi Pell, Rage, Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Masterplan not only to the metal community, Mike is a versatile artist with a very unique style of his own. Exactly this style along with his great character makes the mighty troll a perfect match. Mike, welcome aboard!

But that's not all! After being our unofficial bass guitarist for over a year it is more than due to make Jens Leonhardt an official member too. This has been in our heads for a long time, but being lazy bastards we never came up with an announcement. Jens is known from playing with or in bands like Lacrimosa, Kingdome Come, Stormwarrior and Iron Savior. Needless to say that Jens is a great person. Jens, welcome aboard officially!

Now with the completion of the Circus we are ready for action again. Work on the new record runs at full throttle and release is scheduled for early 2008 followed by various live performances.

All of us are totally happy about this great line up, which already brings so much energy to the band.

All the best to you!

Cheers,
Savage Circus"

And so as things stand, the current line-up of the band is as follows:

Jens Carlsson: Lead Vocals
Emil Norberg: Guitar
Piet Sielck: Guitar & Backing Vocals
Jens Leonhardt: Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals
Mike Terrana: Drums & Percussion

Source: savagecircus.de
Band profile: Savage Circus
Posted: 04.09.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (6)


Nightwish - Announce U.K. And Ireland Tour

Nightwish have confirmed a tour of the U.K. and Ireland in 2008 in support for their forthcoming album "Dark Passion Play". These will be the first shows in the U.K. with new singer Anette Olzon.

The dates are as follows:

Mar. 25 - Astoria - London, England
Mar. 29 - Carling Academy - Birmingham, England
Mar. 30 - Carling Academy - Newcastle, England
Mar. 31 - ABC1 - Glasgow, Scotland
Apr. 02 - Mandela Hall - Belfast, Northern Ireland
Apr. 03 - Vicar Street - Dublin, Ireland
Apr. 04 - Academy 2 - Manchester, England

Source: nightwish.com
Band profile: Nightwish
Event: Nightwish: European Passion Play Tour
Posted: 04.09.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (5)


Ensiferum - Announce Canadian Tour

The following message has been posted on the official Ensiferum website:

"Ensiferum is finally crossing over the Atlantic Ocean to Canada and will do a small Eastern Canadian tour in November 2007."

"Additionally there will be an European tour "Tour Towards Victory"(Part II) in December 2007, which is a follow-up to the tour made last spring."

The Canadian dates are as follows:

Nov. 06 - Théatre Plaza - Montreal, Quebec
Nov. 08 - Cabaret du Capitole - Quebec City, Quebec
Nov. 09 - Trash Bar - Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Nov. 10 - The Metal Bar - Toronto, Ontario
Nov. 11 - The Underground - Hamilton, Ontario
Nov. 12 - Jubilee Hall - Sudbury, Ontario

Source: ensiferum.com
Band profile: Ensiferum
Event: Ensiferum: Canadian Tour
Posted: 04.09.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (4)


Wacken Open Air - Post "Thank You" Statement

After the very successful 18th edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, the following message has been posted on the festival's official website:

"Dear Metalheadz!

The 18th W:O:A is now part of our history and this year again 3 positive factors about our cult festival will stay in our minds:

- the best audience worldwide
- brilliant bands with great performances
- the sun is from Northern Germany!

We'd like to thank you for your support because without YOU we would not be what we are:

One of the biggest Heavy Metal Festival worldwide!

Of course there have been problems this year because of the disastrous weather conditions whilst the assembling period, at the park- and campinggrounds as well as at the arrival which we will try to change next year. But altogether we all celebrated a brilliant Metal party.

Furthermore we'd like to take away your fear - W:O:A will not get any bigger... we're at the limit! We will advance the logistic (f.e. entrance and exit to the Party Stage, accessibility of the festival area, etc. Furthermore there'll still be the possibility to camp at your cars of course (that's part of the W:O:A feeling) though we have to reserve our rights - in case of catchy conditions like this year - to change it.

Of course if you have had any stress and problems because of the short termed changes concerning the weather conditions we'd like to apologize. We hope that you understand this situation because without these arrangements W:O:A 2007 could not have taken place.

Watch out for 2008: Wacken Open Air, Faster-Harder-Louder!
See you in Wacken - rain or shine!

Now enjoy reading and see you next time!

Yours,

W:O:A Team"

The message also extends to include all the details of the efforts to get the festival site into good condition after the bad weather:

"...5000 sqm fleece were laid out. 1500 tons of wooden chips have been spread on top of the fleece and the whole area was covered with 600 bales of straw. For the secure stand of our visitors on the festival area the basement has also been millinged and indued with heavy weight basement plates which are also used for tanks. To dry the camping grounds a helicopter flew over the camping grounds only in a height of 60 centimetres and blew the excess water away so that the areas were dry..."

To read the full statement, visit this location.

The official Metal Storm report for the festival is currently being worked on and should be on in the not-so-distant future, so keep your eyes out for it. Expect a good lengthy three page review with over one hundred pictures of the bands and the festival site itself.

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Source: wacken.com
Posted: 08.08.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (13)


Pagan's Mind - Thorstein Aaby Dies Aged 36

On the front page of the official Pagan's Mind website, the following message reads:

"On the night of 24th of July, our dear friend Thorstein passed on.

After a long time of illness, things took a turn for the worse the last weeks.

Thorstein has been a respected member of the local musicenviroment since the mid-eighties, later nationwide and also outside ofnorwegian borders-all well deserved.

Well known for his skills with the guitar as well as his easy going personality - he was the kind of guy who got more and more friends for each gig he did.

Thorstein did two albums while he was in Pagan's Mind; "Infinity Divine" and "Celestial Entrance", and after parting with the band Thorstein quickly moved on and joined Smalltown Rockets.

Smalltown Rockets appeared on the norwegian KISS-tribute; "God's of Thunder", with the track "C'mon and Love Me".

The last couple of years Thorstein has handled the guitar-duties in the Mötley Crüe tribute-band Wild Side.
Wild Side also recorded some of their own material.

This is a sad, sad day and all our thoughts goes out to Ingvild and the rest of Thorsteins family,and also to his big network of friends and fans.

Rest in peace, dear friend.

We will always miss you, and we will never forget you."

Source: pagansmind.com
Band profile: Pagan's Mind
Posted: 25.07.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (11)


Aeon - New Album Details

Finally! The new Aeon album "Rise To Dominate" is finished and to be unleashed upon mankind shortly! Be prepared for a technical Death Metal apocalypse! "Rise To Dominate" is Aeon's first album for Metal Blade Records and their third in total.

According to the band, the new songs are even "more brutal and raw than ever before". With all this going for the band, it's no wonder that no other than Dan Swanö (Bloodbath, Edge Of Sanity, a.o.), could be persuaded to mix the record. All hell's about to break loose around Aeon!

What can possibly be a bigger honor for a brutal death metal band than having the godfathers of the genre, Cannibal Corpse, declare to be fans of this band and take them out on a European tour? That's exactly what happened with Aeon. As a matter of fact, Cannibal Corpse bassist Alex Webster doesn't waste a chance to sing Aeon's praises: "Aeon's musicianship is among the best in death metal, but their songwriting is what truly sets them apart. It's rare to find a death metal band that is simultaneously crushingly brutal and infectiously catchy. Aeon is one of those rare bands!"

"Rise To Dominate" will be released the 7th of September (G/A/CH/I) - 10th of September (Europe)!

Tracklist "Rise To Dominate"

1) Helel Ben-Shachar
2) Spreading Their Disease
3) Living Sin
4) Hate Them
5) You Pray To Nothing
6) Caressed By The Holy Man
7) House Of Greed
8) Godless
9) When The War Comes
10) There Will Be No Heaven For Me
11) Luke 4-5-7
12) No One Escapes Us

The album cover can be viewed at this location.

Read more ››

Band profile: Aeon
Posted: 19.07.2007 by Baz Anderson | Comments (2)