Age Eternal (formerly known as Middian) has posted the following statement on their mysapce page:

Age Our lawsuit Click here for more info] is finally coming to a close. It has been a hard year, and we could not have done it without the support of the metal community world wide and the time and money people donated to our cause. We are eternally in your debt. Sadly, the lawsuit came with a high cost to us personally and interpersonally. Scott Headrick is quitting the band and moving. Mike S felt he needed to back off from touring due to family and work/lack of work issues, cutting his touring commitment from 60-70 shows a year to a handful of shows, mostly local to the West Coast, for an indefinite amount of time, maybe permanently. This extreme change in direction, coupled with the immense stress of our lawsuit and inner conflicts in the band resulted in Scott's decision to move on with his life. Scott Headrick is the highest caliber of person. We mourn his loss, and support his need to take care of himself.

We are very sad to share this news about Age Eternal, but are confident that it must and will open the doors for new music creation and growth. Will Lindsay and Mike S will continue to write music with the goal of recording and doing some shows, under another name, as a new band and not Age Eternal. And with Will’s now full-time commitment playing guitar with the immaculate Wolves In The Throne Room, people should be expecting to see him in their hometown in the USA and abroad very soon. News regarding the reformation of YOB, including a small number of shows and a new recording, shall be announced officially soon. Once again, we cannot thank the metal community and people who donated their money and time enough. We feel extremely fortunate to be a part of such a quality group of people, and we will pay your kindness and generosity forward. Doomed Regards, Age Eternal RIP.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Middian

Drummer Jeff Oly Olson has issued the following statement:

"Under great consideration, I have decided to part ways with Trouble. My reasons are justified. I felt like I was never taken seriously as a musician with the guys from Trouble, but I did the best I could in that 28 year effort with the band. That is all I would like to say for now. However, this is not a retirement from the music industry for I have my band, Retro Grave, with the full length coming out in a few months with fine players (the EP was a solo effort). I thank the Trouble fans for all their support and dedication and I'm sorry if I let you down. Moreover, I will say that Bruce and Rick are the drive and sound for Trouble and every one else are replaceable, so I'm sure they will carry on well. It's been an honor to have played with Bruce, Rick and Eric. I would also like to mention to Kerrang Magazine that I'm not leaving to become a preacher as you once noted many years ago and never corrected".

Best
Jeff Oly Olson

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Trouble

Power metallers Power Quest have announced that former Cellador and current Coldera guitarist Bill Hudson had been recruited into the Power Quest ranks and is set to form an incredible twin guitar partnership with Andrea Martongelli.

Keyboardist Steve Williams comments:
"I'm absolutely ecstatic with this news! I've been good friends with Bill for a couple of years now and we have often talked about working together in some shape or form and now we have the perfect opportunity to do just that. As well as being a fantastic guitarist, Bill is also a great songwriter too which means this is going to benefit the band on a number of levels. Welcome aboard brother!"

Bill Hudson adds:
"We've always talked about doing something together at some point, but the closest we've got to it was my guest solo (in the song The Vigil) on the new record. When I left Cellador, I had no idea I would end up being in Power Quest. So I'm really excited about it, as it's a great band, my style will fit right in and they have one of the best guitarists in current metal, Andrea Martongelli. It'll be a pleasure to be the other 50% of this killer guitar duo! I look forward to meeting the fans during the Master of Illusion tour!"

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Power Quest

Guitarist Gavin Harper has issued the following statement on the band's myspace page:

I'm very sad to report that Wilson has informed us last night that he is unable to continue in Alestorm due to a heavy touring schedule and a career that unfortunately leaves little room for time off.

The parting has been on excellent terms and there is no bad blood whatsoever, I, and all of Alestorm/Napalm Records wish Wilson the best of luck in his chosen path and we understand his decision completely.

We have got an excellent drummer filling Wilson's big shoes and has already proven himself as the perfect choice for the new Alestorm Drummer.

Details will be posted in the coming days after meetings have taken place with both band and record label on Monday in London.

I hope everyone joins me in our support both Wilson and our new drummer!

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Alestorm

Dutch label Descent Productions has issued the following statement:

We are very proud to announce that Be'lakor has joined the Descent Productions roster.
Be'lakor, a dark melodic metal band from Melbourne, has quickly come to be regarded as one of Australia's leading metal acts. In the year that has followed the independent release of their debut, The Frail Tide, the band's international reputation has grown rapidly. Reviewers in the metal press have universally praised the album, commenting on Be'lakor's masterful song writing and a remarkable feel for distinctive melodies and mood. Drawing influences from ancient mythology and the perpetual struggle between destruction and life, Be'lakor creates songs that take the listener on a compelling journey.

The band comments:

"We are thrilled to be signing with Descent Productions. The bands already on the roster are excellent, and we feel that as a label, Descent offers us great support and the freedom to continue making the music that we're so passionate about. This partnership will certainly bear fruit for our listeners into the future, so stay tuned."

In September 2008, The Frail Tide will be re-pressed and released in a special edition digipack format through Descent Productions. Be'lakor's as-yet untitled follow-up to this album will be released through Descent Productions in early 2009.

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Source:	descent-productions.com
Band profile:	Be'lakor

Folk metallers Waylander have posted on their Myspace page two fully mixed and mastered songs from their upcoming album entitled "Honour Amongst Chaos" cover]. The album will be release in June 2008 via Listenable Records.

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Waylander

The following statement was posted on Sirenia's myspace page:

After almost 4 years of co-operation guitarplayer Bjørnar Landa has decided to part ways with Sirenia, in order to have more time for his family and studies. We end the co-operation as great friends, just as we started it. The band would like to wish Bjørnar all the best for the future, and thank him for all the great experiences we shared over the years.

Sirenia's new guitarplayer is Michael S. Krumins. Michael played together with Jonathan in 'Trail Of Tears' in the very beginning of his musical career. After leaving this band at an early stage, he explored different styles of music in the years to come. In 2003 he joined 'Green Carnation' as a lead guitarist, after the recent split up of this band he decided to join Sirenia. Michael is educated at the Conservatory of Music in Kristiansand.

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Sirenia

Amidst many rumors it has been announced earlier today that Kory Clarke, of Warrior Soul will be the new front man effective immediately.

The news comes as the band returns to their Chicago homes following a successful European Tour.

Trouble founder and guitarist, Rick Wartell explains:

It was a mutual agreement, you need to follow your heart in this business and if you are not into it a hundred percent then it is time to move on. We all felt it was the best thing for all parties involved. There are no hard feelings. I'm sure Eric will continue making music and we wish him the best.

We are very excited to have Kory step in and take over the vocals for trouble. He is been one of my favorite frontmen in this industry for many years he will add a new dimension that we can use. It is not like we just picked out some guy to fill in, this is one of rocks most dynamic and creative frontmen in the industry. I know that when trouble fans get a taste of what Kory does, they will not be disappointed at all. Anyone who has seen Kory with Warrior Soul already knows what to expect, and it's awesome.

Eric Wagner comments:

It is with my deepest regret that by mutual agreement that Trouble and I have parted ways effective immediately. I love them very much and I wish them nothing but the best. At this moment in time I just can't handle touring anymore. All I want to do is write songs and work on my new project Black Finger. I am sorry and I love you all.

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Source:	newtrouble.com
Band profile:	Trouble

Midnattsol has posted the following update regarding Christian Hector's departure:

Hello Midnattsol folks,

three days ago we got a bad message. Our guitarist Christian Hector has decided to leave Midnattsol. Christian describes the reasons for this step in the following statement:

Ahoi Midnattfolks,

it's been some years since Carmen and me started out forming Midnattsol. Now it's time for me to move on and experience new musical directions. My decision is due to the musical development of the band, the lack of time for family and friends and last but not least my second band Ahab. I'd like to focus on the work along with my dear friend Daniel Droste and Cornelius Althammer. Nonetheless, I still call everyone in Midnattsol my dearest friends, too! And I guess we'll have too much beer together again quite soon .

So - as you see - this decision is not born from quarrels, controversy or dispute with Chris, Birgit, Carmen, and the two Daniels. It's just, my musical way will be a different one, now.
I enjoyed being part of this for the last five years and I guess, I'll probably join one or the other of Midnattsol for some other musical projects in the future. May it be folk, rock, metal or whatever. We'll see.
I wish Midnattsol good luck with Nordlys and the best for their further career.

Farewell, proud men and women!
Christian Hector

The band adds:

We really regret his leaving of the band after 6 common Midnattsol-years. It was a great time and we have gone through many ups and downs together. Without him Midnattsol surely would not have gone the way where we are today - for this reason we have prepared a slideshow with some of the nicest scenes of Christian's time at Midnattsol. Thank you very much for the wonderful time and all the best for the future!!

Carmen, Birgit, Daniel D., Daniel F., Chris

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Source:	midnattsol.com
Band profile:	Midnattsol

Edguy are currently preparing to hit the studio to work on the successor of their recent album "Rocket Ride".

Vocalist Tobias Sammet has posted the following update:

"People think that we are quite fast but that's not the truth. I completed the Avantasia album last autumn, the Avantasia songwriting itself was completed even way back in 2006. All the new ideas I've had since then could be taken for Edguy. In fact, this is a long time to refresh your creativity and gather new stuff. The material sounds very fresh, it embraces all the different trademarks of Edguy, I think it is a logical continuation of Rocket Ride and Hellfire Club. Maybe it doesn't come across as goofy as Rocket Ride, but I am sure if we have fun in the studio we'll have enough possibilities to ruin the day for notoriously bitter people, haha. Yet it's more bombastic and heavier, not too fast cause I really don't like pure Speed Metal that much anymore. I like Lavatory Love Machine, The Piper Never Dies, Mandrake and Sacrifice. There's three fast tracks, but they are all good, not 'just fast'! We'll enter the studio next week and work whenever producer Sascha Paeth and me come back from the Avantasia weekends."

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Source:	edguy.net
Band profile:	Edguy

German thrashers Abandoned have posted the following news on their myspace page:

"Dear deaf people!

The Abandonettes have some good and bad news to deliver:

First the bad news: Konrad "Konny" Cartini, the original Abando-drummer, will lay down his drumsticks immediately due to sexual differences! Gone are the times of spontaneous stand-up comedy and delicate drumming that enriched each single live gig and our records... The reason for all this: Konny's gonna be a daddy for the second time! Seems like it's time for him to take care of his kids before they end up like him, haha! We'll miss you, brother!

But Abandoned wouldn't be Abandoned if we had no equivalent successor for the no longer vacant position (which indeed is the good news)!

We are proud to announce that Sven Vormann, drummer par excellence who played in Destruction and Jesus Chrysler Superskunk in the past, has just joined the Abandoned family!!!

Welcome aboard, brother!

We're looking forward to the first shows introducing the Abandoned Mk.II-Line Up on Headbanger's Open Air and many others to thrash your fuckin' socks off and to record our next album in true Abandoned fashion by the end of the year... yeah!"

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Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Abandoned

The band has reported that it's spliting up by postng a brief statement on their myspace page:

The members have decided to calls it quits, nor the band members or record company seems to have the urge to make a second album. There was not much media focus and together with a minor support from the record company we came to the point where is just not worth the work to even try to complete a second record.

Source:	blog.myspace.com
Band profile:	Ride The Sky

Pontus Norgren from The Poodles will be replacing Stefan Elmgren, who left Hammerfall in early April to focus on his new career as a pilot. "Pontus is a fantastic guitar player with musical roots in Accept and neo-classical metal," commented Hammerfall drummer Anders Johansson. "I have known him for many years. I know how he works as a musician and as a person."

"I like Hammerfall. I think they have amazing stage shows and I like their songs, so when I heard they were looking for a guitar player I thought I'd give it a try." says Pontus. "Playing in The Poodles has been a wonderful experience in many ways, but I have always liked a little heavier music and have felt at times that this wasn't the right kind of forum for the music I'd most like to play. It's simply time to move on."

"Replacing Stefan is not easy; he has a very characteristic way of playing and is a great guitarist." Explains singer Joacim Cans, "But Pontus will add a different style than Stefan since they are two quite different persons. I'm looking forward to see how we will mesh as a band during the coming months!"

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Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	HammerFall

Vocalist Alan "Nemtheanga" Averill has posted some updates on the band's website:

Forgive me father it's been months since my last confession...

I have been lazy, accept my apologies. It's about time I posted a new message on the site and let you all know whats happening on Planet Satan.

The gigs have now started coming a few every couple of weeks. The Ragnarok Festival in Lichtenfels was a triumph for us, our first show in Germany for the new album and nearly 5000 people there to give praise to the Old Gods. We also shot a dvd, it remains to be seen whether we can use it but this is something we are going to be looking at over the coming months. Tomahawk festival the following day in Osnabruck was not quite the success of the previous day and we arrived very late due to a day when everything that could go wrong did !. The show was excellent and we played possibly the best we have done since the album came out but it seems like quite a few of you thought we had cancelled and headed home after Turisas. Next time

We returned to Greece last weekend and it was indeed glorious. I am going to write a full tour report about the weekends mayhem very soon but suffice is to say we had twice as many people almost then we did when we played for Gathering. Our friends in Mael Mórdha went down a storm and both Agnes Vein in Thessaloniki and Dead Congregation in Athens were both excellent.

The less said perhaps about our show in Katowice, Poland the better. While not being "bad" although thats a relative term we returned home chastened and with hopefully a little the wiser. Playing before noon simply sucks and especially when you are before Immolation!.

We have a break now but Sweden Rock looms large. It's going to be very interesting !. I'll tell you how David Coverdale and I get on swopping vocal tips.

Our Wacken stage time was announced to admittedly some disappointment. 11 am on one of the bigger stages on Friday. We had hoped for a later slot but that's the way the dice rolls in Wacken and it's not like it was back in 98 when we first played where the first bands played to literally less then 1000 people. it should be packed, but there is something disconcerting about putting on the greasepaint at 10 am. With a bit of luck I can sit drinking with Watain stinking out the backstage from noon on !. Stinking up the day.

The picture disc of TTND is going to be out through Metal Blade next month so keep an eye out for it on their e-store and in shops. It looks amazing and will look very nice on my wall beside Twilight of the Gods thank you very much !.

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Source:	primordialweb.com
Band profile:	Primordial

Therion has posted the following update on their website:

Dear Fans,

Today we have an announcement that will come as a shock to all of you. The four permanent members of the band have had some discussions and it is clear that we have different goals and visions for the future. Therefore it is best for the band, our selves as individuals and for the fans that we go separate ways now when there is still plenty of time before the next Therion album and World Tour. This means that Christofer will continue with Therion and the others will perform their music in other projects and bands.

We're all still friends, no one is disappointed and there's still some work we have left to do together in terms of editing of materials we have recorded for future DVD's.Best regards to all of you and thank you so much for the wonderful support you have given the band during the time we have played together.

Christofer, Kristian, Johan and Petter.

Source:	megatherion.com
Band profile:	Therion