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Nightwish - No 'End Of An Era' DVD?

The Release Of The New Dvd Is In Danger To Be Postponed!

According to Finnish tabloid "Iltalehti" (3.2.06) the release of the "End Of An Era" -liveDVD is in danger to be postponed due to some unexpected problems in contracts. Riku Pääkkönen, the chief executive of Spin-Farm tells that Tarja's manager Marcelo Cabuli is demanding the Spin-Farm -company, Nightwish as a band and the management staff to sign a contract that no one of them is allowed to say anything about Tarja or Marcelo, or anything related to them, without written permission from Marcelo. This kind of contract would practically prevent the publishing of the Nightwish -book this spring as well. "We really found the proposal to be strange and soon realized that this kind of a paper cannot be signed. You can't make contracts like this" says Riku Pääkkönen in Iltalehti arcticle. There would be a 250 000 Euros fine for breaking the contract.
The concert in Hartwall-Arena is about to be released as a DVD and as a live-album. To do that the agreement from all the parties is needed and because of this unfortunate mess it seems hard to get one member to sign.

In worst case Finnish fans will have to order their copy of the DVD from outside the Scandinavia.

"Maybe one could see this as another example how the fans are treated.." says Tuomas in Iltalehti article.

Source: Iltalehti 3.2.2006
Band profile: Nightwish
Posted: 06.02.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Black Lotus - News From The Label

- "Skyclad join the front lines of Black Lotus records"

During their long and illustrious career, that spans more than a decade and saw them releasing such classics as "Jonah's Ark", "Prince of the Poverty Line" and "Irrational Anthems" the "originators of folk metal" have produced no less than 14 full length releases as well as various other compilations, ep's and singles. Combining elements of traditional metal, in the Vein of bands like Thin Lizzy and folk music (fiddles etc) with though provoking lyrics, the band came up with a totally unique sound that won the hearts of many fans around the world. Their live performances are legendary and even though the band was faced some serious personnel shuffles in the near past, their latest album "A semblance of normality" was all the proof any one would need, to show that the bands chemistry was intact and that their style remained unscathed by all the changes! There are plans to record an album in the next few months to be released before the end of this year. This will be preceded by an EP entitle "Jig-a-Jig", in April and a European tour to take place in February and April. More news as it becomes available.

http://www.skyclad.co.uk

- "Chris Caffery's entering the studio soon"

Chris Caffery is entering the studio in New York City on February 8th to begin the recording of his next CD "Pins and Needles". The CD is going to be released world-wide in October 2006. Some of the song titles are "The Temple", "S.A.D", "WORMS", "Mettle Eastern", "The Sign of The Crossed" and the title track "Pins and Needles". According to Chris "This time around I am going to musically punch everyone in the face for about an hour...no concept, single CD, just straight forward blistering metal agression! A few twists and turns, but would you expect anything different?" Musicians will feature once again Jeff Plate on Drums, Paul Morris on keyboards, Nick Douglas from Doro on bass and some very special guests! For studio updates visit www.chriscaffery.com

A brand new web-site is debuting in February when Chris enters the studio!"

http://www.chriscaffery.com

- On February 23rd Thanatos will enter the Excess Studios in Rotterdam once again to record their fifth full length album. Tentatively entitled 'Justified Genocide' the album will feature 9 or 10 songs including ,,They Feed On Fear", ,,The Devil's Triangle", ,,March Of The Infidels", ,,Upwards Spritual Evolution" and ,,The Netherworld". The album will probably be released at the end of the Summer/early Fall 2006 on Black Lotus Records. The artwork will be handled by German artist Timo Wuerz.

Read more ››

Source: Black Lotus Records
Posted: 04.02.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Dark Tranquillity - Live On P3 Channel Today!!!

Tonight, 20:00 GMT (do a Google search for time zones if you don't know what this is), a live recording from last year's Gates of metal festival (August 6, 2005) will be broadcasted on the Swedish national channel P3. The show will also be streamed at:

www.sr.se/p3

For one week after the broadcast, the show can be accessed at:

www.sr.se/p3/live

Source: Dark tranquillity
Band profile: Dark Tranquillity
Posted: 02.02.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Angtoria - News About the New Album

Statement from Sarah:

Finally we can reveal a track listing for the album "God Has A Plan For Us All" which is due for release around the end of April via Listenable Records.The track listing is more or less in its correct order but as you know, things change!- Original sin
- Hell have no fury like a woman scorned
- Confide in me
- That´s what the wise lady said

- The awakening*
- I´m Calling
- God has a plan for us all
- Six feet under´s not deep enough
- Deity of disgust
- The Addiction*
- Suicide on my mind
- Do you see me now

* Indicate tracks taken from the Torn Between Two Worlds demo,which was a "Movie Score" type project between Chris and I, that was released solely for record companies around 2003. They havent been changed too much from the original versions but have been re-recorded and some extra's have been
added! The album is still being mixed and it due to be mastered Feb 14th at CuttingRoom in Stockholm by Björn Engelmann who has a very impressive background and has done everything from Rammstein to In Flames, Soilwork to Dimmu Borgir to Within Temptation.

Last but not least! A few more guests! Tony Könberg, a male singer/musician from Sundsvall, helped out with some choir parts.He has been part of several local bands for 20 years and is also a theater and musical performer. We used him on the Torn Between Two Worlds demo as well. He has an amazing low choir voice and this time just couldn't do without him! Also Richard Andersson, who has been labeled the "Fastest Keyboard Player in the World" has participated on our album by laying down a keyboard solo on one of our songs! I had never heard anything like it in my life! A keyboard solo??? He is in strong demand and has a huge fan base of his own! He is known for bands like Majestic, Time Requiem and Space Odyssey. Website: www.anderssonmusic.com

Also, very soon, we will have the first ANGTORIA merchandise available. Hopefully in the next few weeks! The first merchandise that will be available is a one off limited edition version of a t-shirt and girlie shirt, designed by Paul from CoF. This initial limited edition design will be of course be followed by more merchandise and designs connected to the release of our album, but if you want to get your hands on this limited edition design, keep an eye open so you don´t miss it!

www.angtoria.com
info@angtoria.com

Source: Angtoria
Posted: 31.01.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Doro - New Album, "Warrior Soul"

Doro ´s new album "Warrior Soul" is ready!

It is done! Doro 's new album "Warrior Soul" is ready and willing now and will be released on 27th March

(24th March in Germany). The blonde Metal Queen has finished working on it with an extreme positive impression.

"It 's a really strong feeling", she describes. "Something very big".

Indeed the reactions to the album are overwhelming so far - twelve regular tracks and two bonus tracks for the limited edition present Doro from her strongest side. "It is time for heavy metal again", Marc Halupczok from German Metal Hammer says. Huge fireworks full of urtypical, strong Doro-hymns, everything from hard to soft.

The tracklist thereby is the following:

01. You 're My Family,
02. Haunted Heart,
03. Strangers Yesterday,
04. Thunderspell,
05. Warrior Soul,
06. Heaven I See,
07. Creep Into My Brain,
08. Above The Ashes,
09. My Majesty,
10. In Liebe Und Freundschaft,
11. Ungebrochen,
12. Shine On

Bonus Tracks:

13. Angel In The Dark,
14. 1999

Read more ››

Source: Underclass
Band profile: Doro
Posted: 31.01.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Finnish Metal Expo 2006 - Bands Line Up And News

FINNISH METAL EXPO 17.-18.2.2006, KAAPELITEHDAS, HELSINKI, FINLAND

- Winterborn completing the line-up
- Show times now online at www.fme.fi
- Instrument clinics and exhibition stands present high caliber
guests
- Finnish Metal Awards -poll very popular

The program for Finnish Metal Expo, the event specialising in the metal music industry, at kaapelitehdas (Cablefactory) in Helsinki, Finland during Feb 17.-18. is now ready.

The last vacant slot in the show program is now filled by Winterborn. This up-and-coming Finnish melodic metal act will take the stage on Saturday, thus completing the line-up. The entire artist roster can be found at the end of this e-mail as well as in the web, www.fme.fi.

The programs for the two clinic/side stages have also been finalised. The instrument clinic stage provided by Musamaailma Music Shop will feature the likes of Alexi Laiho, Roope Latvala, Kuisma Aalto, Tuomo Saikkonen, Marco Hietala, Emppu Vuorinen, Mikko Kaakkuriniemi, Lauri Porra and Tuomas Väinölä. The second side stage at Puristamo will feature listening sessions from up coming releases from various record labels as well as the latest inventions on the metal karaoke-front. Exact schedules and participant lists on the web. The exhibition stands will also present world class stars; so far the FME-organisation has been been informed of the arrival of Tuomas Holopainen of Nightwish and Tomas Haake of Meshuggah. A large number of Finnish metal musicians can naturally be found representing at the expo stands.

The Finnish Metal Awards -gala that takes place on Friday Feb 17th will reward the best Finnish metal of the year, elected by the people. So far, more than 7000 votes have been cast and the poll will close on Feb 10th. The winners will be announced at 20:30 on FME-Friday.

Tickets for Finnish Metal Expo are now on sale through Tiketti (www.tiketti.fi) and Lippupalvelu (www.lippupalvelu.fi) In advance, we sell one day tickets only, 20 euros each. FME is an all-ages event
with bars to those over 18 and feel the need for such services. Expo Tickets are sold at the door only. Expo Tickets 7 euros each, family package 25 euros (includes 2 adults max 3 children).

Finnish Metal Expo 2006 -artists:

Friday 17.2.2006:

Ajattara
Evergrey (swe)
Pain Confessor
Swallow The Sun
Teräsbetoni
Verjnuarmu
Finnish Metal Awards -gala

Saturday 18.2.2006:

Amorphis
ANJ (rus)
Bloodpit
Ensiferum
Naildown
SinKing
U.D.O. (ger)
Waltari
Winterborn
45 Degree Woman

Finnish Metal Events Oy

Read more ››
Posted: 30.01.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


A Lower Deep - 2006, Year Of Success?

Greetings from the Deep!

The March 2006 issue of Metal Maniacs is in stores now, featuring an article on A Lower Deep!

Trinity has been named in the 2005's Top 10 by Behind the Veil, Season of Discontent, Metal To Infinity, Hellspawn, and Defenders of Metal. Trinity was also named Independent Release of the Year in Live4Metal.com's Best of 2005, and named Surprise Album of the Year in Metal Reviews Best of 2005. Trinity also recently received a 4.5 out of 5 in a review on Metal-Rules.com.

More shows are being booked so look for A Lower Deep in a city near you soon if you are in the south US or on the east coast.

We are gearing up to re-record 4-5 tracks from our 2002 demo for an EP to be out around April/May 2006. The EP will feature reworked songs from the demo, a brand new song, Anthony Tipton on drums, and stellar production. A new full length album to follow by year's end.

Alot happening in the Deep and all thanks to you guys. Thank you so much for your continued support!

A Lower Deep
http://www.alowerdeep.com
Posted: 27.01.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Theatre Of Tragedy - News And Tour Date

The storm is coming! The remaining weeks until the release of the Norwegians'new album, which is called "Storm", are passing by faster than the wind.

As a first thunderstorm the title track will be released as a single on the 24th February.

Next to the song itself and a club-remix of it, the single will contain another track from the new album

("Begin And End") as well as a totally exclusive one.

The more than strong comeback of a band has begun that has never really been away.

And it will be a new proof that Theatre of Tragedy not only have influenced the music scene, but they still do.

A proof for no other band than Theatre of Tragedy themselves to be as good in that as they are.

The signs are saying "storm" - let 's get blown away!

THEATRE OF TRAGEDY www.theatreoftragedy.com

plus special guest: GOTHMINISTER www.gothminister.com (31.03. - 16.04.2006)

new THEATRE OF TRAGEDY-Album ?Storm" on 24.03.2006 via AFM RECORDS www.afm-records.de

31.03.2006 Kopenhagen (DK), The Rock

01.04.2006 Glauchau, Alte Spinnerei

02.04.2006 Nürnberg, Löwensaal

03.04.2006 Frankfurt, Batschkapp

04.04.2006 Berlin, Kato

05.04.2006 Hamburg, Markthalle

06.04.2006 Duisburg, Pulp

07.04.2006 Leiden (NL), LVC

08.04.2006 Gent (B), Arena van Vletingen

09.04.2006 London (UK), Islington Academy

10.04.2006 Paris (F), La Locomotive

11.04.2006 Zürich (CH), Abart

12.04.2006 Roma (I), Alpheus (new!!! venue change)

13.04.2006 Bassano (Vicenza / I), La Gabbia

14.04.2006 Wien (A), Szene Wien

15.04.2006 Bad Salzungen, Kallewerk

16.04.2006 Hannover, Musikzentrum

27.04.2006 Oslo (N), John Dee

28.04.2006 Bergen (N), Kvarteret

06.05.2006 Stavanger (N), Folken

12.05.2006 Tromso (N), Driv

13.05.2006 Hamar (N), Hydranten

Read more ››

Source: Underclass
Band profile: Theatre Of Tragedy
Posted: 25.01.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Hellveto - Record Deal With Dark Symphonies

HELLVETO SIGN TO DARK SYMPHONIES

DARK SYMPHONIES is very honored to announce the signing of Poland's
Elite black metal band HELLVETO! Having already gained worldwide
acclaim with several important releases including their last two full
length releases IN ARMS OF KURPIAN PHANTOM (2003) and KLATWA (2005),
HELLVETO is now prepared to unleash their most epic work to date with
their Dark Symphonies debut entitled ZMIERZCH. Translated literally to
mean "dusk," Zmierzch takes the listener back to those forgotten times
when the ancient beliefs were forged by the fires of the true Pagan
spirits. HELLVETO is the artistic expression of one enigmatic figure
L.O.N. who has skillfully executed all the music and designed the
spectacular artwork and layout for Zmierzch. For those uninitiated with
the sound of HELLVETO, take the epic keyboard sounds of Summoning and
folk sensibilities of early Vintersorg and blend it within the melodic
splendor and power of Emperor and Limbonic Art, and one begins to
approach the grim and glorious grandeur that is HELLVETO!

Recorded at LS Studio and Burnt Laboratory in Poland, during the
summer/autumn of 2005, ZMIERZCH contains 10 brand new tracks with over
50 minutes of True Pagan Black Metal Music! Dark Symphonies has set the
official world wide release date for TUESDAY MARCH 21, 2006! The first
1,000 copies will included a limited edition poster designed by L.O.N.

Track listing for Zmierzch:

1. U zmierzchu bram
2. Hrabia karpackich szczytow
3. Krwawy swit
4. Uspione herezje
5. Szepty bitewnych pol
6. W ramionach klatwy
7. Daje wam potegi smak
8. Zawsze trwal bede...
9. Na swych barkach niose wam smierc
10 ....ktos ty?

HELLVETO - A Selected Discography:

HELLVETO-"Shadow of the Blue..." 2000
X.2005-CD /Dragon's Breath-USA/

HELLVETO-"Autumnal Night" 2001
2003-CD /Goi Music-ESP/

HELLVETO-"Zemsta" 2001/2002
X.2005-CD /Black Plague Rec-USA/

HELLVETO-"Epitaph" 2002
2005-Split CD /Fatal Ecstasy Prod-BY/

HELLVETO-"My Eternal Hegemony..." 2001/2002
X.2005-CD /Dragon's Breath-USA/

HELLVETO-"Prelude to dying..." 2002/2003
X.2005-CD /Black Plague Prod-USA/

HELLVETO-"In Arms of Kurpian Phantom..." 2003
2004-CD /Black Plague Rec-USA/

HELLVETO-"Klatwa" 2004/2005
2005-CD /Black Plague Rec-USA/

HELLVETO-"Zmierzch" 2005
2006-CD /Dark Symphonies Records- USA/

Read more ››

Source: Dark Symphonie
Band profile: Hellveto
Posted: 24.01.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


User Ne - Deal With Dark Symphonies

DARK SYMPHONIES is extremely proud to announce the signing of Spain's metal clan USER NE! Having already gained worldwide acclaim with their two previous releases NÍBELUM DAS UHÖRT (2000) and TARANTOS (2003), USER NE is now prepared to unveil their most accomplished work to date with their Dark Symphonies debut entitled, ATROPA NATURA! Comprised of nine full time members, USER NE employ a diverse range of instrumentation and vocal performances, including the stunning voice of female vocalist Pantaraxia, to create some of the most unique and progressive music in the extreme metal community. The band effortlessly combines epic literary themes with dark, menacing but beautiful melodies to capture those forgotten and forsaken images within our imaginations. It was clear that after hearing the songs off the demo version of ATROPA NATURA, Dark Symphonies had no choice but to sign this very special band from Spain immediately.

Commenting on their recent signing to Dark Symphonies, chief architects of the band, Ashkar and Hils Ver IIIº offered the following insights:

Ashkar: "We are very pleased to join Dark Symphonies. They have always showed great interest for our music; this has been a very important reason for us to decide to work together with them. I look forward to great things happening with the union between USER NE and Dark Symphonies. We are already finishing the pre-production of the new album and very excited about returning to the studio".

Hils Ver IIIº : "I am very happy for our incursion in the market of the country's crazy people".

USER NE is currently putting the finishing touches on the writing for ATROPA NATURA. The band will then enter Sergio Martín Producciones Studio (www.sergiomartin.net) sometime in early February to begin the recording with chief engineer Sergio Martín. The band will assist in the final production with a total running time of approximately 60 minutes of music. The artwork and layout will be handled by the members of the band. Finally, USER NE will also shoot a special video for one of the songs off ATROPA NATURA that will be included as a bonus on the cd!

For further information as it breaks on the new video, the final track listing and official worldwide release date please continue to check the following websites for updates:

Sources: http://www.userne.net

http://www.darksymphonies.com
Posted: 10.01.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Peaceville - Deal With "Queens Of The Crust Age"

Peaceville Records is very proud to announce the long term signing of GALLHAMMER. Hailing from TOKYO, JAPAN - this three girl combo is anything but what you've come to expect from the polite and serene land of the rising sun (or daughter in this case).

We are currently compiling their first major European release which will be a retrospective look over their material from previous underground releases, coupled with a DVD of an awesome performance in Tokyo which has to be seen to be believed.

We apologise in advance for any fright caused when watching this CRUSTCORE combo in action. It would be lost in translation to try to explain, but they achieve some kind of trance like state fed on horrendously loud feedback which Jonas Renkse of Katatonia described as "scary".

The band will enter an, as yet un-named Tokyo studio in the Spring to record the first full album under the deal and a host of producers are being vetted for the mix.

Musically inspired by long forgotten UK crust bands Axegrinder and Amebix, but with a heavy dose of modern slime a la Autopsy and Darkthrone and a nod to Celtic Frost / Hellhammer, this outfit are a breath of stale air in a fresh market.

The band had the following to say:

"Gallhammer sign deal with Peaceville. We Peaceville fan for long time. We grown up to bands like Axegrinder, Darkthrone, Autopsy. We very glad to signed up with Peaceville. We hope work closely together for the future. And we want to make more good things"

(Vivian Slaughter/Gallhammer)

Need we say more?

Source: Peaceville Records
Posted: 05.01.2006 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Anorexia Nervosa - Hreidmarr Quits The Band

Hreidmarr quits Anorexia Nervosa, here is the translation of his statement :

To make it simple: I have decided to part ways with the band.

Leaving Anorexia Nervosa was definitely not the easiest thing to do as we've shared so much during our time together as this band had become a vivid part of my daily life. For seven years, the band has been giving me so many opportunities on a musical and human level and has heavily contributed to become the person I'm today.

Still, I honestly thought I had reached the end of a personal era with the album 'Redemption Process' and I now feel the need to take a different path. I'm also absolutely proud of what I have been able to achieve with the rest of the band members who will always remain my best friends and I wish them the very best for the future.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA is already looking for a new singer and the ones who are interested and motivated can send a demo to =]

- Anorexia Nervosa, BP 1064, 87051 Limoges Cedex France.

Or send an email (don't send MP3 please) to get some more infomations @: editions.hurlantes@wanadoo.fr

Source: Listenable Records
Band profile: Anorexia Nervosa
Posted: 20.12.2005 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Black Lotus - Last Signatures Of The Label

Black Lotus Records is proud to announce the signing of Mark Zonder's new band TempleWithin. After departing from FATES WARNING, along with the talents of Wayne Findlay (MSG) and Gregory Analla (Seventh Sign and Tribe of Gypsies) the legendary drummer of WARLORD, has formed a brilliant modern heavy rock act. "I am very proud of my work for the past 14 years with Fates Warning?" Mark said in a recent interview, and continues: "however, this is something very different, the new TempleWithin album will speak for itself and have its own identity."

Indeed, the demo tracks reveal a powerful band of strong musicianship with tasteful melodic songs. We just can't wait to listen to the final outcome! The album (untitled still) is currently in the works with Joe Marlett (Bruce Dickinson, Korn, Steve Vai, Revolver, Brian May and others), taking care of the engineering and the final mix. A release date is set for May 2006.

http://www.markzonder.com/templewithin.html

The first band in Finland to be called as a DOOM act is SPIRITUS MORTIS. Formed in late summer of 1987 their unique sound can be heard from the very early demos: growling bass, massive guitars and viciously thundering drums. Cult following was gained by reviews of demos and furious gigs? Their self-titled debut album was released in January 2004 on the now defunct Rage Of Achilles label and fell like a dark day with icy rain onto the doom metal community?

Now SPIRITUS MORTIS have joined the ranks of Black Lotus and their second offering entitled "Fallen" will doom this world in February 2006. Vocalist Vesa Lampi comments: "After 18 years of existence Spiritus Mortis is still alive and kicking. Charging like a herd of overweight rhinos. And now filled up with Ouzo! We are really looking forward to this co-operation with BLR, so let's spread some SM disease! "

http://www.spiritusmortis.com

THUNDRA was formed as a project of Harald (ex-Enslaved), Stein (ex-Einherjer) and Nils (synth) in 1998. Their first album "Blood of your soul" was released in 2001 on Spinefarm records to a general applause. After leaving Spinefarm and a 3-track demo the band start working really hard on a new album. The result is "Worshiped By Chaos", a work totally different than the debut, much darker, more complex, more extreme with a killer sound courtesy of their own Black Dimension Studio. THUNDRA have just inked a deal with Black Lotus Records for the worldwide release of this killer masterpiece set for February 2006. Expect a high quality extreme album from Norway's best-hidden secret!

Read more ››

Source: Black Lotus Records
Posted: 20.12.2005 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Ekklesiast - The Band Releases ''Cold''

"Flame Of Desires": ...After the time of grief comes the time of joy, and it finally has come. And the colours of ancient icons have all faded away, and the stern faces of Eternity appear. And coming down to rest in peace you'll just smile - because all that was has gone...

Russian doom-metal label Solitude Prod. proudly presents its 3rd release - the album 'Cold', which is the latest work for this very moment of Russian doom-metal legend from Novgorod - Ekklesiast. 'Cold' tells us the fifty-minute story about life and death, about joy and sadness. This story was created with harmonious combination of melodic death-doom and marvelous lyrics. The lyrics of the band are considered as the most sincere and the most thoughtful on Russian doom-metal scene (and on the whole heavy music scene in Russia).

The music of Ekklesiast will get deep into your soul and the lyrics - deep into your heart.

Sources:

Solitude Prod. site: http://www.doom-metal.ru/~solitude-prod
Ekklesiast official site: http://ok.novgorod.net/ekk
Posted: 19.12.2005 by Jeff | Comments (0)


Cristiano Bertocchi - Official Website's Open

The new official website of Cristiano Bertocchi, bass player of the Italian band Labyrinth, is now open.

http://www.cristianobertocchi.com

On this page, you'll be able to find news, biography, discography, pictures and and a lot of other stuff about the musician...

Just check it !!!

Source: Cristiano Bertocchi
Band profile: Labyrinth
Posted: 18.12.2005 by Jeff | Comments (0)