.:News September:.
29/09/2005 – MERCYFUL FATE's Hermann, Denner to guest on EIDOLON CDMEGADETH guitarist Glen Drover has issued the following update on his EIDOLON project (which also features Glen's brother/MEGADETH drummer Shawn):
"Sorry it has been so long, but as most of you know, Shawn and I have been on tour most of the summer with MEGADETH, and what a tour it was!!!!
Where are we with the recording of the new EIDOLON album you ask? Well, all the music is pretty much complete now, aside from my solos and two bass tracks.
Nils [K. Rue, vocals; also in PAGAN'S MIND] has been very busy in the Vocal department and really coming up with some great stuff!! Some of the song titles on the album will be "Strong Winds", "Spirit Sanctuary", "Arcturus No. 9" and "Ghost World". Also, the working title for the album is "The Parallel Otherworld".
Shawn and I have four more shows to finish the MEGADETH world tour, which will happen between October 5th and October 15th. I will be home as of the 17th, and shortly after, Adrian and I will finish up the final tracks. As far as the vocals, we should have all of the finished tracks by mid-November and then start the mix around the same time.
There will also be a cover version of MERCYFUL FATE's "The Oath" with both Hank Shermann and Michael Denner doing their solos!!! A big thanks goes out to them for contributing their work for that song. you guys rule!!
I will keep you posted with further developments as we go along, as we put the finishing touches on this album that has been in the works for so long!!"
British Powermetallers SHADOWKEEP have a new line-up: Richie Wicks (ex-TYGERS OF PAN TANG) and Scott Higham has returned to take his place behind the drums. The band have also started working on their third album, which will once again be recorded at Thin Ice Studios with Karl Groom (THRESHOLD).
SHADOWKEEP's website has also been renewed and you can check it out at www.shadowkeepmetal.net.
Swedish power metallers NOCTURNAL RITES will embark on a tour of Sweden in November/December. Confirmed dates are as follows:
Nov. 17 - Gävle, SWE - Club Monster
Nov. 18 - Eskilstuna, SWE - ICE
Nov. 19 - Motala, SWE - Motala Metal Festival
Nov. 25 - Huskvarna, SWE - Folkets Park
Nov. 26 - Falun, SWE - Arenan
Dec. 02 - Örnsköldsvik, SWE - Musikhuset
Dec. 03 - Västerås, SWE - Prisma
Dec. 15 - Göteborg, SWE - Musikens Hus
Dec. 16 - Kalmar, SWE - Palace
Dec. 17 - Örebro, SWE - Satin
NOCTURNAL RITES' latest album, "Grand Illusion", was released this past week via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2004's "New World Messiah" was recorded and mixed at Toontrack Studioin Umeå, Sweden and features guest appearances by Stefan Elmgren (HAMMERFALL), Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Henrik Danhage (EVERGREY), Kristoffer W. Olivius (NAGLFAR) and Swedish cross-country skiing world champion, Per Elofsson.
"Grand Illusion" includes a bonus DVD featuring three videos from "New World Messiah", the "Fools Never Die" clip, a "Making of Grand Illusion" segment and extra footage from the "Demons of the Opera" show.
Finnish melodic power metallers THUNDERSTONE will be teaming up with Swiss rockers CRYSTAL BALL for a European tour beginning in early December. Opening the show will be TEMPESTA. Confirmed dates so far as follows:
Dec. 01 - Munich, GER @ Backstage
Dec. 02 - Ulm, GER @ Take Off
Dec. 04 - Ludwigsburg, GER @ Rockfabrik
Dec. 06 - Koln, GER @ MTC
Dec. 07 - Frankfurt, GER @ Nachtleben
Dec. 08 - Heidelberg, GER @ Schwimmbad Musikclub
Dec. 10 - Hellendorn, NETH @ Lantaarn
Dec. 11 - Vosselaar, BEL @ Biebob
THUNDERSTONE are touring in support of their third full-length album, "Tools of Destruction", which was released in the U.S. in June via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was mixed at Timo Tolkki's (STRATOVARIUS) Goldenworks studio with producer/guitarist Nino Laurenne.
An online RUNNING WILD tribute album, entitled "Rough Diamonds", featuring cover versions of 18 classics from RUNNING WILD's catalog, has been made available for free download via the band's official web site, www.running-wild.net. The 79-minute collection features artwork by Matthias "Metti" Zimmer (PERZONAL WAR) and has been posted online in the form of full-length 128Kbps MP3s.
"Rough Diamonds - A Tribute To Running Wild" track listing:
01. DIE BÖSLINGE (Austria) - Hallow the Hell
02. BEJELIT (Italy) - Tortuga Bay
03. LAST TEMPTATION (Sweden) - Soldiers of Hell
04. CARNICA (Brazil) - Mordor
05. TORTUGA BAY (Hungary) - Genghis Khan
06. HIGHLAND GLORY (Norway) - Conquistadores
07. INTERITUS DEI (Romania) - Pile of Skulls
08. LONEWOLF (France) - Victim of States Power
09. MACHINERY (Germany) - Prisoners of our Time
10. PARASTOS (Bosnia and Herzegovina) - Branded and Exiled
11. FACES OF MADNESS (Brazil) - Hanged, Drawn and Quartered
12. CARAVAN OF SOULS (Germany) - Black Wings of Death
13. SCAVENGOURS (France) - Raise your Fist
14. LORD HAUNTED (Brazil) - Chains and Leather
15. ETERNAL EVIL (Croatia) - Running Blood
16. WICKED VIRGIN (Germany) - Straight to Hell
17. ALLOY (USA) - Crossfire
18. FACES OF MADNESS (Brazil) - Running Blood
Remedy Records recently released a RUNNING WILD tribute album, entitled "The Revivalry - A Tribute To Running Wild". More details about the limited-edition two-CD set can be found at this location.
According to a posting on ANGRA's official web site, the band were forced to cancel their September 20 concert in Guadalajara, Mexico after the promoter could not be located on the day of the show. More information is available at Angra.net.
ANGRA are continuing to tour in support of their latest album, "Temple of Shadows". The follow-up to 2001's "Rebirth" was recorded almost entirely in the group's home country of Brazil, with only some of the vocals and the keyboards having been recorded in Germany, where the mixing sessions also took place. Several world-renowned musicians make guest appearances on the album, including Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY), Sabine Edelsbacher (EDENBRIDGE), Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN) and Milton Nascimento (a very famous singer in Brazil).
Danish melodic progressive power metal band ANUBIS GATE announced during last night's performance at Nordjyske Musik Konservatorium in Aalborg, Denmark that their vocalist, Torben Askholm, was taken ill with serious throat problems and that he will be unable to sing for quite some time. As a result, bassist and harmony singer Henrik Fevre will take over all vocals (while still handling the bass) for the band's appearances at the ProgPower Europe festival (October 1 in Baarlo, The Netherlands) and the Aalborg Metal Festival (November 5 in Aalborg, Denmark).
ANUBIS GATE released their second album, "A Perfect Forever", on September 19 via Locomotive Music. The follow-up to 2004's "Purification" was produced by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, INVOCATOR) and features cover artwork by Mattias Norén.
Check out a report from yesterday's concert at NocturnalHorde.com. More photos from the gig can be found at this location.
Italian melodic metallers SECRET SPHERE have announced the addition of drummer Federico Pennazzato to the group's ranks. "Federico is a young and brilliant drummer coming from our city, so after more than three months of collaboration and some gigs we are happy to confirm that he is the right man to sit behind the kit!" the band write on their web site. "We wish all the best to Daniel Flores from the bottom of our hearts, we still consider him as a member of the family and a great friends, but sometimes the distance is difficult to manage! Thanks dude!!!"
As previously reported, SECRET SPHERE will be supporting ROYAL HUNT on a European tour in October. Confirmed dates are as follows:
Oct. 07 - Caserta.Naples, ITA @ Oddly Shed
Oct. 08 - Florence, ITA @ Ministry
Oct. 09 - Pavia/Milan, ITA @ Thunder Road
Oct. 10 - Munich, GER @ Garage
Oct. 11 - Verviers, BEL @ Spirit of 66
Oct. 13 - Zoetermeer, NETH @ Boerderij
Oct. 14 - Hamburg, GER @ Headbangers
Oct. 15 - Bremen, GER @ Meisenfrei
Oct. 17 - Vienna, AUT @ Planet Music
Oct. 19 - Budapest, HUN @ Wigwam
All the dates, with the exception of the shows in Italy, will also feature the Italian band RAINTIME.
After the European tour, SECRET SPHERE will be concentrating on an Italian tour that is going to be arranged with the collaboration with their management, Intromental, and Italian booking agency, Alkemist Fanatix Europe. The band have also been confirmed for the first ProgPower U.K. festival on March 25, 2006 at The Centaur in Cheltenham (with THERION, FIREWIND and FREEDOM CALL, among others).
SECRET SPHERE's latest album, "Heart & Anger", was released in May via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Scent of Human Desire" was recorded at One Voice Studio in Chivasso, Italy by Daniele Giordana, Night & Day Studio in Alessandria, Italy by Paolo Facco, and Sheepvalley Studio in Stockholm, Sweden by Daniel Flores. Guest singers on the album include Roberto Tiranti (LABYRINTH), Marco Mesemi (MORGANA), Vera Quarleri and Monica Elias. The album was mixed by Achim "Akeem" Köhler (BRAINSTORM, SILENT FORCE) at the House of Audio in Winterbach, Germany.
STRATOVARIUS frontman Timo Kotipelto has posted the following message on his official web site:
"I just wanted to info you guys about what I am doing right now...
The STRATO tours (South America, Middle America and now North America) have been going more than well! We have played to a lot of awesome fans and the band is in its best live condition ever!
Right now I am sitting on the bus in Quebec City, Canada and it's one hour to the show time. So I guess I have to start warming up soon...
It's been a pleasure to meet a lot of fans once again and I've been doing some touristic action with Lauri [Porra, STRATOVARIUS bassist], checking out the new cities and filming some material for the screens that we are using while playing live.
Anyways, I want to thank all the people who came to see the shows for the excellent singing and the support and would like to welcome the rest of the fans to see the shows that are still yet to be played!
See ya on the road!"
SAVAGE CIRCUS drummer Thomen Stauch (ex-BLIND GUARDIAN) has posted the following message on the group's web site regarding the relative unavailability of the band's debut album, "Dreamland Manor", in the European record shops:
"After talking to our record company again, I figured out that there is a lot of nonsense going on at the dealers! Dockyard 1 told me that they reassured by the distributor Soulfood that the album is definately available 100% in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and also almost in all European countries. The only thing happening is that several shops didn't order enough albums from Soulfood, so they very often are sold out, or even didn't get ordered by them, or only the regular got ordered and the limited edition not, or other way around. Everything is possible in the moment... and don't ask me why!!! The only important thing now is that you....yes, YOU ALL, should run to that shops and ask for the album. If they tell you not available or something similar: BULLSHIT!!! Ask them to call to Soulfood (distributor in G/A/S) directly to ask when it is available and they should order it there for you! Maybe the limited [edition] will be sold out, then order the regular one. That's all. I know it means you have to wait some days maybe, but still better than having some of the shops interfering the sales of SAVAGE CIRCUS by such a manner and talking sooo much bullshit, because they don't have knowledge about what is going on. Well, that's maybe the destiny of a debut release... But anyway, the sales are going well, nevertheless!!! Don't stop asking for SAVAGE CIRCUS's "Dreamland Manor", my friends!!!!! The problem of having received the misprinted version sometimes two times in the same shop is that some shops still didn't return the false ones to the distributor and sometimes these guys' hands in such shops don't know what the other hand does, that's the problem!! So, NAIL THEM, HIT THEM......MAKE US GOD!!!! Hahahahahaha, sorry Hansi, for misusing and changing your lyrics!!!"
SAVAGE CIRCUS features in its ranks Stauch and PERSUADER members Jens Karlsson (vocals, guitar) and Emil Norberg (lead guitar). "Dreamland Manor" was released via Dockyard 1, the new company formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR). The limited edition of "Dreamland Manor" includes all nine tracks, the artwork on a luxury digipack and the video for "Evil Eyes".
Swedish power metallers NOCTURNAL RITES have uploaded a live performance video of the track "Deliverance" from the group's show at Sky Com Arena in Umeå, Sweden at this location (.MPG, 59 MB).
NOCTURNAL RITES' latest album, "Grand Illusion", was released this past week via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2004's "New World Messiah" was recorded and mixed at Toontrack Studioin Umeå, Sweden and features guest appearances by Stefan Elmgren (HAMMERFALL), Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Henrik Danhage (EVERGREY), Kristoffer W. Olivius (NAGLFAR) and Swedish cross-country skiing world champion, Per Elofsson.
"Grand Illusion" includes a bonus DVD featuring three videos from "New World Messiah", the "Fools Never Die" clip, a "Making of Grand Illusion" segment and extra footage from the "Demons of the Opera" show.
METALIUM's concert at the Jahnhalle in Nordenham, Germany on Friday (Sept. 23) was recorded for the group's new DVD, "Metalian Attack - Part 2", tentatively due in early 2006 via Armageddon Music. The disc will also include footage from the band's appearance at the Bloodstock festival in the U.K., where the group reportedly performed for more than 2,000 people. No further information is currently available.
METALIUM's fifth studio album, "Demons of Insanity - Chapter Five", was released this past spring via Armageddon Music (Crash Music, Inc. in the U.S.). The CD was recorded at Jumpower studios in Mallorca and Tornado studios in Hamburg with producer/bassist Lars Ratz. Guesting on the album, once again, was legendary keyboardist Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE).
KAMELOT has set the 3rd February as the date of their performance at Hof Ter Lo in Borgerhout/Antwerp (Belgium). Tickets will go on sale this weekend. See more at this location and at this location. EPICA will again be one of the supporting acts.
As previously reported, German keyboardist Oliver Palotai (DORO, ULI JON ROTH) will join KAMELOT on their U.S./Canadian dates in November. Also planning to make the tour is soprano vocalist Mari. Mari appeared on both the "Epica" and "The Black Halo" albums and will be singing live with KAMELOT.
In other news, Fear Dark recording artists ROYAL ANGUISH have been added as the opening act, along with VAIN RACHELL and the BEN JACKSON GROUP (featuring former CRIMSON GLORY/PARISH guitarist Ben Jackson on guitar/vocals), to KAMELOT's Seminole, Florida show on November 11. Many local metal celebrities are expected at this rare Florida appearance. A complete list of currently confirmed tour dates can be found at this location.
KAMELOT's latest album, "The Black Halo" was released in March through SPV Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Epica" was produced by Sascha Paeth and Miro at Gate and Pathway studios in Germany and features guest appearances by Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR), Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Simons, Mari (MASQUERAID), as well as the KAMELOT choir, featuring Herbie Langhans (SEVENTH AVENUE), Amanda Somerville-Scharf, Miro, Gerit Göbel, Thomas Rettke (HEAVEN'S GATE) and Elisabeth Kjaernes, among others.
PRIMAL FEAR's video for the song "Seven Seals" has been posted online at NuclearBlast.de (Real Media). The clip was shot in July in Munich, Germany with director Volker Hannwacker of AVA Studios. Check out photos from the video shoot at this location.
"Seven Seals" is the title track from the German power metallers' new album (view cover), due in North America on October 15 via Nuclear Blast Records (October 21 in Germany, October 24 in the rest of the world).
The follow-up to 2004's "Devil's Ground" was produced by the group's bassist, Mat Sinner, along with Charlie Bauerfeind (BLIND GUARDIAN, HALFORD, HAMMERFALL), at the House of Music studio near Stuttgart, Germany and was mixed at the Warehouse studio in Vancouver, British Columbia with Mike Fraser (AC/DC, METALLICA, COVERDALE/PAGE, SLIPKNOT, AEROSMITH, THE CULT). Mastering duties were handled by Achim Köhler at Indiscreet Mastering and Björn Engelmann at the Cutting Room in Sweden. Audio samples of all 10 of the album's cuts can be found at this location.
PRIMAL FEAR have been confirmed as the support band for HELLOWEEN on their upcoming European tour beginning in late November. A list of confirmed dates can be found at this location.
German powermetallers GALLOGLASS have set the 28th October (via Limb Music Products) as the release date of their new album "Heavenseeker", of which you can find more info (cover, guest musicians, ...) at this location. There are also some samples available at the Downloads page.
"Heavenseeker" tracklisting:
01. Burden of Grief
02. After Forever
03. Perished in Flames
04. Dawn of a new Age
05. Banished from Eternity
06. At the Shadowcross
07. To kneel is to suffer
08. Heavenseeker
09. Signs
10. Beyond the Mirror
11. Kings who die
13. Golden Years (Bonus Track)
14. Fragments (Bonus Track)
"Heavenseeker" is the band's second album and the follow-up to 2003's "Legends From Now And Nevermore". The album will also be released as limited CD/DVD edition and contains in this version next to two bonus tracks an additional DVD with over 100 minutes of video material. A complete live-concert, the making of "Heavenseeker" and more.
German powermetallers have added more dates to their American tour. They will also play in Mexico on the 23rd and 24th November. The venues still need to be determined. See also their tourpage.
As previously reported, the Japanese version of GAMMA RAY's new album, "Majestic", which is due on September 23 (the U.S. release is scheduled for October 11), will include a bonus track, entitled "Hellfire", penned by the group's drummer Dan Zimmermann.
"Majestic" was recorded and mixed at Hansen Studios in Hamburg, Germany. Mastering duties were handled at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland by Mikko Karmila and Kai Hansen. The follow-up to 2001's "No World Order" includes 10 tracks which represent "all of the characteristic strengths of the band's musical career to date," the group write on their web site.
Italian Powermetallers KALEDON have announced that Riccardo Ponis will direct the video for "Mighty Son Of The Great Lord", which will be shot on 1st October. "Mighty Son Of The Great Lord" comes off the band's latest release "Chapter 3: The Way Of The Light", released last June via Steelborn Records.
According to a posting on EDGUY's official web site, the group's new DVD, "Superheroes", entered the official Swedish DVD chart at position No. 2 while the "Superheroes" EP entered the single chart in Sweden at No. 10. In Germany, "Superheroes" entered the Media Control single chart at position No. 25, which marks the third-highest single chart entry ever for record label Nuclear Blast. In Switzerland, "Superheroes" climbed up to position No. 52 on the official single chart.
The "Superheroes" EP features a special guest appearance by former HELLOWEEN frontman Michael Kiske. "Superheroes: the DVD Edition" contains the brand new video clip, "Superheroes", a couple of songs filmed live in Brazil, plenty of "behind-the-scenes" footage, a slide show, an extensive studio report with interviews and a chance to follow EDGUY backstage.
The Japanese version of GAMMA RAY's new album, "Majestic", which is due on September 22 (the U.S. release is scheduled for October 11), will include a bonus track, entitled "Hellfire", penned by the group's drummer Dan Zimmermann.
"Majestic" was recorded and mixed at Hansen Studios in Hamburg, Germany. Mastering duties were handled at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland by Mikko Karmila and Kai Hansen. The follow-up to 2001's "No World Order" includes 10 tracks which represent "all of the characteristic strengths of the band's musical career to date," the group write on their web site.
Italian melodic powermetallers SECRET SPHERE will be supporting ROYAL HUNT on a European tour in October. Confirmed dates are as follows:
Oct. 07 - Caserta.Naples, ITA @ Oddly Shed
Oct. 08 - Florence, ITA @ Ministry
Oct. 09 - Pavia/Milan, ITA @ Thunder Road
Oct. 10 - Munich, GER @ Garage
Oct. 11 - Verviers, BEL @ Spirit of 66
Oct. 13 - Zoetermeer, NETH @ Boerderij
Oct. 14 - Hamburg, GER @ Headbangers
Oct. 15 - Bremen, GER @ Meisenfrei
Oct. 17 - Vienna, AUT @ Planet Music
Oct. 19 - Budapest, HUN @ Wigwam
All the dates, with the exception of the shows in Italy, will also feature the Italian band RAINTIME.
After the European tour, SECRET SPHERE will be concentrating on an Italian tour that is going to be arranged with the collaboration with their management, Intromental, and Italian booking agency, Alkemist Fanatix Europe. The band have also been confirmed for the first ProgPower U.K. festival on March 25, 2006 at The Centaur in Cheltenham (with THERION, FIREWIND and FREEDOM CALL, among others).
SECRET SPHERE's latest album, "Heart & Anger", was released in May via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Scent of Human Desire" was recorded at One Voice Studio in Chivasso, Italy by Daniele Giordana, Night & Day Studio in Alessandria, Italy by Paolo Facco, and Sheepvalley Studio in Stockholm, Sweden by Daniel Flores. Guest singers on the album include Roberto Tiranti (LABYRINTH), Marco Mesemi (MORGANA), Vera Quarleri and Monica Elias. The album was mixed by Achim "Akeem" Köhler (BRAINSTORM, SILENT FORCE) at the House of Audio in Winterbach, Germany.
Italian powermetallers KALEDON will be opening for ANVIL on the 2nd November at the Acquofono Club in Fiumicino.
KALEDON's latest album, "Chapter 3: The Way Of The Light", was released last June via Steelborn Records. The video for "Mighty Son Of The Great Lord" will be shot on 1st October.
NOCTURNAL RITES' video for the track "Fools Never Die" has been posted online at NocturnalRites.com.
"Fools Never Die" comes off the Swedish power metallers' new album, "Grand Illusion", due in Europe on September 19 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2004's "New World Messiah" was recorded and mixed at Toontrack Studioin Umeå, Sweden and features guest appearances by Stefan Elmgren (HAMMERFALL), Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Henrik Danhage (EVERGREY), Kristoffer W. Olivius (NAGLFAR) and Swedish cross-country skiing world champion, Per Elofsson.
"Grand Illusion" will include a bonus DVD featuring three videos from "New World Messiah", the brand-new "Fools Never Die" video, a "Making of Grand Illusion" segment and extra footage from the "Demons of the Opera" show.
German keyboardist Oliver Palotai (DORO, ULI JON ROTH) will join KAMELOT on their U.S./Canadian dates in November. Also planning to make the tour is soprano vocalist Mari. Mari appeared on both the "Epica" and "The Black Halo" albums and will be singing live with KAMELOT.
In other news, Fear Dark recording artists ROYAL ANGUISH have been added as the opening act, along with VAIN RACHELL and the BEN JACKSON GROUP (featuring former CRIMSON GLORY/PARISH guitarist Ben Jackson on guitar/vocals), to KAMELOT's Seminole, Florida show on November 11. Many local metal celebrities are expected at this rare Florida appearance. A complete list of currently confirmed tour dates can be found at this location.
KAMELOT's latest album, "The Black Halo" was released in March through SPV Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Epica" was produced by Sascha Paeth and Miro at Gate and Pathway studios in Germany and features guest appearances by Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR), Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Simons, Mari (MASQUERAID), as well as the KAMELOT choir, featuring Herbie Langhans (SEVENTH AVENUE), Amanda Somerville-Scharf, Miro, Gerit Göbel, Thomas Rettke (HEAVEN'S GATE) and Elisabeth Kjaernes, among others.
Regain Records has set a November 7 European release date for the new album from French power metallers NIGHTMARE, entitled "The Dominion Gate". The CD was recorded during April-May, 2005 at Soundsuite Studio with Norwegian producer Terje Refsnes (TRISTANIA, SIRENIA, GREEN CARNATION) and includes special guest appearances by AFTER FOREVER's Floor Jansen and Sander Gommans, along with ex-PRETTY MAIDS guitarist Ricky Marx, who has previously collaborated with NIGHTMARE vocalist Jo Amore back in the '90s.
As previously reported, NIGHTMARE shot a video for the track "A Taste of Armageddon" last month with director Johann Porcher (KAIZEN).
NIGHTMARE have scheduled a few concerts to promote the album including co-headlining with AFTER FOREVER in Paris, at La Loco on November 20 for the "Vibes In Paris Festival" (www.elianor.net), where MAGICA, MALEDICTION, and DORNFALL will also be present.
NIGHTMARE will also do a special headlining promo show in their hometown of Grenoble (F) in Crolles, Espace Culturel, on November 05, before embarking from January 27th. 2006, on full European tour with AFTER FOREVER which will visit countries like Holland, Belgium, UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Austria and Germany.
After the leaving of guitarist Cede in July, FREEDOM CALL now sees its bass player leaving the band. Ilker posted the following statement about it:
"I‘m sorry that I have to tell you now that I am no longer Freedom Call‘s bass player.
I very much enjoyed the past years with the band, and especially the time with you, but it is time for me to follow a different path now - as some of you noticed, I‘m currently getting my own band going.
As Cede already said, the last years were pure Rock‘n‘Roll, and not just an adventure holiday!
My exit has nothing to do with Cede leaving the band, it is a purely personal decision.
Believe me, it was hard for me to inform Daniel, Chris and Nils about my decision just now, but I have to listen to my heart and act accordingly.
As Freedom Call don‘t have any concerts planned right now, and Daniel is on the road with GAMMA RAY, there should be plenty of time for the band to find adequate replacements for me and Cede (as long as they don‘t have longer hair than we do :-) ).
From counless talks with the others, I know that they respect - and above all understand - my decisision, and we part in friendship.
I wish Freedom Call all the best for the future, CHEEEEEERRRRRRZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
STRATOVARIUS' latest, self-titled effort has entered the national album charts in the following countries:
#4: Finland
#37: Sweden
#88: France
#94: Switzerland
"Stratovarius" is scheduled for release in the U.S. on September 13 via Sanctuary. A video for the album's first single, "Maniac Dance", was shot on April 15 in Helsinki by director and guitarist Timo Tolkki's old schoolmate Antti Jokinen (BEYONCÉ, WYCLEF JEAN, KORN, MISSY ELLIOT, NIGHTWISH, SHANIA TWAIN, CELINE DION).
STRATOVARIUS will be teaming up with INTO ETERNITY for a North American tour beginning on September 19 in Springfield, Virginia. A full STRATOVARIUS history, discography (with chart positions) and global gig guide can be found at Rockdetector.com.
EDGUY's new EP, "Superheroes", has entered the German Media Control single chart at position No. 25. This marks the third highest single chart entry for record label Nuclear Blast after NIGHTWISH and MANOWAR. In Switzerland, the EP debuted at No. 52 on the official chart.
Commented EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet: "I can't tell you how happy I am. We are an out-of-vogue band for the run-of-the-mill kids today, we get bashed all the time for doing things our way - and no way but OUR way - and yet: You help us crushing all the obstacles that stand in our way to prevent us from entertaining you and having great fun ourselves. Sometimes it's hard to be a different band. This band is a freak that goes against the flow and is prepared and determined to take a lot of stick. But it's worth it, and it feels even greater to know that there are thousands of like minds, freaks outside, who know exactly what it's like and who are with us! No major TV support, no major radio support and still a hit single! YOU ROCK!!! THANK YOU!!! Now let's go out and have a ball..."
The "Superheroes" EP features a special guest appearance by former HELLOWEEN frontman Michael Kiske. "Superheroes: the DVD Edition" contains the brand new video clip, "Superheroes", a couple of songs filmed live in Brazil, plenty of "behind-the-scenes" footage, a slide show, an extensive studio report with interviews and a chance to follow EDGUY backstage.
MASTERPLAN/ex-HELLOWEEN guitarist Roland Grapow has placed several guitars for auction on the German eBay web site. The items he is selling are as follows: Gibson Flying V Medallion from 1971 (auction page), Chrome Veleno from (around) 1973 (auction page), and a Messenger guitar from 1969 (made in San Fransisco) (auction page). All three auctions end on September 23.
MASTERPLAN's sophomore album, "Aeronautics", will receive its long-overdue U.S. release on September 20 via Candlelight/AFM Records. It is the first record to be issued via the two labels' recently announced agreement for the North American territory.
Italian melodic power metallers VISION DIVINE, the brainchild of ex-LABYRINTH mastermind Olaf Thörsen, have finalized the track listing for their new album, "The Perfect Machine". The follow-up to last year's "Stream of Unconsciousness" was reportedly produced by STRATOVARIUS mainman Timo Tolkki and is scheduled for release in October through Scarlet Records.
"The Perfect Machine" track listing:
01. The Perfect Machine
02. 1st Day of a Never-Ending Day
03. The Ancestor's Blood
04. Land of Fear
05. God is Dead
06. Rising Sun
07. Here in 6048
08. The River
09. Now that You've Gone
10. The Needle Lies (QUEENSRŸCHE cover; Japanese bonus track)
In other news, VISION DIVINE are confirmed to play a short tour of Japan in early October. If all goes well, the band's new album will be released in Japan (via King Records) the day of the band's first show, which is scheduled for October 5 in Tokyo.
KAMELOT's official web site has been updated with part one of a brand-new interview with the band's mainman, guitarist Thomas Youngblood, about the group's upcoming North American tour. Read the first part at this location.
Swedish melodic metallers SUPREME MAJESTY have posted the following message on their official web site:
"We regrettably have to inform you of some changes within SUPREME MAJESTY, as three members of the band have decided to leave in order to pursue other things in life. But this is not the end of SUPREME MAJESTY - instead it is a new beginning, a new chapter in the life of the band. Original band members Rille Svensson [guitar], and Joakim Olsson [vocals], together with talented new drummer Johan, are ready to lead SUPREME MAJESTY into a new era, while staying true to everything that we have stood for since the formation in 1998.
At the moment the band are in the process of creating new songs but we are also now recruiting new members for the band. So now is a chance for YOU to be a part of SUPREME MAJESTY, as we are looking for a new bassist, guitarist and a new keyboard player. If you think you have what it takes then don't hesitate to get in touch; contact us at rille@supreme-majesty.com."
SUPREME MAJESTY's third full-length album, "Elements of Creation", was released last March via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Danger" was recorded at JFK Studio and mixed at Gothenburg's Studio Fredman by Fredrik Nordström and SUPREME MAJESTY.
HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"The U.S. tour is over, and it was very good for us in a lot of ways. North Americans definitely surprised me with their heavy metal knowledge and unbelievable devotion. Some people travelled to more than one show, others drove fifteen hours to get to where the action was; fans spending over ten hours on the road to see the show was not unusual. Very flattering, and we tried to give back by delivering the best show we possibly could, as well as spending time chatting to people after the gigs. On behalf of the band, I'd like to thank everyone who came to the concerts, as well as EDGUY and INTO ETERNITY for doing this with us. It truly was a blast, and I hope it won't take another three years until we see each other again. Cheers!
Now, the members of the band are enjoying some well-deserved time off from touring, before it all begins again in the end of October. The Swedish dates on the tour are now booked and confirmed, and reads as follows:
Oct. 30 - Skycom Arena - Umeå
Nov. 02 - Annexet - Stockholm
Tickets available at www.ticnet.se, as usual. This marks the last time HAMMERFALL will perform on Swedish soil for over a year - that goes for the whole tour, for that matter, so don't miss HAMMERFALL vs STRATOVARIUS, coming to your country in October, November and December. For complete touring plans check out the tour section elsewhere on the page.
Lastly, we have reached an agreement with Charlie Bauerfeind, who worked with us on the last to albums, to produce also the next one. Recordings are set to begin in May 2006, with a scheduled release in October that same year. More info on this as things proceed. Cheers!"
BLIND GUARDIAN have announced the details of the German leg of their European tour, which is scheduled to take place in September/October 2006. The dates are as follows:
Sep. 08 - München, GER @ Tonhalle
Sep. 09 - Stuttgart, GER @ Congress Centrum B
Sep. 11 - Langen, GER @ Stadthalle
Sep. 12 - Hannover, GER @ Capitol
Sep. 13 - Düsseldorf, GER @ Philippshalle
Sep. 15 - Trier, GER @ Europa Halle
Sep. 16 - Lichtenfels, GER @ Stadthalle
Sep. 17 - Hamburg, GER @ Markthalle
BLIND GUARDIAN recently replaced drummer Thomen Stauch, who left the band in April after 20 years. The new man behind the kit is fellow German Frederik Ehmke, who is said to be "fairly unknown in the world of metal."
The production of BLIND GUARDIAN's debut album for Nuclear Blast Records will start soon with the help of producer Charlie Bauerfeind. No album title has been set as of yet, but it looks like the CD will contain a total of ten songs. Working songtitles include "Carry the Blessed Home", "The Edge", "In Search for the Lionheart", "Market Square", "Another Stranger Me", and "Otherland".
NOCTURNAL RITES bassist Nils Eriksson has posted the following message on the band's official web site:
"The shows [in Sweden with NIGHTWISH] were fantastic and it was cool playing for a lot people who probably didn't know us at all. That was the whole point in doing these shows anyway, so I guess it worked. However, we got the people clapping along nicely and seemed to convice quite a bunch. Also, hats off to Jonny who once again showed what a true solider he is. Even though he had a bad cold, caugh and even a fever he stepped up and sang his lungs out and sounded great. This guy has an amazing set of pipes that never seem to wear out.
We will be announcing some Swedish headlining tour dates real soon as well. See you all soon."
NOCTURNAL RITES are continuing to tour in support of their new album, "Grand Illusion", due in Europe on September 19 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2004's "New World Messiah" was recorded and mixed at Toontrack Studioin Umeå, Sweden and features guest appearances by Stefan Elmgren (HAMMERFALL), Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Henrik Danhage (EVERGREY), Kristoffer W. Olivius (NAGLFAR) and Swedish cross-country skiing world champion, Per Elofsson.
"Grand Illusion" will include a bonus DVD featuring three videos from "New World Messiah", the brand-new "Fools Never Die" video, a "Making of Grand Illusion" segment and extra footage from the "Demons of the Opera" show.
Leading Australian power/thrash metallers DUNGEON have parted ways with longtime guitarist Stuart Marshall and bassist Glenn Williams. The band, who recently returned from a successful world tour supporting MEGADETH and METAL CHURCH, also announced that their next three shows will also be their last performances under the name of DUNGEON. For the full story, the band's future plans and statements from every member, visit www.dungeon.cd.
Swedish melodic metallers NOSTRADAMEUS recently posted a brief band interview on their official web site containing information regarding their current activities. The short question-and-session follows in its entirety:
Q: It's been a long time since we heard anything from NOSTRADAMEUS. Cold you tell us a bit why?
Nostradameus: "We've been working all the time. Mostly with material for our future albums, but also some small gigs. And talking about gigs, we recorded some songs from a festival in Gothenburg to be released on a DVD sometime in the future. So we would say that things are happening even if it doesn't look that way from outside the band."
Q: The first three albums came in a quite short period of time, "Words of Nostradameus"" 2000, "Prophet of Evil" 2001 and "The Third Prophecy" in January 2003. Why did you wait until late 2004 (November) with the release of "Hellbound"?
Nostradameus: "All the recordings and everything on "Hellbound" were finished and ready for release in December 2003, but for some reason that we don't know, AFM chose to wait with the release until late 2004. You can imagine how it felt too have a finished album that everyone in the band is proud for and not be able to play it or let someone outside the group hear it."
Q: I know that a lot of people wonder why there wasn't a tour on the "Hellbound" album. Could you explain that for us?
Nostradameus: "There were plans for a smaller tour with U.D.O. in March, but it was delayed for some reasons that we don't know. And later there were plans for a small tour with MASTERPLAN, but this was something AFM didn't think was worth the money it should cost. And that's really a problem for us with lots of gigs; we would really love to play all over the world - Brazil, Chile, Russia, you name it - but at this point, the costs make it impossible for us. Maybe when NOSTRA grows bigger, we can do all the gigs we want."
Q: Now to some questions abort the direction your music has taken. "Hellbound" sounds a bit different from your earlier releases - harder [and] heavier and not so much power metal. Is that a conscious step?
Nostradameus: "We would like to call it a 'natural progression.' When we write our music, we don't try to turn it in a certain direction. Maybe we feel that we want to try something different from the traditional power metal, sometimes we write a song that fits that category and if we think that the song is good enough it will end up on the album. We also write songs in a different way today compared to how we used to do. On the earlier albums, Jake and Freddy used to come with finished songs, with their ideas for drums, bass and arrangements. Today everyone in the band is involved; we write the songs together and use ideas from all the guys in the band."
Q: What can we expect from NOSTRADAMEUS in the future?
Nostradameus: "As we said earlier, we’ve been working with new material and new songs for the coming albums, and we believe that the new songs are another step in the direction we took with "Hellbound". Hopefully our fans will like it as much as we do. We feel that the new songs are stronger than ever. And after the release of the album, we would like to go away on a big, long tour to meet all our fans that have been waiting for us."
STRATOVARIUS' brand-new self-titled effort has entered the Finnish album chart at position No. 4. View the whole chart at this location.
"Stratovarius" is scheduled for release in the U.S. on September 13 via Sanctuary. A video for the album's first single, "Maniac Dance", was shot on April 15 in Helsinki by director and guitarist Timo Tolkki's old schoolmate Antti Jokinen (BEYONCÉ, WYCLEF JEAN, KORN, MISSY ELLIOT, NIGHTWISH, SHANIA TWAIN, CELINE DION).
STRATOVARIUS will be teaming up with INTO ETERNITY for a North American tour beginning in mid-September.
HELLOWEEN frontman Andy Deris (ex-PINK CREAM 69) recently spoke to Metal Temple magazine's Orpheus Spiliotopoulos and Grigoris Chronis about the band's brand-new album, "Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy", due on October 28 in Germany and on October 31 in the rest of Europe via SPV Records (the U.S. release will follow on November 8).
You can read it all at this location.
REBELLION, the German band that features in its ranks former GRAVE DIGGER members Uwe Lulis (guitar) and Tomi Göttlich (bass), have announced the following dates:
Sep. 09 - Neunkirchen/Saar, GER @ Geblaesehalle
Oct. 18 - Muenchen, GER @ Garage*
Oct. 19 -Uster/Zuerich, SWI @ Rock City*
Oct. 20 - Heidelberg, GER @ Schwimmbad Musik Club*
Oct. 21 - Hamburg, GER @ Headbanger's Ballroom*
Oct. 22 - Luebeck, GER @ Rider's Café/Halle 4*
Oct. 23 - Osnabrueck, GER @ N 8*
Oct. 24 - Wetzlar, GER @ Franzis*
Mar. 04, 2006 - Paderborn, GER @ Kulturwerkstatt
Apr. 01, 2006 - Nanzdietschweiler, GER @ Kurpfalzhalle
* w/ CHIMAERA (not to be confused with CHIMAIRA)
REBELLION's latest album, "Sagas of Iceland", was released in May via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Born a Rebel" is the first part of a Viking trilogy based upon Ragnar Lodenhose ("Sons Of The Dragonslayer"), the Norwegian king Harald Harfager (who created the first united Norwegian kingdom), Eric the Red, and both Danish kings Sven Gabelbart ("Ruling The Waves") and Knut the Great. "Part 2" (estimated release in 2006) will deal with the Swedish and Russian Vikings and their glorious deeds. "Part 3" (estimated release in 2007) will be cover the "Edda" story collection where the listener will get more information about the mythology and the gods of the Vikings.
Danish progressive power metal band ANUBIS GATE have replaced NOVEMBERS DOOM on the billing of the ProgPower Europe festival, set to take place October 1-2 at JC Sjiwa in Baarlo, The Netherlands. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
Saturday, October 1:
DISILLUSION
ANUBIS GATE
THROES OF DAWN
ORPHANED LAND
GREEN CARNATION
EPICA
Sunday, October 2:
THE AURORA PROJECT
DYNAMIC LIGHTS
CLOUDSCAPE
WOLVERINE
PAGAN'S MIND
PAIN OF SALVATION
More information is available at www.progpower.com.
Italian Powermetallers KALEDON have announced that the video for "Mighty Son Of The Great Lord" will be shot on 1st October. "Mighty Son Of The Great Lord" comes off the band's latest release "Chapter 3: The Way Of The Light", released last June via Steelborn Records.
As previously reported, the follow-up entitled "Chapter 4: Twilight Of The Gods" is scheduled for release in 2006. The tracklisting is as follows:
"Chapter 4: Twilight Of The Gods" track listing:
01. The Holy Water
02. Hell On Earth
03. War Plans
04. Goodbye My Friend
05. Clash Of The Titans
06. Into The Fog
07. Eyes Of Fire
08. The Fury
09. New King Of Kaledon
10. The Prophecy
11. Out Of The Ground
An online RUNNING WILD tribute album, entitled "Rough Diamonds", featuring cover versions of 18 classics from RUNNING WILD's catalog, will be made available for free download via the band's official web site, www.running-wild.net. The 79-minute collection will feature artwork by Matthias "Metti" Zimmer (PERZONAL WAR) and will be posted online in the form of full-length 128Kbps MP3s. More information will be made available soon.
Remedy Records recently released a RUNNING WILD tribute album, entitled "The Revivalry - A Tribute To Running Wild". More details about the limited-edition two-CD set can be found at this location.
Long-running Italian powermetallers WHITE SKULL have entered Remaster Studio in Vicenza to begin recording their new album for an early 2006 release. The follow-up to 2004's "The XIII Skull" will be a concept album about Celtic history and culture.
WHITE SKULL are currently unsigned, having parted ways with Frontiers Records, who released the band's most recent effort.
In other news, Underground Symphony will be releasing a WHITE SKULL double CD containing the Spanish version of "The Dark Age", called "La Era Oscura", which is currently available only in South America, plus a collection of unreleased and rare material, recorded during 1995-2005.
Finnish melodic metallers REQUIEM have completed work on their third album, "Requiem Forever", for an October 24 release via Scarlet Records. The CD was mastered at Chartmakers studios in Helsinki, Finland, by Svante Forsbäck (STRATOVARIUS, RAMMSTEIN) and will feature artwork by Carlos Del Olmo (SOILWORK, TERROR 2000, AGENT STEEL, THE DEFACED).
"Requiem Forever" track listing:
01. Possessed by Power
02. Hold On
03. Shadowhunt
04. Violate
05. Painting the Wind
06. Invincible Enemy
07. Vindictive Heart
08. The Tower
09. Nightfall - Omnicida
10. Sleepless Nights
11. Gods of War
12. Light No More (demo) (Japanese bonus track)
Turkish prog power metallers DREAMTONE have made uploaded a track called "Nightmare" at this location.
"Nightmare" comes off DREAMTONE's full-length debut, "Sojourn", which features a special guest appearance by SHADOW GALLERY musician extraordinaire Gary Wehrkamp. The album was self-financed and is due for release in early 2006. DREAMTONE are currently unsigned.
For more information, visit www.dreamtone.net.
Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA will be embarking on a headlining tour of Finland in late November/early December. Confirmed dates are as follows:
Nov. 24 - Raumanlinna - Rauma, FIN
Nov. 25 - Nosturi - Helsinki, FIN
Nov. 26 - Tuiskula - Nivala, FIN
Nov. 30 - Puijonsarvi Nightclub - Kuopio, FIN
Dec. 01 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, FIN
Dec. 02 - Pakkahuone - Tampere, FIN
Dec. 03 - Sibeliustalo - Lahti, FIN
Dec. 05 - Teatria - Oulu, FIN
Prior to the Finnish trek, SONATA ARCTICA will undertake a European headlining tour in September. Support on the European trek will come from fellow Finns MACHINE MEN and Germany's SYMPHORCE. SONATA ARCTICA's fourth studio album, "Reckoning Night", was released last year via Nuclear Blast Records.
A video clip of SHAAMAN/ex-ANGRA frontman Andre Matos performing the IRON MAIDEN classic "Hallowed Be Thy Name" with the Italian MAIDEN tribute band THE CLAIRVOYANTS has been posted online at this location (.RAR file, 50 MB). The clip was shot with multiple cameras during Matos' guest appearance with THE CLAIRVOYANTS at the Flash magazine anniversary parties in late May in Firenze and Orzinuovi, Italy. Matos reportedly sang a 75-minute set consisting of his favorite MAIDEN tunes and classics from BLACK SABBATH ("Paranoid"), JUDAS PRIEST ("Breaking the Law") and others.
SHAAMAN (formerly SHAMAN) released their sophomore album, "Reason", this past spring via AFM Records. The 10-song follow-up to 2002's "Ritual" was mixed and mastered at Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producer Sascha Paeth, who has previously worked with such acts as KAMELOT, EDGUY, RHAPSODY and FREEDOM CALL.
American/Norwegian power metal act KAMELOT and Anvil Productions have announced an exclusive Southeast U.S. concert on Veteran's Day (November 11, 2005). The show will take place at Boomerz's Boiler Room in Seminole, Florida and will mark KAMELOT's only appearance this year in the Southeast. Tickets will go on sale Friday, September 9. Tickets prices will be $15 in advance. More information is available at Boomerz.
Upcoming KAMELOT shows:
Nov. 11 - Seminole, FL @ Boomerz's Boiler Room
Nov. 17 - West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Nov. 19 - Toronto, ONT @ Lee's Palace
Nov. 20 - Quebec City, QC @ International Metal Fest
Nov. 21 - New York, NY @ B.B. King's
Dec. 03 - São Paulo, BRA @ Via Funchal (w/ EPICA)
Dec. 04 - Rio de Janeiro Brazil Circo Voador (w/ EPICA)
Gigs in The Netherlands, Belgium and France are tentatively planned for February 2006. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.
KAMELOT has announced that Continental Concerts will be the band's Official concert booking agent. Continental has long been a major booker and management firm throughout Europe and around the globe with acts like STRATOVARIUS, CHILDREN OF BODOM and many more. More details on this partnering should become available soon.
The band SEVEN WITCHES will be the special guest for both Jaxx in West Springfield VA and BB King in New York. "Jack Frost and I have been friends for years now and we finally get to play some gigs together. I am looking forward to a killer night of Metal!" states guitarist Thomas Youngblood. Visit Tour Info section to buy tickets online.
KAMELOT's latest album, "The Black Halo" was released in March through SPV Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Epica" was produced by Sascha Paeth and Miro at Gate and Pathway studios in Germany and features guest appearances by Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR), Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS), Simons, Mari (MASQUERAID), as well as the KAMELOT choir, featuring Herbie Langhans (SEVENTH AVENUE), Amanda Somerville-Scharf, Miro, Gerit Göbel, Thomas Rettke (HEAVEN'S GATE) and Elisabeth Kjaernes, among others.