Metal News for December 20, 2007
Last updated on October 4, 2025 at 3:07 AM ET
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Hot Topics
- Kreator To Release New Album In January
- Enthroned To Release New Album In December
- Spite Premiere New Single & Music Video
- Carcosa (AngelMaker) Premiere New Single & Video
- Agnostic Front Premiere New Single & Lyric Video
- Potato Premiere New Single & Music Video "YUGE PP"
- Omnium Gatherum Drops "Walking Ghost Phase" Video
- Tailgunner Signs With Napalm Records
- Messa Shares New Music Video "Reveal"
- Stellar Circuits Premiere New Single & Music Video
46 news articles posted on this day.
Watch a Video Interview with Bring Me The Horizon
Capital Chaos TV has posted an interview with Britain's BRING ME THE HORIZON conducted on September 4, 2007 in Orangevale, California. Watch it here.
BRING ME THE HORIZON's debut album, "Count Your Blessings", was released in North America on August 14 via Earache Records.
In the seemingly short span of three years since their formation, BRING ME THE HORIZON has "accomplished more in that time than most bands do in 10," according to a press release. "In 2006, BRING ME THE HORIZON was the recipient of a Kerrang! award for 'Best British Newcomer' and held steady on MySpace's top 100 list of most played bands. BRING ME THE HORIZON was only one of two U.K. acts to chart in the MySpace top 100 (the other being COLDPLAY). In addition, they've toured with bands such as BLEEDING THROUGH and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and performed a show-stealing set at the U.K.'s Download Festival." More...
Godhead Release Hard Copy Of Unplugged EP
For the iTunes haters, you can now purchase a physical copy of Godhead’s ‘Unplugged‘ EP at godhead.com. Track listing for the EP is available here.
The tracklisting is as follows:
1. Trapped In Your Lies
2. Sinking
3. Far Too Long
4. Afterthoughts
5. In Your Sleep
6. F****d Up
7. Fall Down
Watch Hellyeah Perform In NYC Online
Fan-filmed video footage of HELLYEAH performing the song "Hellyeah" on December 9, 2007 at The Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza in New York City can be viewed here.
HELLYEAH, MACHINE HEAD, NONPOINT and ANKLA will team up for a U.S. tour beginning late January.
HELLYEAH's live DVD, "Below the Belt", was released on November 13. The disc contains footage going back to the formation of the band, including the group's first recording session, the making of its self-titled debut album and various stops on the group's ongoing world tour, as well as personal interviews and other features. The two-hour DVD also includes videos, backstage clips, footage from the band's April record release party and a look inside Chasin' Jason, the studio once owned by late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott where HELLYEAH recorded. More...
Tim Owens Issues Last Words About Iced Earth
Singer Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) issues the following statement:
"My last words on my departure from Iced Earth. Well, first off I would like to wish good luck to Jon (Schaffer) and the band. The news did come at a bad time (being two weeks before Christmas) and I really think it could have been handled in a much better way but I do completely agree that it needed to happen for IE and for myself. 'The Winds of change' really are upon me and that is exactly what I needed. With BEYOND FEAR being one of the best reviewed CD’s I have ever done, I'm really looking forward to getting the new CD recorded and released. The new one is sounding nice and heavy and it really is a step up from the last one, it's just straight forward metal. Myself, along with my manager Wendy Dio and all at Niji management are excited about the future. Once again, good luck to all the guy's that I've played with in IE over the last few years but let’s all just leave it alone now and end this chapter and close that book!"
"Thank you and keep it heavy,
Ripper"
"PS. I do think this attached poster says it all. Also, for all the WINTERS BANE fans, you can download the Heart Of A Killer CD on my MySpace page and also get the last Beyond Fear cd and a few other things as well!"
Primer 55 Post Sacramento Concert Footage Online
Capital Chaos has posted video footage of PRIMER 55 performing the song "Loose" on December 14, 2007 at The Kennel Club in Sacramento, California. Watch the clip here.
PRIMER 55 recently parted ways with vocalist Jason "J-Sin" Lutrell and replaced him with Heath Joyce of the band IGM.
The band's new CD/DVD, entitled "Family For Life", came out on November 6 via Crash Music. The package was released on a flip disc (audio/DVD) and features a collection of unreleased tracks, as well as rare concert footage and backstage scenes from three concerts including Ozzfest. More...
Domain Reveal New Album Details
German power metallers DOMAIN have issued the following update:
"While the recordings of the new album are in full swing, Domain will set the flag for 2008. The ninth studio album of the band, which will be entitled The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow, will be a concept album like the Last Days Of Utopia album, but this time arranged and conceived as a 'metal opera'."
"Vocalist Nick Ruhnow created a 12 chapter drama, based on the legendary epistolary novel Die Leiden Des Jungen Werther by famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The opus will be performed by guitarist Axel Ritt, keyboarder Erdmann Lange, bassplayer Steven Wussow and Nick Ruhnow himself, enriched with hard and anthem metal, epic heavy rock and ballad elements."
"Released for the first time in 1774, the story Die Leiden Des Jungen Werther became a key work in German literature regarding the 'Storm And Stress' period and describes an impossible love against all moral concepts, which provokes extreme emotional reactions up to the point of a spate of suicides among young readers of the novel. One more time, the album will be produced by mastermind Axel Ritt."
The Autumn Offering Post New Track Online
Daytona Beach, Florida's THE AUTUMN OFFERING have updated their MySpace page to stream the new track 'Silence And Goodbye' from the band's latest album Fear Will Cast No Shadow, available now via Victory Records.
Check out 'Silence And Goodbye' at this location.
The album, featuring new frontman Matty McChesney (ex-Lifeforce Records' hardcore/metal sensation HELL WITHIN), includes the following tracklisting: 'From Atrophy To Obsession', 'Fear Will Cast No Shadow', 'A Great Distance', 'All That Fall Around Us', 'The Castaway', 'You're Time Is Mine', 'Silence And Goodbye', 'The Wolves At Your Door', 'March Of The Clones', 'Crown Yourself A King, Kill Yourself A Queen', 'Dystopiate'.
Rage Reveal Tracklisting For Carved In Stone
RAGE's new album, Carved In Stone, will be issued by Nuclear Blast Europe on February 22nd. The tracklisting is as follows: 'Carved In Stone', 'Drop Dead!', 'Gentle Murders', 'Open My Grave', 'Without You', 'Long Hard Road', 'One Step Ahead', 'Lost In The Void', 'Mouth Of Greed', 'Lord Of The Flies'.
Rage's upcoming tour schedule is as follows:
December
28 - Bonn, Germany at Heavy New Year Festival - Brückenforum
29 - Osnabrück, Germany at After X-Mas Metalblast - Halle Gartlage
March
27 - Copenhagen, Denmark at The Rock
28 - Mariestat, Sweden at Klubb Kaliber, Folketspark
29 - Västeras, Sweden at Sigurdsgatan 25
31 - Hamburg, Germany at Markthalle
April
1 - Bochum, Germany at Zeche
2 - Paris, France at Nouveau Casino
4 - Madrid, Spain at Caracol
5 - Bergara, Spain at Sala Jam
6 - Barcelona, Spain at Razzmatazz 2
8 - Montpellier, France at Rockstore
9 - Piacenza, Italy at Fillmore
0 - Conegliano (Treviso), Italy at Zion Rock Club
11 - Wien, Austria at Szene
12 - Plzen, Switzerland at KD Serikovka
13 - Budapest, Hungary at Wigwam
15 - Würzburg, Germany at AKW
16 - Nürnberg, Germany at Hirsch
17 - Hannover, Germany at Musikzentrum
18 - Bad Salzungen, Germany at Kulturzentrum KW 70
19 - Memmingen, Germany at Kaminwerk
20 - Ludwigsburg, Germany at Rockfabrik
22 - Pratteln, Switzerland at Z7
24 - Colmar, France at Grillen
25 - Speyer, Germany at Halle 101
26 - Brüssels, Belgium at Ten Weyngaerdt
27 - London, England at Underworld
29 - Fulda, Germany at Alte Piesel
30 - Osnabrück, Germany at Hyde Park
May
1 - Pirmasens, Germany at Quasimodo
2 - Aschaffenburg, Germany at Colos-Saal
3 - Andernach, Germany at JUZ Live Club
Porcupine Tree Drummer Announces Swiss Clinics
PORCUPINE TREE drummer Gavin Harrison has announced series of drum clinics in Switzerland coming up in early 2008. They are as follows:
January
29 - Musik Shop in St. Gallen - www.musigshopsg.ch - Tel: +41 71 230 2323
30 - Musique Favre in Liestal - www.mufa.ch - Tel: +41 61 921 9990
31 - Musik Produktiv in Niederlenz - www.musik-produktiv.ch - Tel: +41 62 885 1050
February
1 - Boullard Musique in Morges - www.boullard.com - Tel: +41 21 811 2828
Matt Barlow Issues Statement To Fans
Returning ICED EARTH singer Matt Barlow has issued the following statement:
"Brothers and sisters,"
"I'm sure that you are all well aware of things that are happening within ICED EARTH, and a statement from me is well overdue. To that, I can only say that I am sorry for the delay, but there is good reason. Last week, following Jon's [Schaffer, guitar] announcement, my wife gave birth to our second son. Everything is well, but of course, those of you who are parents know how taxing the first week can be. During that time, after all things had begun to settle, I realized that there are a lot of things on my plate. At this point, I needed to address them. As you know, family always comes first. Of course, Jon knows that and understands my decision to leave ICED EARTH four years ago. My wife and I wanting a family was a huge factor. Family is also the reason for my return. There is a kinship that goes beyond the obvious. I will speak of that later." More...
Tub Ring Announce More Tour Dates
TUB RING will be hitting the road next year with FOXY SHAZAM, KARATE HIGH SCHOOL, and PEACHCAKE. You can check out the latest confirmed dates over at the band’s official MySpace page.
Dub Trio Post New Song Online
You can check out a new song from DUB TRIO entitled “Not For Nothing” over at the band’s official MySpace page. The track comes off the band’s upcoming new album, Another Sound Is Dying, which is set to be released on January 29th through Ipecac Recordings.
Toxic Holocaust Sign To Relapse Records
TOXIC HOLOCAUST appear to have signed to Relapse Records. An official announcement is expected to be released shortly. You can find more information on the band here.
Edenbridge Announce New Drummer
Austrian symphonic metal band EDENBRIDGE has announced the addition of drummer Max Pointner (IN SLUMBER, LEGACY OF HATE) to the group's ranks. Max joins EDENBRIDGE as the replacement for Sebastian Lanser, who was no longer able to commit himself to the band "due to his other professional perspectives," according to a statement released by the group.
EDENBRIDGE has finished recording its new album, "MyEarthDream", for a spring release via Napalm Records. The mixing sessions for the CD will begin on January 7 at Thin Ice Studios in England with Karl Groom (THRESHOLD). The mastering will take place in early February at Finnvox Studios with Mika Jussila. More...
Amaseffer Post New Single Online
AMASEFFER, the "holy project" featuring guest appearances by Mats Levén (KRUX, ex-THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), Angela Gossow (ARCH ENEMY) and Kobi Farhi (ORPHANED LAND), has posted its new single, "Slaves for Life", on the band's official web site. According to the group, "this is the opening track from our first part of a Trilogy recounting the Bible story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt. On the first album of the trilogy we pick up the story right from the slavery period in Egypt when the new Pharaoh enslaves and oppresses the Israelites with forced labour. This is what we tried to emphasize on this song, the cruelty and ruthless power of the cold hearted Pharaoh and on the other hand the Israeli slaves desperate cry for deliverance!"
"Slaves for Life" features Levén on lead vocals, Farhi on lead oriental singing and Erez Yohanan as the narrator. The artwork was hand-drawn by Mattias Norén. Each and every track on the album will be presented with Mattias' own unique hand-drawn illustration in an effort to capture the moment and vision for the songs.
AMASEFFER is currently seeking a record deal.
After Forever Post New Video Online
AFTER FOREVER's video for the song "Equally Destructive" can be viewed here. The track comes off the Dutch symphonic metallers' latest, self-titled album, which was released in Germany on April 20 via Nuclear Blast Records.
A nine-minute audio interview with AFTER FOREVER vocalist Floor Jansen conducted by Norway's Metal Express Radio in early October at the ProgPower USA VIII festival in Atlanta, GA has been posted online at this location. More...
Megadeth's Guitarist is Offering Private Lessons
MEGADETH guitarist Glen Drover will give private lessons to a limited number of students at the Long & McQuade store in Brampton, Ontario, Canada on the following days:
Saturday, January 5
Wednesday, January 9
Saturday, January 12
Note: Both Saturdays are already full.
Spend an hour one-on-one with one of metal's most exciting guitarists before he sets off on a European tour with MEGADETH. If you've ever wanted to know just how that particular guitar solo goes, improve your picking techniques, or get tips from the road, now's your chance to sit down with a real "rock star."
Cost is $60 for the hour payable in advance.
For more information, contact:
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
Music Education Centre - Coordinator
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
370 Main St N Unit #123
905-450-4334 ext 43
Seether Vocalist To Perform In South Africa
Seether front-man Shaun Morgan will perform a series of acoustic dates in South Africa over the holidays. Tour dates include:
December 20th in Johannesburg, SAF @ TBA
December 21st in Durban, SAF @ Burn
December 28th in Cape Town, SAF @ Mercury Live
December 31st in Kenton on Sea, SAF @ The Phoenix Rising
January 6th in Cape Town, SAF @ Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset
Ipsissimus To Enter The Studio
Connecticut black-metal power trio Ipsissimus will hit the studio this weekend to begin tracking their "Three Secrets of Fatima" EP, which the band intends to self-release as a special limited-edition package. The band, which features ex-Capharnaum/Catalyst guitarist Ryan Adams, has lined up a February 6 gig with Rotting Christ, Immolation, Belphagor and Averse Sefira in Hartford, Connecticut.
Twisted Sister Demand Payment For Cancelled Show
MTV.com reports: Hair-metallers Twisted Sister are keeping the $25,000 deposit they were handed when they were booked to perform at a benefit concert for the U.S. troops in California, according to The Orange County Register. The band is demanding to be paid the rest of its agreed-upon fee of $50,000 for the gig, which was canceled due to lack of interest.
A Newport Beach, California couple borrowed $100,000 to book TWISTED SISTER with the hopes that they will sell enough tickets to make all their money back, and then some. The Dec. 14 show was to raise money for the Southern California families of military personnel in Iraq.
If "A Twisted Christmas…Caroling for the Corps" sold all 4,300 seats at the Bren Events Center at UCI, it would have paid off the loan the couple took out, and raised more than $100,000 for the Southern California Chapter of Operation Homefront, a national organization that helps pay the bills for the families of deployed troops and those who return home wounded. Also planned to play were METAL SKOOL and THE IRON MAIDENS (a female tribute band to IRON MAIDEN).
Alice Cooper, Sparks Dedicate School Of Rock
Live Daily.com reports: Alice Cooper and 2007 "American Idol" winner, Jordin Sparks, dedicated the site of a real-life school of rock Dec. 15 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, according to a press release.
The $7 million, 29,000-square-foot teen music center, named The Rock, houses a multi-use concert hall, recording studio and sound rooms. The Rock will offer a variety of after-school programs and special events for area youth. It also includes a coffee house with a kitchen and snack bar, indoor basketball courts, rock climbing walls, computer/study rooms and a game room.
Cooper and Sparks, who were both raised in Phoenix, have existing ties to Grand Canyon University. Cooper supports scholarships and received an honorary doctorate there. Sparks, whose grandmother is a GCU alumnus, designated The Rock as one of the charities to which she would donate a portion of her "Idol" winnings.
Germany's Devil's Revenge Festival Cancelled
According to a posting on the web site of German thrashers DESTRUCTION, the Devil's Revenge Festival — which was to take place December 29, 2007 at Stadthalle in Lichtenfels, Germany — has been cancelled. "The band is dissapointed by this last-minute cancellation beyond their control 'cause this was supposed to be the last German show until summer/autumn 08," reads a posting on the site. "DESTRUCTION will now start working on the 25th anniversary album that will have a worldwide release in August 2008 on AFM, Candlelight and King Records!"
In addition to DESTRUCTION, Devil's Revenge was scheduled to include performances by GOREFEST, EVOCATION, DEMONICAL, IMPERIOUS REX, DEATHRONATION, VOMITORY and THE DUSKFALL.
Metallica Post '85 Donington Performance Online
Metallica issue the following update:
"Happy Holidays from the Live METALLICA team!"
"Here's another free MP3 download from The Metallica Vault to stuff your iPod with this holiday season."
"Thanks for supporing LiveMetallica.com -- we'll see you on tour in 2008!"
"Now available is the band's August 17th, 1985 performance from Donington Park, Donington, UK. Setlist: 'Creeping Death', 'Ride The Lightning', 'The Four Horsemen', 'Fade To Black', 'Seek And Destroy', 'Whiplash', 'Motorbreath'."
"Total Running Time: 00:45:38"
"Head on over to LiveMetallica.com to download your copy of this show NOW!!!"
Battlelore Book Studio Time For New Album
Finnish power metallers BATTLELORE have issued the following update:
"Recordings of our next album shall begin on March 31st, 2008 at Sound Supreme studios, Finland."
"Janne Saksa will record and produce the new album and the mixings will be done by Swedish metal legend Dan Swanö. Estimated release time for the album is around August/September 2008."
Stay tuned for updates.
Synthetic Breed Sign To Faultline Records
Faultline Records issue the following press release:
"FAULTLINE RECORDS is proud to announce the signing of the tech metal maniacs from Melbourne Australia SYNTHETIC BREED! Their new album CATATONIC will be released on Faultline on FEB 16! Faultline looks forward to a long and proseperous relationship with the band for many years and many more beers!"
Evergrey Announce Swedish Dates
Swedish metallers EVERGREY have announced the following dates in the northern part of Sweden:
Jan. 25 - Sundsvall, SWE @ Club Destroyer
Jan. 26 - Östersund, SWE @ Tingshuset
Jan. 27 - Örebro, SWE @ Satin
Commented vocalist/guitarist Tom S. Englund: "We have always had a great time when we have played at the summer festivals in northern Sweden. This will be our first visit in wintertime and we are very much looking forward to this. Look out polar bears, here we come!" More...
Eilera Post "Fusion" Video Online
French singer EILERA has posted her debut video for the track "Fusion" on YouTube. Watch the clip here.
Eilera released her full-length debut, "Fusion", on September 12 through Finnish label Spinefarm Records. The CD was helmed by renowned producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, APOCALYPTICA, SENTENCED, etc.) and features mostly Finnish musicians, such as Antti Lehtinen on drums and Max Lilja (ex-APOCALYPTICA) on cello, with a handful of other talents. From France Eilera brought along Tony Canton, a man who magically brings the Celtic themes to life with his fiddle.
According to Eilera, "Fusion" "deals with the main themes of her work; the balance between strength and frailty, ambiguity, closeness to nature, and her two obsessions of all times: freedom and beauty."
An e-card for "Fusion" can be found at this location.
Eilera is scheduled to start performing live, in Finland and France, in April 2008. More...
Neurosonic To Support Puddle of Mudd
Canada's NEUROSONIC will be touring the US and Canada in direct support of PUDDLE OF MUDD from January 29th to March 8th. Dates are as follows:
January
29 - Slim’s - San Franciso, California
31 - Roseland Theater - Portland, Oregon
February
1 - The Big Easy Concert Hall - Spokane, Washington
2 - El Corazon - Seattle, Washington
3 - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, British Columbia
5 - Rock City - Grand Prairie, Alberta
7 - The Backalley - Calgary, Alberta
8 - Jet - Edmonton, Alberta
9 - The Drink - Regina, Saskatchewan
11 - My Bar (Canada Inn-Transcona) - Winnipeg, Manitoba
12 - Playmaker’s - Fargo, North Dakota
14 - Majestic Theatre - Madison, Wisconsin
15 - Emerald Theatre - Detroit, Michigan
16 - The Machine Shop - Flint, Michigan
17 - Mr Smalls Theatre - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
19 - Phoenix Concert Theatre - Toronto, Ontario
20 - Magic City Music Hall - Johnson City, New York
21 - The Station - Portland, Maine
22 - Webster Theatre - Hartford, Connecticut
23 - House of Blues - Atlantic City, New Jersey
25 - Club Washington D.C. - Washington DC
26 - The National - Richmond, Virginia
27 - The Norva - Norfolk, Virginia
29 - Hooligan’s - Jacksonville, North Carolina
March
1 - Jester’s Pub - Fayetteville, North Carolina
2 - Tremont Music Hall - Charlotte, North Carolina
4 - Club La Vela - Panama City Beach, Florida
6 - Riverdome Horseshoe Hotel & Casino - Bossier City, Louisiana
7 - House of Blues - Dallas, Texas
8 - Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Drummer Marco Minnemann Joins Ephel Duath
Innovative avant-garde metal band EPHEL DUATH have issued the following update:
"Marco Minnemann joins ED...
"That's right,"
"International drumming sensation Marco Minnemann will be joining us on our new record Through My Dog's Eyes. He will take care of all the drumming and we are really psyched." More...
Eyes of Eden Play Free Show In Dortmund, Germany
EYES OF EDEN will be playing a free show in Dortmund, Germany at Happy Happy Ding Dong on January 10th. Go to this location for more information.
As previously reported, Eyes Of Eden will play the Norderslaag Weekend Festival in Groningen, Holland on January 11th with DEMIA, VOLBEAT, KRYPTERIA, TURISAS and BURST. Go to this location for event information.
Volbeat Set New Release Date For DVD
2007 was an amazing year for Copenhagen-based metallers VOLBEAT.
The album Rock The Rebel/Metal The Devil reached platinum status in homeland Denmark, the band supported METALLICA and played a lot of festivals and two sold out tours in Europe. During the tours and festivals the band was filmed on stage and backstage.
The material will be featured on the DVD Live: Sold Out!, to be released February 22nd by Mascot Records.
Pre-orders for the DVD will be accepted as of January 1st at this location.
Brainstorm Post New Songs Online
German melodic metallers BRAINSTORM will release their new album, "Downburst", on January 22 in North America, January 25 in Germany/ Austria/ Switzerland/ Italy and January 28 in the rest of Europe. A special MySpace page featuring two songs off the upcoming album can be found at this location. Fans can also check out some new pictures, pre-order "Downburst" in various limited edtions and participate in competitions.
"Downburst" track listing:
01. Falling Spiral Down
02. Fire Walk With Me
03. Stained With Sin
04. Redemption In Your Eyes
05. End In Sorrow
06. How Do You Feel
07. Protect Me From Myself
08. Surrounding Walls
09. Frozen
10. All Alone
------------------
Bonus tracks (limited version):
11. Crawling In Chains
12. Hold Tight More...
Iron Maiden Add Second Paris Show
Due to "phenomenal demand," British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have added a second show in Paris, France — on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the Ominisport De Bercy Arena. Tickets for this gig go on sale on December 28 at 10:00 a.m.
For a list of upcoming IRON MAIDEN shows, click here.
On February 5, 2008 MAIDEN will release the highly anticipated DVD of "Live after Death" and to tie in with this will play songs mainly from their classic '80s albums on this forthcoming tour. The stage production will also feature a production-based on the Egyptian-themed "Powerslave Tour" which was featured on the original 1985 video release of "Live after Death".
Rhapsody of Fire Cancel South American Tour
Italian power metal band RHAPSODY OF FIRE (formerly known as RHAPSODY) has cancelled its previously announced dates in South America which were scheduled to take place this month.
Commented the group in a statement: "It was not at all the band's decision to cancel the South American tour planned for December 2007. We can not enter into further details right now. The band excuses itself from the problems created to all the people and RHAPSODY's fans that already bought tickets and that had to face a bad surprise when discovering that the tour was cancelled. The band was looking forward to performing in South America after many years of absence from the glorious continent and we hope to be able to play there as soon as possible. Peace and love to all of you."
Headline News
Seventh Star Calling It Quits
Floridian metal/hardcore band Seventh Star has announced plans to disband following a few final shows this winter. Here's a statement from group:
"So after nearly nine years of being a band, Seventh Star is breaking up. We've had three full-lengths, hundreds of tour dates, seen the world, have made great friends, toured with some of our favorite bands/biggest influences and we feel it's our time to move on. The main reason is different levels of dedication within the members. We are no longer all on the same page with how much of our lives are to be spent on the band. Some are personal reasons, others not. We feel we would rather go out on top than to fizzle out.
"We've always tried to give 100% in what we do. We've never been about the status, popularity, money or whatever passing trend is going around. We strived to play the music we wanted to and never back down from our message to speak to the Hardcore community about our Savior, Jesus Christ and God's Grace. We've sacrificed time, money, relationships and college all because we believed in this. Sometimes it's been trying, but always been where we wanted to be. At this point in time we can't give 100% to the band and we are called to other areas of our life.
"We are playing a few final shows hitting some spots in Florida in January, playing one last show in Ocala, flying to our second home of Las Vegas, NV and playing our final show at this year's Facedown Fest. Our original members Mike Whitaker and Shawn Douglas will be joining us to end the band. We want to thank Jason and everyone at Facedown Records for believing in us. We also want to thank all the bands we have toured with and everyone who has ever supported us in any way. You know who you are. Never lose heart."
Here are Seventh Star's final show dates:
1/25 Jacksonville, FL @ Fuel Coffee House
1/26 Clearwater, FL @ 688 Skatepark
1/27 Ocala, FL @ The Capitol
3/15 Ocala, FL @ TBA
3/27 Las Vegas, NV @ The Hammer House
3/28–29 Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse (Facedown Fest)
Therion Member To Play Drums For Deathstars
Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (THERION, DREAM EVIL, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, NOTRE DAME) will play drums for the industrial goth metal band DEATHSTARS on their upcoming European tour as the support act for KORN.
DEATHSTARS' regular drummer, Bone W Machine, is sitting out the tour due to "personal reasons." "I hope you all understand this and don't throw an EMO fit [over the fact that I am not doing the tour]," Bone writes in a statement. "The drums will not suffer though since the extremely competent Snowy Shaw will be whipping skins and breaking sticks in my absence. And no, I am not leaving the band."
DEATHSTARS entered Metrosonic Recording Studios in New York City on October 29 to begin recording of their new album for a spring 2008 release via Nuclear Blast Records. According to the group, "this album will start another chapter in [DEATHSTARS'] history of vanity, darkness, blood and sleaze."
The band adds, "The recording sessions will continue throughout November and December and the mix is set for January so get prepared for a 2008 filled with exploding deathglam!"
DEATHSTARS' sophomore album, "Termination Bliss", entered the German Media Control chart in February 2006 at position No. 87.
DEATHSTARS was honored with the "Best Newcomer" award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards on June 11, 2007 at Koko in London, England.
In existence since January 2000 (formerly known as SWORDMASTER), DEATHSTARS features in its ranks former DISSECTION drummer Ole Öhman and guitarist Emil Nödtveidt (brother of late DISSECTION leader Jon).
All Shall Perish Drummer Talks Red Shore Tragedy
CBS5.com reports that members of the Oakland, California-based death metal band ALL SHALL PERISH were unharmed in a mini-bus accident in Australia that claimed the lives of two members of another band, a band member said in an email Wednesday.
Matt Kuykendall, the drummer for ALL SHALL PERISH, said, "We are fine, yes."
However, Kuykendall said two members of the Australian band THE RED SHORE, which was traveling with ALL SHALL PERISH, and their crew "were tragically killed."
Kuykendall identified those members as Damo and Andy.
"Our hearts go out to the families of Damo and Andy and everyone else in THE RED SHORE," he said.
News reports said the accident occurred when the two bands were traveling from Brisbane to Sydney when their van veered off the road, rolled several times and slammed into a tree.
Kuykendall said, "We have two more shows left in Melbourne and then we are flying home for the holidays."
Watch Australian TV report on the crash: More...
The Famine Complete Recording New Album
The Famine (ex-Embodyment) have completed recording their Solid State debut with producer Andreas Magnusson (The Black Dahlia Murder, The Agony Scene). The effort will see a release early next year with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Still Remains To Support Bullet For My Valentine
Following their recent trek in November with ATREYU, STILL REMAINS are thrilled to announce they’ll be returning to the UK from late January, as main support for 6 shows with BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE.
Tickets are on sale now. Catch the Michigan metallers at:
January 30 – Brighton @ Dome
January 31 – Newport @ Centre
February 1 – Wolverhampton @ Civic Hall
February 3 – Glasgow @ Academy
February 4 – Manchester @ Academy
February 7 – London @ Brixton Academy
Norma Jean, Every Time I Die To Play Warped Tour
The first round of Vans Warped Tour 2008 bands have been announced:
Gym Class Heroes, The Briggs, The Academy Is.., The Bronx, Reliant K, Every Time I Die, From First to Last, The Street Dogs, Reel Big Fish, Norma Jean, We the Kings, Devil Wears Prada, Pierce the Veil, The Color Fred, 3Oh!3, The Lordz, Katy Perry, Shw, Gym Claayze
Mercenary Complete New Album
Danish progressive metallers MERCENARY, have wrapped up the recordings for their highly anticipated successor to 2006’s The Hours That Remain (which was subsequently awarded the Danish Metal award in the category Album Of The Year). Guitarist Jakob Molberg states:
"So, the new Mercenary album has finally been completed, mixed and mastered! It was a really laborious birth after several intense months of constant writing and rehearsing while playing sweaty gigs nearly every weekend in between (Note to self: Let's never do that again.). As we went straight into the studio with our masterly producer Jacob Hansen right after the last gig, we couldn't help but to bring along a lot of the immediacy and groove that we love when playing live. The result is in many ways our most spontaneous album ever, but I also believe it's our strongest yet - it's very melodic, catchy, dark and complex (just like any decent metalhead would - or should - want his metal to be.). With bass player / shouter Rene Pedersen recording his first album with us, this album marks the return of some really aggressive vocals - mixed of course with Mikkel's soaring clean singing. It's an album that's straight to the point I think, and I can't help but feel we're at the top of our game here. I never had a stronger belief in the potential of this band before.
The album title will be Architect Of Lies and it will be released in late March. Several killer tours and some great festivals are in the works. The year of 2008 will belong to Mercenary!"
Mercenary has also announced the following new live dates
January
26 - Nordhausen, Germany - Bloody Sunset Festival
February
7 - Aalborg, Denmark - Eskildsen musik
March
21 - Aalborg, Denmark - Studenterhuset
22 - Århus, Denmark - Voxhall
23 - Copenhagen, Denmark - The Rock
July
3-9 - Tolmin, Slovakia - Metalcamp Festval
Danko Jones Announce European Tour Dates
DANKO JONES has confirmed European tour dates in support of his new album, Never Too Loud. They are as follows:
December
20 - Toronto, Ontario - Horseshoe Tavern
February
12 - London, UK - Hoxton Bar & Grill
14 - Stockholm, Sweden - Close-Up Boat
16 - Cologne, Germany - Palladium
April
4 - Oslo, Norway - Rockefeller
6 - Helsinki, Finland - Tavastia
10 - Hamburg, Germany - Grunspan
11 - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Club
12 - Munich, Germany - Backstage Halle
13 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
15 - Zurich, Switzerland - Rote Fabrik
16 - Milano, Italy - Musicdrome
18 - Barcelona, Spain - Apolo
19 - Madrid, Spain - Live
20 - Lisboa, Portugal - Santiago Alquimista
22 - Ruen / Le Havre, France - Marquee Tent
23 - Brussels, Belgium - AB
24 - Amsterdam, Holland - Paradiso
25 - Paris, France - La Maroquinerie
26 - Luxemburg - Den Atelier
The tracklist for Never Too Loud is as follows: 'Code Of The Road', 'City Streets', 'Still In High School', 'Take Me Home', 'Let's Get Undressed', 'King Of Magazines', 'Forest For The Trees', 'Your Tears, My Smile', 'Something Better', 'Ravenous', 'Never Too Loud'.
Van Halen Announce More Tour Dates For 2008
VAN HALEN have announced more 2008 live shows (here *). The band's itinerary is as follows:
January
22 - Oklahoma City, OK - Ford Center
24 - San Antonio, TX - AT&T Center
26 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
28 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
30 - Little Rock, AR - Alltel Center
February
1 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
4 - Omaha, NE - Qwest Center Omaha
6 - Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena *
8 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena
10 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
12 - Sunrise, FL - BankAtlantic Center
14 - Orlando, FL - Amway Arena *
16 - Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
18 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times Forum
20 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - BankAtlantic Center *
22 - Charlottesville, VA - John Paul Jones Arena
25 - Duluth, GA - Gwinnett Arena
March
3 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
5 - Cincinnati, OH - US Bank Arena
7 - Raleigh, NC - RBC Center
9 - Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena
11 - Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena
13 - East Rutherford, NJ - Izod Center
17 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden Arena
19 - Hershey, PA - Giant Center
21 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mellon Arena
24 - Providence, RI - Dunkin' Donuts Center
26 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun
28 - Atlantic City, NJ - Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
30 - Saint Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
April
1 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center
3 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
5 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
7 - Milwaukee, WI - Bradley Center
Take Action! Tickets On Sale, New Tour Dates Added
Tickets for the Hopeless/Sub City Records 2008 Take Action! Tour featuring headliner Every Time I Die, as well as From First To Last, The Bled, August Burns Red, and The Human Abstract are on sale now. An exclusive internet-only pre-sale that began December 10 is now over and tickets for the nationwide tour are now available at all the usual ticket outlets.
The tour, now in its seventh year, will benefit non-profit organization Do Something, a group that gives young people the opportunity to personally help change the world. Putting their money where their mouth is, Do Something distributes weekly $500 grants to young people with an idea about how to make a difference in their community. In 2007 alone, the site issued over $240,000 to young people who are making change in communities across the globe. Last year Do Something reached over 10 million young people, age 25 and under, and helped them take action. More...
Led Zeppelin To Headline Glastonbury 2008
According to Monstersandcritics.com, LED ZEPPELIN are to headline next year's Glastonbury Festival.
The legendary rock group - who played a sensational comeback concert at London's O2 arena earlier this month - will take to the stage for the world-famous musical extravaganza, in Somerset, England, before embarking on an 18-month world tour.
A source close to the band - Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham, who has replaced his late father John Bonham - said: "It will kick off at next year's Glastonbury after Robert has finished touring with American country star ALISON KRAUSS."
Led Zeppelin first inspired Michael Eavis to organise the Glastonbury Festival after he saw the band perform an open air concert in 1970. It has also been reported the rockers plan to return to New York's Madison Square Garden - where they played three historic sell-out concerts in 1973 - as part of the globetrotting tour. Although the group has previously hinted at playing further shows together, there has still been no official announcement.
Earlier this month, frontman Plant said: "It wouldn't be such a bad idea for Led Zeppelin to play together from time to time."
Guitarist Page has previously stated: "It's a bit selfish to do just one show. If that's it, we probably shouldn't have taken the genie out of the bottle."
Mnemic Guitarist Looks Back On 2007
Guitarist Mircea Gabriel Eftemie of the Danish modern metallers MNEMIC has issued the following update:
"We have kept rather quiet since the Danish Metal Awards, which was our last performance for the year 2007, and now it's about time for an update from the cold shores of the north to let all of you know that all is groovy and peachy at the MNEMIC camp."
"2007 was a great year for us. We started touring throughout the United States and Canada, went to Europe, did the UK, Scotland, Holland, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, Slovenia, Russia and of course Denmark. Headlined the Headbanger's Ball tour, supported DEFTONES, and played with none other than METALLICA! We are more than grateful and honored to have experienced these great tours." More...
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