Evergrey Frontman To Guest On New Ayreon CD

AYREON, the brainchild of Dutch guitarist/composer Arjen Lucassen, has posted an audio sample of the next guest singer who will appear on the the band's upcoming album, tentatively due late 2007/early 2008: EVERGREY mainman Tom S. Englund. Other vocalists scheduled to appear on the CD include Ty Tabor (KING'S X), Magali Luyten (VIRUS IV), Simone Simons (EPICA) and Liselotte Hegt (DIAL). A total of fifteen singers have been confirmed to guest on the album, with more to be added.

AYREON's last CD, "Ayreon: The Human Equation", was released in 2004. It contained guest appearances by a number of acclaimed vocalists, including James LaBrie (DREAM THEATER), Mike Baker (SHADOW GALLERY), Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH), Eric Clayton (SAVIOUR MACHINE), Devon Graves (DEADSOUL TRIBE, ex-PSYCHOTIC WALTZ) and Devin Townsend (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD).

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Martyr Confirmed For Maryland Deathfest

Canadian technical death metallers MARTYR have been confirmed for next year’s Maryland Deathfest, set to take place May 23-25 at the Sonar in Baltimore. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

AFGRUND (Sweden)
BEHOLD…THE ARCTOPUS (New York)
COFFINS (Japan)
DEFEATIST (New York)
DERANGED (Sweden)
DISAVOWED (Netherlands)
ENGORGED (Oregon)
FUCK…I'M DEAD (Australia)
GADGET (Sweden)
GHOUL (Creepsylvania)
GRUESOME STUFF RELISH (Spain)
HELLNATION (Kentucky)
IMPALED (California)
INFECTED MALIGNITY (Japan)
KALIBAS (New York)
KEITZER (Germany)
MARTYR (Canada)
MONSTROSITY (Florida)
SLEEP TERROR (California)
SQUASH BOWELS (Poland)
SUBLIME CADAVERIC DECOMPOSITION (France)
THE ARSON PROJECT (Sweden)
THE DAY EVERYTHING BECAME NOTHING (Australia)
TORSOFUCK (Finland)

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Tourniquet To Headline Cornerstone California

Christian thrash metallers TOURNIQUET will headline the Sanctuary Stage at the Cornerstone California festival on Friday, September 28 at Oak Canyon Ranch in Silverado, CA. The band will hit the state at 11:00 p.m. Also scheduled to appear are DEMON HUNTER, EMERY, HASTE THE DAY and MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER, among others.

For more information, visit cornerstonecalifornia.

TOURNIQUET released a live DVD in August 2006, entitled "Till Sverige Med Kärlek" (To Sweden With Love). The disc, which has a running time of over 100 minutes, was recorded on March 12, 2005 at the Bobfest 2005 in Linköping, Sweden, and "is by far the best-quality live TOURNIQUET footage we have ever had — both in terms of the video (four cameras) and audio," the band previously stated. "The crowd was awesome too! There will be songs included that have never been on any live TOURNIQUET video or DVD before — 'The Tomb of Gilgamesh' and 'Skeezix Part II', to name a couple. Also included will be songs from 'Where Moth and Rust Destroy', and of course, some old favorites."

TOURNIQUET is currently working on new studio album, tentatively due in 2008. The band's last studio release, 2003's "Where Moth and Rust Destroy" (Metal Blade), featured special guest appearances by guitarists Marty Friedman (ex-MEGADETH) and Bruce Franklin (TROUBLE).

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Down Release More North American Tour Dates

DOWN — the acclaimed New Orleans band featuring CORROSION OF CONFORMITY guitarist/vocalist Pepper Keenan, drummer Jimmy Bower (EYEHATEGOD, SUPERJOINT RITUAL guitarist), bassist Rex Brown (ex-PANTERA), guitarist Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR), and vocalist Philip Anselmo (SUPERJOINT RITUAL, ex-PANTERA) — will embark on a North American headlining tour beginning late September. Confirmed dates so far are as follows:

Sep. 27 - Reno, NV @ Stoney's
Sep. 28 - San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Sep. 29 - Chico, CA @ Senator Theatre
Oct. 01 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Oct. 02 - Spokane, WA @ Big Easy
Oct. 04 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Oct. 05 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
Oct. 06 - Boise, ID @ Big Easy Concert House
Oct. 11 - Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Club
Oct. 14 - Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom
Oct. 19 - Detroit, MI @ Harpo's
Oct. 27 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
More...

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Prong's Final Track Listing Confirmed

Los Angeles-based industrial metallers PRONG will release their new album, Power Of The Damager, on October 2nd through 13th Planet Records.

The band check in with the following update:

"There is a price to pay for being the first at anything. Prong has been forging their own brutal route since their inception only to see their sound borrowed, perverted or outright stolen. Power Of The Damager is not so much a return to form as it is an aggressive "Call To Arms". A battle cry in which Prong takes on all comers and reclaims their rightful seat at the head of the table.

The latest incarnation of Prong seems to have given new life to Tommy Victor, who rips into every track with the ferocity of a man who has nothing left to prove.

Words drip with an intensity conjured from the depths of the soul, when wisdom and life experience are of little comfort in a world of indifference and suffering. Guitars viciously slice like a razor's edge carving through your insides. There is a sense of focus and intensity on Power Of The Damager solidifying who is the "Student" and who is the "Master".

Monte Pittman (bass) and Aaron Rossi (drums) rise to the occasion and deliver the most punishing rhythm section to ever record under the Prong moniker.

Prong has returned to doing what they do best, and yet somehow it feels like something brand new all over again.

The new album will be out October 2nd, 2007 on 13th Planet - Megaforce Records.

The tracklist for Power Of The Damager is as follows: 'Looking For Them', 'No Justice', 'Third Option', 'Pure Ether', 'Power Of The Damager', 'The Banishment', 'Worst Of It', 'Spirit Guide', 'Messages Inside Of Me', 'Can't Stop The Bleeding', 'Bad Fall', 'Changing Ending Troubling Times'.

More...

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Gang Green To Reissue Titles For Silver Anniversar

In 2007 GANG GREEN celebrates their silver anniversary: 25 years of drinking, partying and infecting the punk/hardcore scene with their twisted music. The band decided to go on an anniversary tour, starting in Texas and covering the States, Europe and Japan. Gang Green also began working on a new album... But today Metal Mind Productions present a re-release of the three Gang Green's albums: You Got It, Older… Budweiser and Can't Live Without It.

You Got It, released back in 1987, is still considered to be one of the best offerings by the Boston group, beginning the most fruitful period in their whole career, including songs like 'We'll Give It to You' and 'Born To Rock', which are always present in Gang Green's live repertoire. The album still surprises the listeners with fresh, catchy compositions which to this day remain a genuine party material.

Older… Budweiser was a follow-up to the successful You Got It LP. The musical style continued to venture towards metal-oriented regions, but still remained true to the band's hardcore/punk roots. The album, released in 1989, featured some of the best tracks in the band's whole career - 'We Can Go', 'Just One Bullet' and 'Bedroom Of Doom' are still played on gigs nowadays. Today Older… Budweiser hasn't lost anything from its effectiveness, showcasing the band in its best form and contributing to the most fruitful era of Gang Green's history. New remastered edition of the album includes bonus tracks taken from the I81B4U EP !

Can't Live Without It - a recording of a stunning performance the band gave at the Marquee Club in London, UK on the 25th of February, 1990. The set covered all of Gang Green's greatest hits, from the classic tracks such as 'Rabies' and the extremely popular 'Alcohol' to newer material from the albums You Got It from 1987 and Older… Budweiser from 1989. The line-up featured a new bassist Josh Pappe (ex-D.R.I.), who replaced Joe Gittleman. Overall, the show was an unforgettable experience and showcased all the strongest points of the band's music. You can surely say that this is Gang Green at its best! The new remastered edition of the album includes 2 bonus tracks.

Classic material from Roadrunner Records archives in a new digipak editions. All titles, re-issued on golden discs, are remastered using 24-bit process and limited to numerated 2000 copies. Release date: September 10th in Europe and on October 30th in USA (via MVD).

Check out the tracklistings at metalmind productions

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Carnal Grief Post Video For 'Information Feed'

Sweden's CARNAL GRIEF have issued the following brief update:

"Yep, we have recorded a music video for the song 'Information Feed'. It was shot, edited and directed by Dino Medanhodzic.

'Information Feed' is featured on Carnal Grief's latest album, Nine Shades Of Pain, released in North America last March via Crash Music Inc.

The 'Information Feed' clip can be found in the "Video" section at Carnal Grief's myspace.

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Enslaved's Grutle Kjellson To DJ Hole In The Sky

The 2007 Hole In The Sky festival (holeinthesky.no) is scheduled for August 22nd - 25th in Bergen, Norway, with a kick-off party scheduled for Tuesday, August 21st.

Organizers check in with the following: "The world famous rock 'n roll rebel and talented fishing fanatic, Grutle Kjellson of ENSLAVED will play his favourite prog records before and after LASSE MARHAUG, MONOLITHIC and SHINING has destroyed your hearing. In other words, don't miss out on our fantastic Hole In The Sky kick-off this coming Tuesday."

Hole In The Sky festival lineup:

Wednesday, August 22nd: Day Of Possession - IMMOLATION, MANNGARD, THE BATALLION, HELLDIVER, SLAVIA.

Thursday, August 23rd: Suffer The Sky - NAPALM DEATH, SECRETS OF THE MOON, VREID, BLOOD TSUNAMI, DEATHCON.

Friday, August 24th: Hole In The Wall - TESTAMENT, MAYHEM, ENTOMBED, BELPHEGOR, ANAAL NATHRAKH, MELECHESH.

Saturday, August 25th: Unsilent Storms - IMMORTAL, KREATOR, SABBAT, DESTRÔYER 666, BLOODTHORN
NIFELHEIM.

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Pain Cancel Summer Rocks Open Air Appearance

PAIN, featuring HYPOCRISY frontman/founder Peter Tägtgren, have issued the following update from Peter:

"We're sorry to announce that Pain have been forced to cancel the Summer Rocks Open Air Festival 2007 in Istanbul on August 19th, 2007.

Due to the promotors failure to pay the deposit in time with no further explanation of this failure, our booking agent Helter Skelter didn't want to take the chance and withdrew Pain from the festival.

We still hope to visit Turkey soon and and we hope the painheads in Istanbul will understand..."

Upcoming Pain dates include:

August
31 - Rock The Lake Festival - Carinthia, Austria

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Shadowside Win International Music Contest

SHADOWSIDE have won the All Things Digital Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Artist Contest run by AirPlay Direct, Vigilante Music, Inside Strategy and Indianapolis Metal Fest.

For Dani Nolden, Shadowside's lead singer, this prize crowns the success they have been achieving in North America.

“We’re really proud of winning this. We didn’t expect a Brazilian band would come out as the winner, due to the distance. Bands worldwide entered the contest and that makes everything even more important. Before we were even notified of the victory, we were already receiving lots of messages on MySpace congratulating us, which demonstrates the exposition this competition had. This is wonderful to us!”

Throughout the month of July, AirPlay Direct, Vigilante Music, Inside Strategy and Indianapolis Metal Fest reviewed material from all the bands until the winner’s choice. As a prize, Shadowside will receive a promo campaign in North America and Europe, as well as performing on Indianapolis Metal Fest on September 22nd in Indianapolis, IN.

It’s worth mentioning Shadowside entered the contest with songs 'Highlight', 'Here To Stay' and 'Red Storm', tracks from the Theatre of Shadows album.

Also, Shadowside announce the addition of guitarist Raphael “Micheaut” Mattos. He replaces Bill Shadow, who left for personal reasons and not having music as priority.

“We have no problems with him whatsoever, we’re all still friends and everything happened in the most pacific way possible. Bill called me, talked about how he was feeling and decided he wanted to go for something else in his life. We wish him the best and welcome Raphael, an extremely easy-going, fun guy and insane guitarist! He has an amazingly heavy style and is the perfect musicians for us, I’m pretty sure our fans will be gobsmacked with him!”

Shadowside’s current lineup is Dani Nolden (vocals), Raphael Mattos (guitars), Fernando Peto (bass) and Fabio Buitvidas (drums). As of this moment, the quartet goes on with the pre-production of the new album, with a scheduled fall 2008 release.

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Dead To This World Post New Track Online

DEAD TO THIS WORLD, the speed/thrash/black metal project led by former IMMORTAL bassist Iscariah, have updated their MySpace page to stream their new track, 'Shadows Of The Cross'. Check it out here.

The band recently inked a deal with Dark Essence Records, and are putting the final touches on their upcoming debut, First Strike For Spiritual Renewance, due out on November 19th.

According to a press release the album is "a fine piece of pitch black thrash metal that will blow your head straight off!"

Drumming duties are handled by ex-GORGOROTH drummer, Kvitrafn, while ex-OLD FUNERAL guitarist and THE BATTALION chieftain Stud Bronson appear on guest vocals.

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Jungle Rot To Play Hometown Show

Wisconsin-based death metallers JUNGLE ROT have issued the following update:

"The Rot is playing at the Hattrix on September 1st with other Kenosha-based death metal group CROWN OF CONSEQUENCE. Be sure to get there!

Also, don't forget to check out other upcoming dates on our myspace.

A previous update from the band reads: "We are no longer obligated to Crash Music Inc. and are seeking a new label home. Contact jrotbass@hotmail.com.

Neil Zacharek left the band in May to focus on his family. Former drummer Eric House has re-joined the fold.

We've secured the direct support slot for the upcoming MASSACRE Re-Animated tour! Here are some dates:

Re-Animated Tour (with MASSACRE, DENIAL FIEND, more)
October
26 - K17 - Berlin, Germany
27 - TBA - Denmark
28 - TBA - Kopenhagen, Denmark
29 - N8 - Osnabruck, Germany
30 - Alte Spinnerei - Glauchau, Germany
31 - TBA - Germany

November
1 - Live Factory - Adelsheim, Germany
2 - TBA - Holland
3 - Metropolis - Munchen, Germany
4 - Kulturhaus - Althofen, Austria
5 - TBA - Austria
6 - TBA - Austria
7 - TBA - Switzerland
8 - TBA - Italy
9 - An Club - Athens, Greece
10 - Transilvania Live - Milano, Italy
11 - TBA - France
12 - La Loco - Paris, France
13 - The Garage - Saarbrucken, Germany
14 - TBA - Holland
15 - TBA - Belgium

We've been writing new songs lately and getting ideas down for the next record which we hope to have out by early 2008. Some of the new song titles are 'Nerve Gas Catastrophe', 'On The Front Lines', 'What Horrors Await' and 'God Forgives, I Don't'. We're liking the direction on the new material and things are sounding real good."

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Leonardo Dicaprio Hand Picks Metal Tracks

Leonardo Dicaprio has hand picked songs by Southern Lord Recording artists KHANATE and TOADLIQUOR for the soundtrack of his forthcoming film/documentary 11th Hour.

11th Hour is a documentary concerning the environmental crises caused by human actions and calls for restorative action through a reshaping of human activity.

The Khanate track, 'Torching Koroviev' (from their S/T debut album) and Toadliquor track, 'Charred' (from their eponymous album The Hortators Lament) can be heard during the opening montage over the main title early in the film.

11th Hour opens in LA and New York theaters on August 17th.

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Municipal Waste Interviews Sacred Reich Frontman

It's old thrash versus new thrash this weekend when bassist Landphil of thrashtastic party band MUNICIPAL WASTE meets bassist and vocalist Phil Rind of classic thrashers SACRED REICH for a tête-à-tête while taking over "Breakfast at Talita's" this Sunday, August 19 on www.totalrock.com. From 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon U.K. time Landphil will be behind the controls at Totalrock taking requests live on the air and talking to Phil Rind. "It was a total honor to meet Phil from SACRED REICH," said Landphil. "We are part of a very elite 'Thrash Metal Bassists Named Phil' club, haha! He was a nice guy and I hope we get to hang out again soon!"

E-mail questions to Landphil live at studio@totalrock.com this Sunday.

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Tommy Lee Claims To Be "Over Rock Music"

Clubplanet.com recently conducted an interview with MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

Clubplanet.com: Tommy, was there a moment where you first fell in love with electronic music, and is there a split between rock and dance fans who come to see you DJ?

Tommy Lee: At our L.A. Forum gig, there were 6,000 people, and everyone was dancing their asses off! I've always loved dance music, even back in the disco era.

Clubplanet.com: Which DJs do you like?

Lee: I like Benny Benassi, Adam Freeland, Erick Morillo…Erick and I've done a couple of things together. I can't believe it's such a shock that I like dance music, because any time I've done anything with drums, I've always incorporated electro shit, always, always, always! When I'm at home, dance music is all I listen to! I'm actually kinda over rock music…

Clubplanet.com: Tommy, did you just say you're over rock?

Lee: I really am! If I sit-down to write a song, it's definitely gonna have beats…but, just the old drum sound or cheesy rock guitars…I'm just like, ugh! I'm just tired of the same-ole.

Clubplanet.com: If electronic music producers can incorporate rock guitars and other rock-inspired sounds into their dance music, why can't a rock star play electronic music, right?

Lee: Totally! You know what I just heard today? It's a band from Australia called SILVERCHAIR; they're a rock band and I heard it from radio. They have a track called "Straight Lines", and it's a remix waiting to happen!

Clubplanet.com: When did you first become inspired to dabble in electronic dance music?

Lee: I think working on the METHODS OF MAYHEM project, which was a hybrid, rock-techno-industrial-metal thing…I wanted to combine all of those styles and put them on one record. I had everyone from Snoop Dogg to the guy from the CRYSTAL METHOD, to Kid Rock, to George Clinton, to the WU-TANG CLAN! That project was in '99-2000. I didn't just wanna be this one-dimensional "rock guy."

Clubplanet.com: Tommy, is there an aspect of DJing that satisfies you as a musician, whereas you don't find the same fulfillment playing in a band?

Lee: Yeah, it's the sounds. You sit there and you play a rock concert, and it's loud 'n' banging. But the electronic sound hits so much harder and there's something about the bass [in electronic music] that freaks me out! If you go to a club, you'll find me standing in front of the sub-woofers! [laughs] That's something that comes from DJing that I don't get from playing rock music, that big bass and gorgeous analog sound. Those sounds don't come from drums or guitars…those sounds only come from electronic drums or synthesizers! It's a whole new set of sounds you can't get with a rock band. Listen, I love rock. But with electronic, I get to taste all the flavors.

Clubplanet.com: I never would've thought Tommy Lee was such an electronic music enthusiast. Do you mind being called a "celebrity DJ?"

Lee: [moans] I fucking hate the celeb-DJ shit. My feelings get hurt. Some stupid tabloid mentioned me and Lindsay Lohan as being "celebrity DJs." Don't even put her with me in the same sentence.

Clubplanet.com: Tommy, do you ever feel as though people doubt your sincerity as a DJ?

Lee: I'm not DJing for any other reason than because I love it! When I'm sitting at a drum machine making beats, I'm in my happiest state ever. I could literally die. My close friends who come see us DJ, they're like, "Dude, when you DJ, you go into your own world!" That's true.

Clubplanet.com: Is there a downside to your fame when you're DJing?

Lee: Well, you've got the MÖTLEY fans, you've got the Tommy Lee fans, and the dance kids in there. I like it, because it's been my goal to get everyone to have fun together. I'd be so much happier if all the cameras were put away, though. Sometimes, the lighting guys are like, "What kind of lights do you want?" I'm like, "Please do not put a spotlight on me!" If I don't get a chance to tell them before the show and they put a bright spotlight on me, I ask [my tour manager] to put the spotlight on the kids.

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Kataklysm Confirm Australian Tour

KATAKLYSM have officially confirmed their first Australian tour, that will also hit New Zealand, late March 2008.

"The band is extremely thrilled to finally play for their Aussie fans, expect an electrifying live set that Kataklysm is known for. As many as eight shows are planned, dates to be released in the coming weeks... stay tuned!"

As previously reported, the band are entering the studio this week with producer and guitarist J-F Dagenais. Drummer Max Duhamel will be first laying down the drum work for the band's forthcoming new album, entitled Prevail. The recording process will last five weeks, with vocalist Maurizio Iacono scheduled to record his vocals in September.

Comments Maurizio: "The album is done and ready to go, although it was a breeze to write this album as things came so naturally, on the lyrics end, I worked the hardest I have in years making sure everything is where it should be, at times it was real difficult but the end result will speak for itself. I'm truely convinced this album will take no prisoners, as you know we don't repeat the same record twice, this album stands in a league of its own... and I'm not saying it's our best album, because only the fans have the right to say wether it is or not, all I'm saying is I listen to the songs and I wanna punch the fucking wall, that means we are on to something good."

Kataklysm has also hired the services of producer Jason Suecof (CHIMAIRA, TRIVIUM, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER) to mix the album in early January, 2008,

Prevail will also feature some guest appearances, to be announced at a later date.

The album is scheduled for a worldwide release date on May 23rd, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records.

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Blaze Bayley Announces Tour Dates

BLAZE BAYLEY (ex-IRON MAIDEN) has lined up the following live dates:

August
24 - Patriot Games Rock Festival at Monmouth Showground - Monmouth, England (acoustic date)

September
9 - Rock Of Ages Festival at The Palace - Tamworth, England
15 - Little Civic - Wolverhampton, England (acoustic date)
16 - TBA - England (acoustic date)
17 - Wrexham Station - Wrexham, England (acoustic date)
18 - Camden Underworld - London, England (acoustic date)

November
23 - Rio - Leeds, England
25 - Bierkeller - Bristol, England

December
8 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland (Big Bash 2007)
15 - JBs - Dudley, England (Big Bash 2007)

As previously reported, Metal Mind Productions will be releasing the first Blaze Bayley DVD, Alive In Poland, in North America on August 28th according to the label's new press release. It was originally scheduled for an October release. A preview of the track 'Alive' is available in the video section of the official Metal Mind Productions MySpace page and at this location.

The DVD was recorded during the 21st edition of the Metalmania Festival, which took place on April 24th in Katowice, Poland. Blaze and his band performed for over an hour and a half, presenting the best tracks from his discography as well as select tracks from his previous band, Iron Maiden ('Man On The Edge', 'Futureal').

The DVD will also include many great bonus features such as an interview with Blaze Bayley, an interview with all members of Blaze's band (featuring footage filmed during their visit to Poland) and more. The title will also be available in a limited edition including a CD with songs recorded at the concert.

Alive In Poland DVD tracklist is as follows: 'Intro','Speed Of Light', 'The Brave', 'Futureal', 'Alive', 'Tough As Steel', 'Man On The Edge', 'Virus', 'Ten Seconds', 'Two Worlds Collide', 'Look For The Truth', 'Kill And Destroy', 'Silicon Messiah', 'Tenth Dimension', 'Sign Of The Cross', 'Born As A Stranger'. Bonus video: 'Hollowhead' video clip.

Also featured: Photo gallery, Biography, Discography, Desktop images, Weblinks, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.

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Vixen To Release Live Album

VIXEN's Live In Sweden CD is due for release on October 8th via Castle.

A press release reads: Vixen is undoubtedly one of the best-known, ‘all-girl’ US rock bands of the 1980s and 90s as well as being one of the leading exponents of what is now being described as ‘hair rock’.

They were also one of the bands that crossed over into the mainstream with hits like 'Love Is A Killer' and 'Edge Of A Broken Heart' being used extensively on a multitude of rock compilations.

Jan Kuehnemund formed the band in Minnesota at the beginning of the 1980s, relocating to LA and recruiting the line-up that recorded their two studio albums, Vixen (1988) and Rev It Up (1990).

By 1991, however, the band had called it a day. In 2001 Jan reunited with three of the former Vixen members to participate in the Voices Of Metal tour, featuring VINCE NEIL of MÖTLEY CRÜE. Due to various difficulties the band split midway through the shows and Jan faced the difficult choice of either recruiting new members and continuing or giving up Vixen forever. By taking the first choice and going through hectic auditions, recommendations and rehearsals she was able to continue the Voices Of Metal tour with the new line-up of Jenna Sanz-Agero (vocals), Lynne Louise Lowrey (bass) and Kat Kraft (drums). The chemistry was immediately obvious and this line-up continues to the present day.

In 2005 Vixen went back out on the road, this time in Europe. A short stint in the UK kicked off the tour (with their friends GIRLSCHOOL as special guests). They then headlined the Sweden stage at the Sweden Rock Festival where, coincidentally, Vince Neil was once more fronting Mötley Crüe. The show was a great success and thankfully recorded for posterity for what is, amazingly, Vixen’s first ever live album.

Live In Sweden proves that Vixen is not only a pretty face but also a vibrant, powerful rock act with the ability to deliver a powerhouse performance.

Live In Sweden features live recordings of the hit tracks, 'Love Is A Killer' and 'Edge Of A Broken Heart'. Vixen will be returning to the UK for a tour in November and will also be making an appearance at the Hard Rock Hell Winter Ball.

Stay tuned for further details.

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High On Fire Working On New Video

High On Fire is currently in Los Angeles, CA working on the first music video for their upcoming full-length, "Death Is This Communion." The video is for the track “Rumors of War" and is being directed/produced by Soren (Unearth, Cephalic Carnage).

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Facedown Fest East Coast Announced

Facedown Records will be taking their Facedown Fest to the East Coast on September 29th at the Mt. Oak UMC in Bowie, Maryland. The show begins at 3pm and admission is $20. The following performances are schedule:

War Of Ages
Inked In Blood
xLooking Forwardx
Kingston Falls
Remove The Veil
Seventh Star
Sleeping Giant
Alove For Enemies
Bloodlined Calligraphy
Bloody Sunday
A Plea For Purging
Means

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Beneath The Massacre on Metal Injection, New Tour

Metal Injection.net has posted a brand new video interview with BENEATH THE MASSACRE frontman Elliot Desgagnes, which is available here, along with a live clip. The interview was conducted at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival earlier this spring, which marked the band's first show in America.

Continuing to support the band's full-length debut, Mechanics of Dysfunction, BENEATH THE MASSACRE will hit the road as a support act for labelmates THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD's headlining tour along with As Blood Runs Black and Ion Dissonance. Afterwards, BENEATH THE MASSACRE will then head out alongside Behemoth, Job For A Cowboy and labelmates GOJIRA this fall, having already shared the stage on tours with Animosity and the Summer Slaughter tour in support of Mechanics of Dysfunction.

Here are the latest BENEATH THE MASSACRE tour dates: More...

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Five Finger Death Punch Interviewed On UVTV

Ivan Moody, lead vocalist of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, chatted with Underground Video Television (UVTV) recently during the Family Values tour stop in Saratoga Springs NY. Ivan describes how the project & band came to be, how he got involved & shopping for a record deal. The UVTV “In Their Own Words” feature with Ivan Moody can be seen at the UVTV website.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is a Los Angeles-based band featuring ex-W.A.S.P. guitarist Darrell Roberts, former MOTOGRATER vocalist Ivan Moody (Ghost), ex-U.P.O. guitarist Zoltan Bathory, former DEADSETT bassist Matt Snell, and drummer Jeremy Spencer. Their debut cd “The Way Of The Fist” (The Firm Music) is available now.

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Whitesnake Frontman To Appear On Dickinson Show

A new series of BBC Radio Two's Masters Of Rock begins on August 23rd at 10 pm (GMT}. According to the Beeb:
"IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson returns with another series devoted to classic, contemporary and obscure hard rock and metal. He kicks off the series with David Coverdale who, in the mid-70s, replaced DEEP PURPLE lead singer Ian Gillan before settling into a long-standing on-and-off career with WHITESNAKE. Coverdale discusses his colourful career."

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Skinlab Signs With Crash Music

Veteran San Francisco Bay Area metallers SKINLAB have inked a two-album deal with Crash Music Inc. The group will spend the months of November and December at Trident Studio with producer Juan Urteaga recording its new full-length album for an early 2008 release.

Commented frontman Steev Esquivel: "We are very pleased to sign with Crash Music. They have shown tons of interest in SKINLAB. We're excited about the future of SKINLAB and look forward to making a new crushing album!!" Crash Music president Mark Nawara added, "We are very thrilled to be working with SKINLAB and look forward to a solid future together."

In other news, SKINLAB has announced the addition of guitarist Julian Peach, formerly of DECEMBER, as the replacement for Glen Telford.

As previously reported, SKINLAB has set "Now That You're One of Us" as the title of its upcoming DVD. The group also recorded a live album on June 3 at The Metro in Oakland, California. Both releases are expected sometime in 2008.

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Warrior Soul's U.K. Tour Dates Announced

Legendary frontman Kory Clarke will take his newest version of WARRIOR SOUL on a small U.K. tour starting in October. This version of WARRIOR SOUL will perform a couple of its newest tracks live for the very first time.

Clarke was recently arrested and released on charges of aggravated assault and looks forward to getting back on the road to play these new songs live to his rabid fan base. Clarke's touring schedule in the U.K. will not be interrupted because of his arrest and all paperwork has been cleared for his arrival for customs.

WARRIOR SOUL's new demo tracks have many labels pounding on their door looking to sign the group. Management believes a deal will be inked in the coming months and the highly anticipated new WARRIOR SOUL CD will be released in the summer of 2008.

WARRIOR SOUL tour dates:

Oct. 19 - Cathouse - Glasgow, Scotland
Oct. 20 - The Woolpack - Doncaster, England
Oct. 21 - Junktion 7 - Nottingham, England
Oct. 22 - Purple Turtle - London, England

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Live To Die Post New Rough-Cut Track Online

Brunkswick, MD's Live to Die has released a rough copy of "The Weak and the Wounded," featuring their recently announced vocalist Brian Neal (Benemortasia/ Ex-A False Hope). The new track can be found on the band's MySpace page. The song will be part of the forthcoming demo due sometime next month.

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Amon Amarth DVD Certified Gold

Sweden's very own Viking metal masters Amon Amarth have just received a gold award for sales in the US on their first ever DVD, "Wrath of the Norsemen," which came out May 30th, 2006. The band's label, Metal Blade Records, comments "This is not only an amazing accomplishment for the band and the label but for metalheads everywhere! It’s not often our genre sees numbers recognized by the RIAA for sales so we could not be happier to not only have accomplished this but to have reached this milestone in just over a years time."

"Wrath of the Norsemen" features footage from a show in Cologne from 2005 filmed with 11 cameras. This was the longest show Amon Amarth has ever played (23 songs). Bonus footage includes interviews, behind-the-scenes of the DVD recording and footage filmed around the Cologne show.

Discs 2 and 3 feature professionally filmed shows from Summer Breeze 2005, the Metal Blade Rrroooaaarrr 2005 (a show with a really unusual set list), Wacken Open Air 2004 and the release show for Fates Of Norns in Ludwigsburg (Germany) in 2004.

The band is currently finishing up an exceedingly successful run on this summers Sounds of the Underground tour and will then head back to Europe to perform at the Summer Breeze festival with a complete Viking ship onstage. The performance at Summer Breeze will be followed up by a European tour with Dimmu Borgir. Amon Amarth will then return to the States this fall for a headline tour - dates and support bands to be announced soon.

The band was awarded their plaques towards the end of their set by Brian Slagel himself at the LA stop of Sounds of the Underground in Irvine CA on Saturday August 4th at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. It was definitely a busy day of interviews, photo shoots, and celebrating for the band not to mention the spectacular live set they put on for the fans.

Joining the band for their photo shoot session was Brian Slagel -Owner/CEO of Metal Blade Records and Tim Borror of The Agency Group and one of the founders of the Sounds of the Underground tour.

Here’s what the band and Brian Slagel (Owner/CEO) of Metal Blade Records had to say about this amazing feat: More...

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Soilwork Endorsed By NASCAR Racer, Speed Checks In

Soilwork vocalist Speed checks in with a less than speedy (I couldn't resist) report on the last few months recording in Vancouver with Devin Townsend:

4/22
"It's Speed.. I'm reporting to you from the lovely town of Vancouver where I'm currently being held prisoner in Mr.Devin Townsend's dungeon. The vocal recording is going great! It feels really good teaming up once again with Devin, 5 years have passed since we worked together on the Natural Born Chaos album, can't believe it..

Well, he sure knows how to get the best out of my voice. He really knows what buttons to push to bring my personality to the forefront, even though he smells like ass and haven't showered since i arrived.
We're more than halfway through the album after 8 days of work and I truly feel it's my best performance ever.

He definately knows how singers feel, being stucked in a vocal booth for 2 weeks screaming their lungs out, so he has provided me with an amp and a couple of guitars that i can jam with during breaks, awesome..i thank him for that.. We'll keep you updated the coming days.."

5/5
"I´m back in Sweden now after finishing the vocals. I had a blast recording the vox with Devin, even though i pulled three muscles on the side of my torso from all the singing..crazy! Well, I tell you, i'm very pleased with the result! Thanx a bunch Dev for a good time in Vancouver!

In order to get some rest, i went to Phoenix before heading back home.
I also had the chance to go to Tucson and watch Nascar. My dear friend and Soilwork fan Stormin' Ron Norman was racing and won that night, what a blast! He has one big Soilwork sticker on both sides of his car, so i can proudly announce the official Soilwork Mobile! Check out the pics...

We'll be back shortly...

Peace, Speed"

The pics he talks about are posted here. He has followed up with some promising news on the upcoming video which will be for the song "Exile". The video recording will take place in Gothenburg. More to come...

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Demiricous Post Home Video Collage Online

If you are into Jackass and thrash metal, check out the video collage of the Demiricous guys' shenanigans over the past few years.

Here’s what the band says about the video:
"It's a collection of footage that we’ve have gathered over the years of the stupid shit we do. It dates back to when we first started the band in 2001 through some of the tours we've done up till now. Since we've had tons of down time I decided to throw some shit together for anyone who's interested. It's got a small sample of a new song in there too! It's all about a good time and I'll keep posting more videos as soon as possible. Thanks! -Nate" More...

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Saosin, Norma Jean, Alexisonfire Tour Dates

Saosin, Norma Jean, and Alexisonfire will team up for a tour this fall. Confirmed tour dates include:

10/1 Fresno, CA @ The Rainbow Ballroom
10/2 Hollywood, CA @ Avalon
10/4 Anaheim, CA @ The Grove
10/5 San Diego, CA @ SOMA
10/6 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
10/7 Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
10/9 San Antonio, TX @ The White Rabbit
10/10 Houston, TX @ Meridian
10/11 Austin, TX @ Emos
10/12 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
10/13 Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
10/15 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
10/16 Tallahassee, FL @ Beta Bar
10/17 St. Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Landing
10/18 Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
10/19 Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues
10/20 Jacksonville, FL @ Fuel
10/21 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade

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