Lord Plans Extensive Australian Tour

Sydney metal band Lord will be embarking on an extensive tour of Australia with a brief trip to Japan planned. The tour is in support of their “Return of the Tyrant” EP, due for release in the coming months, is focused around a 10 minute track of the the same name full of piratey singalongs, which is a sequel to Dungeon’s (the band that dissolved, and spawned Lord) popular “Tarranno Del Mar.” And there will also be a bunch of covers and interpretations that will be announced soon.

Here are the latest tour dates:

August 13th – Newtown, Notes (18+)
August 27th – Wollongong, The Ox (18+)
August 28th – Canberra, The Maram (18+)
September 11th – Darwin, Brown’s Mart Theatre (Lic/AA)
September 16th – Sydney, The Annandale Hotel (18+)
September 17th – Melbourne, East Brunswick Club (18+)
October 2nd – Cairns, Kuranda Theatre (Lic/AA)
October 8th – Tokyo, Holiday (with Doro and Jaded Heart)
October 10th – Nagoya, Holiday (with Doro and Jaded Heart)
October 11th – Osaka, Holiday (with Doro and Jaded Heart)
October 29th – Sydney, The Gaelic (18+)
October 30th – Newcastle, Club Led (18+)
November 5th – Broken Hill, Theatre Royal (AA Afternoon show)
November 5th – Broken Hill, Theatre Royal (18+)
November 6th – Adelaide, Uni Bar (Lic/AA)
November 19th – Perth, Rocket Room (18+)
November 20th – Perth, The Civic Hotel (18+)
November 26th – Brisbane, Rosies (18+)
November 27th – Rockhampton, The Anchor Hotel (18+)
December 3rd – Merrylands, Hyland Road Youth Centre (AA)

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Finland's Sonisphere Festival Ruined By Storm

AFP reports: A severe thunderstorm hit the Sonisphere heavy metal music festival in southwestern Finland Sunday, injuring dozens and damaging the equipment of several bands including Motley Crue, organisers said.

"A severe thunderstorm hit (the) Sonisphere Festival in Pori, Finland this afternoon at approximately 4:00 pm (1300 GMT)," the organisers said in a statement.

"Strong freak wind gusts damaged the stages and knocked down tents and fences. Approximately 40 people were injured, two of them seriously," the statement said, adding that those hurt had been taken to hospital for treatment. More...

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Behemoth Cancels All 2010 Tour Dates

Behemoth frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski has posted a message online describing his recent health and how it has affected the band's plans for the rest of the year. A message posted on The Gauntlet reads as follows:

"I do not want to bore you with details, but I can no longer hide the fact that I am seriously ill and waiting for my multi-stage treatment, which can take up to several months. Thus, we have not choice but to cancel the coming summer festivals, planned for September and October tour of Russia and the Baltic States and the November tour of the USA. I've got a rather difficult period, and a lot of work but I became hardened in the fire, is not it? You know me, so that you know that out of this I will become stronger than ever. We will then rebook all the concerts and return with greater momentum. At this time, I feel good, my head is ready to fight the disease, everything is under the control of professionals. I have with me the most wonderful and loving woman, family, team, managers and people from publishing companies who are doing everything to support me. I do ask of you just a little bit of patience. I would add that the fact that in the near future we will not be touring but will not be in hibernation. We have a lot to offer you in the coming months, Behemoth will be working on many other fronts. In coming days expect release of our latest clip "Alas, Lord Is Upon Me." Ensures that this is the most perfect, the most provocative and stimulating I have ever made a picture. In addition, we will finish work on the DVD release "Evangelia Heretika" which will be released in November of this year. We will keep you informed about what is happening in our camp. Horns Up!"

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Helheim Announces New EP Tracklisting

Norway extreme metallers Helheim have announced details regarding the band's upcoming EP "Asgards Fall." "Asgards Fall" is planned for release in late October and is set to include five tracks: four new recordings and a remake of the song "Jernskogen."

"Asgards Fall" tracklisting:
1. Dualitet og Ulver
2. Jernskogen
3. Helheim Part
4. Asgards Fall 1
5. Asgards Fall 2

The EP preceeds the release of the band's next full length, "Heidindomr ok Motgang," which is due out in early 2011.

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The Acacia Strain To Tour With Terror

The Acacia Strain has announced that they will be heading out on a headlining tour of this October. Joining them on the trek will be hardcore favourites Terror, as well as The Red Chord and The Contortionist. The dates for the run are expected to be revealed shortly.

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Headline News

Behemoth Frontman Hospitalized

Several polish media outlets are reporting that Adam "Nergal" Darski, vocalist of the Polish death metal act Behemoth, has been rushed to hospital for immediate medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. It was reported on August 5th, 2010 that Behemoth would have to cancel their scheduled appearance at this year's Sonisphere Festival to do "health issues." Adam Darski was admitted to Gdansk Medical University Hospital to receive emergency treatment. Polish media are also reporting that manager Jaroslaw Burdek and fellow Behemoth band members had reportedly claimed Nergal's condition was seen as "serious."

According to se.pl Adam "Nergal" Darski was sent to the Haematology Branch of Gdansk Medical University Hospital. Haematology is the practice of medicine relating to blood and bone marrow disorders.

All future touring plans are currently on hold, until further information is released.

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Halcyon Way Reveals New Album Details

"Building The Towers," the new release from Nightmare Records recording artist Halcyon Way has been slated for a U.S. release on October 12th, 2010. The follow up release to 2008’s "A Manifesto For Domination" will be the band’s first release to feature new vocalist Steve Braun, known for his work with Italian act Ashent. Lasse Lammert, who worked on the last several Alestorm releases, produced the album alongside guitarist Jon Bodan.

The track listing for the album is as follows:

1. Rise To Revise
2. Death Of A Dream
3. The Age Of Betrayal
4. The System
5. Inversion
6. Mouth Without A Head
7. Desecration Day
8. Icon Of Resolution
9. Inside Looking Out (The Icon & The Ghost)
10. Building The Towers

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Aldebaran Issues Album Update

Portland's Aldebaran has issued the following brief update about the recording process for the "Buried Beneath Aeons," the band's new album: "Buried... now being mixed. All the recording is complete and we are now working on the mix. The layout is basically done so once the mix is complete this will go to press!" You can also check out Aldebaran's music through the band's MySpace page.

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Cephalic Carnage Uploads New Song

Cephalic Carnage has posted a new song titled "The Incorrigible Flame" as a video teaser for the band's upcoming album "Misled By Certainty" through MetalInjection.net. The video clip can be found below. "Misled By Certainty" is set for an August 31st North American release date and September 6th internationally.

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DevilDriver Posts Sixth Video Series Clip

DevilDriver has posted online the sixth segment in the 25 part "You May Know Us From The Stage" video series. The new edition, titled "Mike Spreitzer," can be viewed below.

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Hate Ammo Splits With Bassist

Hate Ammo has checked in with the following update about parting ways with bassist Olov Norberg and recruiting new member Martin Pudas:

"Olov Norberg has decided to leave the band due to personal stuff. We thank you for the time you put into Hate Ammo during the past 2 years. We will also give a big welcome to our new bass grinder, Martin Pudas (also in Daemonicus) Expect some new stuff such as new myspace, homepage, new tracks etc. in a short time."

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Dave Mustaine Discusses New Book

Nick Aveling of Canada's National Post spoke to Megadeth's Dave Mustaine last week about the new book, "Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir." Footage from the interview can be viewed below.

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Valkyrja Updates "Great Northern War" Tour

Sweden's Valkyrja has issued the following statement about updating the "Great Northern War 2010" tour:

"Some changes has been made, - some shows added, some removed - but below is the finalized tour schedule of the September mayhem to sweep across your pointless soil. Attend, armed to the teeth and burning in frenzy!"

The details are as follows:

01.09.2010 (POL) Poznan / Blue Note
02.09.2010 (POL) Wroclaw / Madness
03.09.2010 (GER) Crispendorf / Wolfszeit Festival
04.09.2010 (GER) Essen / Turock
05.09.2010 (BEL) Brugge / Het Entrepot
06.09.2010 (HOL) Tilburg / o13
07.09.2010 (DEN) Aarhus / Voxhall
08.09.2010 (DEN) Copenhagen / The Rock
09.09.2010 (NOR) Oslo / Betong
10.09.2010 (SWE) Goteborg / Parken
11.09.2010 (SWE) Stockholm / Klubben
12.09.2010 (SWE) Ostersund / Tingshuset
14.09.2010 (FIN) Oulu / Nuclear
15.09.2010 (FIN) Jyvaskyla / Lutakko
16.09.2010 (FIN) Helsinki / Dante's Highlight
17.09.2010 (LAT) Liepaja / Fontaine Palace
18.09.2010 (LIT) Vilnius / Mulen Ruzas

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Secrets Of The Moon Announces Three Vinyl Releases

Germany's Secrets Of The Moon has announced three vinyl releases will be available on September 3rd. The pre-order for the vinyl albums can be found here. Secrets of the Moon also issued the following statement explaining the details of the releases:

"1. 'Them Bones / This Inner Soil' gatefold vinyl single This 7" single contains two previously unreleased songs: the Alice In Chains cover version 'Them Bones,' recorded during the 'Privilegivm' sessions, and the original track 'This Inner Soil' from the 'Antithesis' sessions. This single is released in a noble, elaborate gatefold cover and is limited to 500 copies.

"2. 'Antithesis' gatefold 2LP Secrets Of The Moon's third studio album 'Antithesis' (2006) will be available on vinyl for the first time. This album will be released as a double LP in gatefold format and will contain the previously unreleased bonus track 'Father.' Limited to 500 copies!

"3. 'The Ambience Of A Dead Star' 12" mini album Another first-time release on vinyl will be the mini album 'The Ambience Of A Dead Star,' thus far only available as bonus CD to the deluxe edition of 'Carved In Stigmata Wounds' (2004). The artwork is designed specifically for this re-release on vinyl to visually highlight the stand-alone character of the mini album. Limited to 500 copies!"

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Blasphemous Creation Announces New Tour Dates

Blackened death metallers Blasphemous Creation are hitting the road this September and November on the "Diabolical Kingdom 2010" tour. The currently announced dates are as follows:

9/13 2010 The New Oasis with Exodus/Malevolent Creation Sparks, NV
9/25 2010 THREE CLUBS Los Angeles, CA
9/26 2010 Copperstate Tavern Glendale, Arizona
9/27 2010 El Paso, TX
9/28 2010 Bonds 007 San Antonio, TX
9/29 2010 THE PHOENIX PROJECT Dallas, TX
9/30 2010 The Nat Ballroom Amarillo, Texas
10/1 2010 Bushwackers Saloon Denver, Colorado
10/2 2010 Bar Delux Salt Lake City, Utah

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Dark Moor Issues Album Update

Vocalist Alfred Romero of Spanish power metal act Dark Moor has checked in with the following update about recording the band's new album:

"Hey dudes, what's up! We are so involved on the recordings and I am soon leaving to Italy to start with the vocals. Drums, rhythm guitars and bass are ready I believe and I've heard they are just awesome! I'm really looking forward to arrive and getting involved in that and of course, getting a real Italian pizza! We'll keep you updated. Peace!"

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Running Order Revealed For Houten Deathfest

This year's edition of Holland's Houten Deathfest is set to take place on September 18th, 2010. The promotional poster for the festival can be found here. The running order for the festival is as follows:

15.00 - 15.30 Fumes of Decay (ned)
15.55 - 16.25 Kastrated (uk)
16.50 - 17.20 Vulvectomy (ita)
17.45 - 18.15 Diluvian (fr)
18.40 - 19.20 Carnal Decay (sui)
19.45 - 20.25 Begging for Incest (ger)
20.50 - 21.30 Kraanium (nor)
21.55 - 22.35 Despondency (ger)
23.00 - 00.00 Malignancy (usa)

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Hirax To Tour Japan

Hirax will be touring Japan this fall. Here are the dates so far, as well as support:

OCT.30th (SAT)
OSAKA-SOMA
HIRAX (US)
XANADOO (SINGAPORE/ONLY OSAKA SPECIAL GUEST]
RIVERGE (OSAKA)
IMPALER (KAGAWA)
BADMOTORFINGER (OSAKA)
MARKED FOR DEATH (OSAKA)

OCT.31th (SUN)
NAGOYA-TINY 7
HIRAX (US)
RIVERGE (OSAKA)
SABBAT (MIE)
DISGUST (AICHI)
HELL AND HELL (AICHI)

NOV.3rd (WED/NATIONAL HOLIDAY)
TOKYO-SHINJYUKU MARZ
HIRAX (US)
RIVEGE (OSAKA)
GENOCIDE NIPPON (FUKUI)
FASTKILL (TOKYO)

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Headline News

Y&T Bassist Diagnosed With Cancer

Phil Kennemeore, the bassist of American heavy metal veterans Y&T (also known as Yesterday & Tomorrow,) has announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer. A message from Kennemeore reads as follows:

"To all of my dear friends and fans around the world and on the forum, up to now you haven't heard much information (other than about my extreme back pain) because there really hasn't been much until now. I hated leaving you all in the dark but I didn't want to say anything until there was something conclusive to say. We do have a lot more information now. The number one thing you need to know is that I have cancer. It wasn't absolutely formally diagnosed until yesterday.

"With the bad news I also got the good news that along with surgery and treatments, I will be back rockin' and rollin'. I'll be getting a hip replacement as well as back surgery, which means I'll also be more agile. The doctor said that this is treatable and I'll be walking out of this place and I'll be able to go on the road and do everything I need to do to continue my rock 'n' roll life, in due time.

"I wanted to thank everyone for your well wishes. I've been sitting here in the hospital reading all of the things that you've all posted online, and I want you to know it means so very much to me to see how much I am loved, supported, and missed. I can really feel the love as I'm reading. I love reading your posts on the web site forum, and, in fact, I need to hear it. From here on out, whatever thoughts and feelings you have, please know that I wish that I could personally respond to each and every one of you, but I'm not able to right now. More...

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Column

Sunday Old School: Armored Saint

Often in the Sunday Old School articles, we tend to focus on the sub-genres of heavy metal such as thrash, death and black metal, amongst others. This week we take a look at a great example of traditional heavy metal in the form of California's Armored Saint. Armored Saint was formed in 1982 by brothers Phil and Gonzo Sandoval, who played guitar and drums respectively,along with friend Dave Prichard who also played guitar, whilst students at South Pasadena High School. Soon after their formation the band recruited bass player Joey Vera and lead singer John Bush. The name of the band was suggested by Gonzo while the band were watching the movie Excalibur and a five song demo was recorded not long afterwards, that included the song, "Lesson Well Learned," which was featured on the Metal Massacre II compilation. After releasing a self-titled EP through Metal Blade Records in 1983, the band signed to Chrysalis Records the next year. Their debut album, "March Of The Saint" was released that year and earned the band a minor hit with the song, "Can U Deliver?," as well as critical praise. A second album entitled, "Delirious Nomad" was released in 1985 and, like the first album, earned the band critical acclaim.

Soon after the release of "Delirious Nomad," Phil Sandoval decided to quit the band, leaving Armored Saint has a four-piece. The quartet began work on their next studio album, which resulted in 1987's "Raising Fear." The album did not sit as well with critics as the past two albums had and many believed that Phil Sandoval's exit had shaken the band's confidence. The album did however garner the band another minor hit with the song, "Isolation." After "Raising Fear" was released, a live album named, "Saints Will Conquer" hit the shelves the next year but sadly these would be the final albums to feature guitarist Dave Prichard. Although Prichard participated in the writing and demoing of their next album, he unfortunately passed away from leukemia during the sessions. The resulting album, "Symbol Of Salvation" was released in 1991 and used the guitar solo Prichard recorded for the song, "Tainted Past." The album also featured the return of Phil Sandoval, as well as new guitarist Jeff Duncan. The record was seen as a return to form and perhaps their best yet by critics and fans alike but ultimately the band were unsure of a future without Prichard. During this period of uncertainty, John Bush was asked by Anthrax if he would be interested in becoming their new vocalist, replacing the recently departed Joey Belladonna. Bush's decision to accept the job proved to be the final straw for Armored Saint and they decided to call it a day. During the band's inactivity, other members kept themselves busy with various musical proects. Bassist Joey Vera found success as a producer, whilst also performing in bands such as Fates Warning and Lizzy Borden and the Sandoval brothers formed a new band together entitled Life After Death, which was more inspired by the likes of Thin Lizzy than the heavy metal influences of Armored Saint. More...

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First Bands Confirmed For Wacken 2011

Although this year's edition of Germany's famous Wacken Open Air festival only finished yesterday, the first bands have been confirmed for next year's event. Crossover legends Suicidal Tendencies will be performing at the festival, as will Finland's Apocalyptica and German power metal outfit Avantasia. Not only that, but Blind Guardian will also be performing their only German show of 2011 at Wacken. Stay tuned for more information and more confirmations.

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