The Lucifer Principle Post New Song Online

Dutch death metallers THE LUCIFER PRINCIPLE have posted a new song, entitled "The Pitch Black Dawn", on their MySpace page. The track comes off the group's full-length debut, "Pitch Black Dawn", due in Europe on October 5 via the Belgium-based label Apache Productions (SONS OF JONATHAS, SPOIL ENGINE, SOUTHERN VOODOO). The CD was mastered by Jochem Jacobs (TEXTURES). In addition to six brand new tracks, the album contains re-recordings of three previously released demo songs. The track listing is as follows:

01. The Pitch Black Dawn
02. Into Decay
03. Down
04. Soul Saviour Throat Cut
05. Feeding The Land OF The Dead
06. Breakpoint
07. I Am The Law
08. There Will Be Blood
09. Burn

"Pitch Black Dawn" will be released in the U.S. in early November.

For more information, visit www.theluciferprinciple.nl.

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Norma Jean Drummer Quitting After Tour

Following the band's upcoming fall tour, Norma Jean drummer Daniel Davison will be leaving the band. Davison has issued this explanation:

"After much time, prayer, council, and consideration, I have come to an important personal decision. My decision is that as of November 8th, 2007 I will no longer be a part of Norma Jean.

"As many of you know, Norma Jean is considered a 'Christian band,' and it is in fact made up of 5 guys who are all Christians. This is something that is a huge part of my life, and something that I take very seriously. Recently I have come to the point in my life where I no longer see Norma Jean as a ministry, and for me to continue in the band, saying that it is, would in my opinion, be wrong. I am not leaving the band on bad terms with any of the guys, but there are differences between us, both personal and spiritual, that I felt were too great for me continue on with, or ignore any longer.

"We as a band have in some ways worked towards making things right in the areas where we differed...but for me, the feelings did not change, and we continued to grow apart. So after giving these things much time and thought, I have come to the place where I know that it is right for me to be finished. Making the choice to step away from something that I have been a part of for 10 years, has not been the easiest of tasks. But do know that this is not a hasty decision by any means. I have total Peace and confidence in my choice.

"The band will continue without me. This winter the guys will begin writing for a new record. And I wish the best for them.

"Lastly, I would like to thank every one of you, who over the years have supported me and this band. We could not have done anything without you. You all really mean so much to me. I hope to see as many of you as possible on my last tour, and thank you face to face for supporting our band, and for being a part of what we have been doing for all of these years. I will never forget the times that we all have shared. I am going to miss Norma Jean dearly, but I know that this is a step that I have to take."

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Floorpunch To Reunite For Benefit Show

New Jersey hardcore band Floorpunch (Equal Vision Records) will reunite on October 28th at the Starlight Ballroom in Philadelphia, PA to play a benefit show for the family of Robby Redcheeks (ex-Damage). Here's a statement from show organizer, Joe Hardcore:

"The benefit show was meant to be a special occasion where someone who is loved and cherished has suffered a tragedy or loss that alone he couldn't recover from. Robby Redcheeks lost his mother to cancer a week after This Is Hardcore Fest this summer. He called me when he was at Sound And Fury to tell me he isn't moving to California because she is sick and has been diagnosed with leukemia. For most of us, the time between those two fests is spent on tour, working hard and always in anxious anticipation from one coast and great fest to another. To think that those few short weeks would be her last was inconceivable.

I am happy to be able to be one of the guys Robby can call on for help and to be able to give it to him. We will be holding a show in Philadelphia, a city that would not have a scene like we do today without the work he put into it 12 years ago. We've called up some old friends who haven't played in awhile and we've got the bands that have given Robby the strength to deal with all the hardship that has fallen on him. I've only been involved in 2 other benefit shows that are as dear to me and so close to what I feel a benefit show should be held for. One of modern day hardcore hardest working, most dedicated has suffered the kind of loss that few can really bounce back from, on top of being dealt massive financial responsibility and left to help raise three teenage boys, the youngest who suffers from Autism. I wish we never did these kinds of shows, I wish my friends who have no pain and no worries, but I am proud of the hardcore scene enough to know that at times like this we're going to pull together and help someone truly in need out. Come out and show your support, the lineup is absolutely the best and the cause could be no better."

Tickets for the show are $15 in advance and doors open at 1:30pm. Also performing will be Blacklisted, Cold World, Have Heart, Bitter End, and Let Down.

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The Chariot Set To Film Two Videos

The Chariot will soon film videos for the tracks "Drew Their Swords" and "Forgive Me Nashville." The videos will be filmed by Chariot frontman Josh Scogin, an amateur filmmaker. According to Scogin, the videos will "include many of the concepts touched upon in the album, lots of contradictions and mysteries. We're planning to make the video for 'Swords' pretty random, with quick shots and a bunch of different scenes, and the video for 'Nashville' to be an ironic, glorified performance video."

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Novembre Reveal New Album Details

Italian doom metallers NOVEMBRE will release its new album, Blue, on November 5 via Peaceville Records. The CD was recorded at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland with producer Mikko Karmila (NIGHTWISH, SENTENCED, AMORPHIS). Tracklisting is as follows: 'Aenemia', 'Triesteitaliana', 'Cobalt Of March', 'Bluecracy', 'Architheme', 'Nascence', 'Iridescence', 'Sound Odyssey', 'Cantus Christi', 'Zenith', 'Argentic', 'Deorbit'.

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Lecherous Nocturne Robbed in Houston

Lecherous Nocturne have posted the following update on their Myspace page regarding their stolen gear and cancellation of the remaining tour dates:

"We are forced to cancel the remaining dates. The tour van and trailer with all our gear and personal belongings was ripped off in Houston Texas at Edwards I Max where Luis Carlos, the promoter, for the show also works. Lecherous was able to overcome every obstacle that was thrown our way. However, we cannot possibly finish the tour without our Van or gear. We are back home in Greenville SC broken, but down beaten! The response from friends and strangers has been overwhelming. It sounds like there will be benefit shows going on and our Endorsers are all stepping up and giving us a hand. I would like to personally thank all of you for being so good to Lecherous, it feels really good to know we have your support in this fucking mess."

"Here is a little background about the theft 9/19/07. We show up to Edwards I-Max to meet Luis Carlos. Luis was the promoter and our contact for the whole thing. He let us in the I-Max building and gave us a small tour of the place. After he was done setting up the movies we moved on to watch 3:10 to Yuma before we played the show that night....pass the time or whatever. Needless to say by the time we got out of the movie and headed to the van, it had been ripped. We asked the security guard if they may of had it towed for some fucking dumb ass reason........but no I wish it had been. We saw all the glass on the ground were we had parked. So whoever ripped it had to have known where the guard was going to be. Also, when we reviewed the cameras with security, whoever took the van knew where the cam was because watching the film showed nothing but the van pulling off the lot at 2:15 PM CST in total daylight. The cops show up and tell us that this type of thing is not typical for the area. After the cops look at the scene the officer said it looked like an inside job to him. Everybody we tell the story to says the same thing." More...

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Serj Tankian Offers Tour Of Home Studio

RollingStone.com recently got a tour of SYSTEM OF A DOWN frontman Serj Tankian's home studio as he discussed the differences between recording solo and with SYSTEM, the joys of writing whenever the mood struck him and his new LP, "Elect the Dead". Watch the three-minute clip below.

Serj Tankian recently told HardDrive Radio that he has named his new solo touring band the FCC. The letters do not stand for the dreaded Federal Communications Commission, but for something that they'll fine you for if you say it on the air. Tankian told The Pulse of Radio what he and the band came up with. "We just named the band, and I liked the idea of the FCC — you know, the FCC in the U.S. stands for the Federal Communications Commission, which is the governmental body that assigns penalties for cuss words," he said. "And I thought it would be great to make the FCC a cuss word, that way they can penalize themselves. So the FCC is, our interpretation, is the FLYING C***S OF CHAOS."

The lineup of the FCC includes PRIMUS guitarist Larry LaLonde as well as several friends of Tankian's who are unknown to the public but are "amazing musicians," according to the singer.

Contrary to earlier reports, former PRIMUS and GUNS N'ROSES drummer Brian "Brain" Mantia will not be in the touring band, although he did play on Tankian's debut solo album, "Elect the Dead", due out on October 23.

FAIR TO MIDLAND, who are signed to Tankian's Serjical Strike label, will open a few shows on Tankian's first-ever solo tour, which begins on October 12 in Chicago. More...

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Overkill Bassist Talks New Album And Downloading

Metal-Experience.com recently conducted an interview with OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Metal-Experience.com: After all these records is it hard to write something original or would you say with all the experience you have it comes naturally now?

Verni: Well, it's still hard because we have this huge back catalogue and we want to stay true to the kind of music we make. We're not going to start making reggae songs or whatever so it's hard to think of new ways to do stuff. But the writing process itself I'd say is easier because I own a recording studio now. This makes life easier as there's no time pressure and you have access to everything you need. We can experiment a little bit more so that part is easier but thinking up new things is definitely challenging. It is more relaxed when you have your own studio because there is less tension and you think you have all the time in the world but at the end there's always someone like a record company knocking at your door saying, "We've got to have that record now!" The good thing is when you have your own place you don't have to work so many days in a row. You can just take the weekend off and hang out and come back. I think if we were younger that would probably be a bad thing because we would just spend these days partying but now we would spend these days resting.

Metal-Experience.com: What's the reason why you guys have lasted so long?

Verni: I think the reason why we've been around for all these years is because Bobby and I have a pretty good work ethic. I know some bands haven't released a record for three years and then they're like, "Oh my god we need to come up with something!" but we're used to working, we think of the band as our job. Some guys are electricians and we're in a band. We treat it like it's our business, we love it but that's how we look at it.

Metal-Experience.com: Is there a special ingredient for an OVERKILL song?

Verni: Yeah, energy mostly. I like many different kinds of songs and I also like slower songs, so sometimes I'll experiment with that with overkill. I don't know if the kids love them as much as I do, they seem to like the more energetic ones. We try to create a balance. We want in your face tracks, more grooving songs and something you can sing along to. For some bands it's a shame that they can't have fun on stage, its all business for them. We get to have fun, we figure you should all just grab a beer, grab your partner and sing along!

Metal-Experience.com: How did you end up signing with Bodog?

Verni: We were actually going to sign with someone else first. Johnny Z and his wife discovered METALLICA, ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT and us, all those thrash bands from the '80s. They retired but they got a little bit itchy and they wanted to get back into it. Bodog is a huge company and they wanted to do a metal and rock division of what they are doing, they wanted someone who knew this kind of music to do this for them so they talked to Johnny and Marsha. Their first thought was to work with the bands that they knew and that they had worked with. So they came to one of our shows in Manhattan and they hadn't seen us for a lot of years and they were blown away! They were like, "What, is it 1990 all over in here again?!" So they said why don't we do something together and we started talking about different ideas. We were just comfortable with that seeing as we had known them for many years, like family. Negotiations went on for a long time so that's why it took longer and longer to get the record out but we're excited now we committed to a period of about five years and two or three records. It's nice that they're so excited. They only called us about two weeks ago to see if we wanted to do this show for the fans and do some press. Just a fun thing, so that's why we were on the small stage. It was insane how many people were there, there was room for about 10.000 and there was almost 30.000 there. The other bands were already booked here so it wouldn't have been fair to bump them off the main stage.

Metal-Experience.com: Can you tell us something about the lyrics on "Immortalis"?

Verni: I never understand what Bobby's writing about! I read them and sometimes he tells me and sometimes he's not even sure himself. Sometimes he'll just write about a feeling, it may mean one thing to him but to someone else it can feel totally different. It's never what I thought it was. I'm not all that concerned with lyrics, if they are interesting and/or fun to sing along to, that's OK.

Metal-Experience.com: How important is it that people actually pay attention to the lyrics then?

Verni: Well, it is important in a way, the worst thing would be to have like a MANOWAR album, that's kind of silly to me.. Don't get me wrong I love MANOWAR, they are fun and everything but the lyric thing is kind of silly. You want them to be interesting, they have to make the song better.

Metal-Experience.com: Have you had any feedback on "Immortalis" yet?

Verni: Blitz and I are overwhelmed, the press really liked it. Thrash and speed metal seems to be having a bit of a resurgence over here and because the album is a bit more thrashy we got some great reviews here. Germany has been so good to us, for two decades now we've been coming here to do shows. Sometimes it's frustrating because they never want us to change but they've stuck with us through everything and they know that in our core this is what we do. German people more than any territory in the world like that and respect that.

Metal-Experience.com: Can you explain the implications of the title "Immortalis"?

Verni: We couldn't find a title for this album and it was getting later and later. We were talking to Johnny z and we were telling him that we were looking for a Latin word or phrase and the next day he said, "What about 'Immortalis'?'" 'cause it means "immortal" in Latin and it kind of applies to you guys.." In an interview it was once said that OVERKILL are the cockroaches of metal, you can stamp on them but you can't kill them. And it was also the last day, we really needed a title! So when it came we all said, let's do it. No title track on this album, but you know, we did "Overkill" and then we did "Overkill II" and then "Overkill III" and then we kind of stopped. But on this album there's another "Overkill". We just kind of picked up where the other one left off, I don't really know why, it just kind of happened. But for people who are fans of the first three albums it's good. When we were recording the song we said to each other, "Hey this sounds kind of like the other ones!" and then Blitz started doing the lyrics for it and it was a fun thing because it just took us right back. A lot of times there's retrospective things that come out but me and Blitz are also really interested in what is happening today.

Metal-Experience.com: How do you feel about illegal downloading of music?

Verni: I don't know exactly, I guess it's all kind of unfortunate. It affects the fans, and they'll get the music any way they can but if you sell less units then the label will be unhappy and they give you less money to make the record. So then the record is less good and the fans will be unhappy so it kind of all works together. In the future I think things will change even more when it comes to the way we buy music, it seems it will change into something even I can't think of where maybe we won't be able to buy records anymore and it'll all be downloads. Or maybe bands won't even release whole records anymore and just do three songs at a time instead so they can control things more. It's not so much about the fans as it is about the labels, they just want to make more profit. It's trickling away little by little. Recently a major newspaper in the UK put copies of records in one of their issues and the labels went nuts. If it was up to me the fans could just have the music as long as they come to the shows but it doesn't work that way.

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Wolverine Cancel Prog Power Appearance

Swedish metallers WOLVERINE have been forced to cancel their appearance at the 2008 edition of ProgPower UK, will take place on March 28th and 29th in Bristol, UK. A statement from the band reads as follows:

"It’s with very mixed feelings we have to announce that Wolverine will not be playing at ProgPower UK 2008 after all. We had really been looking forward to this show after hearing only great things about it. We do however have a really good reason for not being there. The thing is that, if all goes well, Stefan (Zell - vocals) and his wife Jamina are having a child by the end of March. They just found out and are of course thrilled about this. At first we thought that we might make it to the gig anyway but since the birth then was scheduled until only 11 days before the show and it’s the first time Jamina gives birth it’s possible (and even likely) that it won’t take place until during or after the show. The option of Stefan going to the show and risking not being there when the child arrives isn’t really an option for obvious reasons.

We hope we can make it up to those of you who were looking forward to seeing us play, at a later date. Until then we’ll put all our energy into completing the next album which, so far, is taking shape pretty nicely.

We also want to express our gratitude towards the crew at ProgPower UK for being so understanding and supportive about this situation, they have really been tremendous. It just confirms all the great things people have been telling us about this festival and the people behind it.

We are really sorry to have to let our fans down by canceling this show but at the same time we hope you understand the complexity of the situation we’re in. And as we mentioned earlier, we’ll do all we can to make it up to you! Thank you."

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Grand Magus To Enter Studio Next Month

Swedish powerhouse GRAND MAGUS has issued the following update:

"GRAND MAGUS will start recording their fourth full-length album on October 13. As with 'Monument' and 'Wolf's Return' it will be recorded in Stockholm with Oneman at the helm acting as engineer and co-producer. The album will be released early 2008 on Rise Above Records."

GRAND MAGUS, who feature in their ranks current SPIRITUAL BEGGARS frontman Janne Christoffersson, last year announced the addition of drummer Sebastian to the group's ranks. Sebastian joined the band as the replacement for Fredrik "Trisse" Liefvendahl, who left the group in March 2006.

GRAND MAGUS' third album, "Wolf's Return" (2005), is available now on Candlelight Records (via a licensing deal with Rise Above). More...

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Misery Speaks Part Ways With Alveran Records

German melodic death metal outfit MISERY SPEAKS has parted ways with Alveran Records. The group's sole release for Alveran came in the shape of MISERY SPEAKS' self-titled debut, which was issued in June 2006.

Commented the band: "We thank Alveran Records for giving us the opportunity to release our debut album and thus provide us with an important initial aid. We wish Alveran Records all the best for the future. Now it's time to explore unknown shores. Our new album, 'Catalogue of Carnage', will be released in early 2008 and we will announce during the course of next week on which label this is going to happen."

"Catalogue of Carnage" was recorded at Rape of Harmonies studio with Alexander Dietz, Ralf Müller and Patrick W. Engel.

According to posting on MISERY SPEAKS' web site, the group's "self-titled debut earned massive critical acclaim, not least because of the great and massive sound by Dan Swanö. The band was voted one of the 12 best newcomers in 2006 by the Rock Hard magazine readers." More...

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Cyanosis Sign To Pathologically Explicit

Wisconsin-based death metallers CYANOSIS have inked a deal with Spain's Pathologically Explicit Recordings. The group's "Methods" CD, which originally came out in 1999 via Genocide Music, will be re-released with three bonus/new tracks showcasing the new lineup of Al Andrews (guitars, vocals), Phil Proite (bass, backing vocals), Eric Fredrich (drums) and Erin Brennan (media, samples, keys). All nine songs from "Methods" will be on this disc as well as "Reduced to Pulp", "Farewell to the Flesh" and "Glutton for Punishment".

Commented the band: "We know many people have thought we were gone again, but we have been hard at work doing things the right way this time! Eric will showcase all who think they have heard FAST before, just what FAST is! Ultra-catchy, fast as fuck, pummeling, intricate as hell, and more violent and hate-filled than ever. Originators of early death metal in Wisconsin like PHANTASM, ACCIDENTAL SUICIDE, EXPERIMENT FEAR, DR. SHRINKER, VIOGRESSION and BLEED will be proud that the roots are still intact. Run for cover, and tell all the shit-talkers to talk it up, for soon the hate tribe will pummel their ass when the path of chaos lands onshore!"

For more information, visit their Myspace page.

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NightShade Post New Song Online

Former USURPER guitarist Rick Scythe has issued the following update on his NIGHTSHADE project:

"As some of you might know, we just posted a new song today called 'Midnight, Down In The Lab'. This song is the first song ever with Igor slammin' the drums on. We also included the lyrics once again so you can figure out what the hell I'm talkin' about. The entire demo will be posted in a few weeks for your listening and downloading pleasure, at that time, 'Midnight, Down In The Lab' will be taken down. This song is just a rough mix of the track for the debut NightShade album."

Listen to 'Midnight, Down In The Lab' here.

As previously reported, Nightshade's upcoming album, Majick Potion, will also include the tracks: 'The Boy Who Cried Werewolf' and 'Opus Dei Of The Dead'.

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Impaled Release Two Songs from Upcoming Record

Impaled have posted the following update on their myspace page:

Willowtip Records is hosting two new songs from the upcoming Impaled record, "The Last Gasp." The new record is set to hit stores in the United States on November 6th and one day earlier in Europe.

When reached for comment, guitarist/vocalist Sean McGrath had this to say: "Whuh? Oh yeah, cool. Hey, do you want to Biggie Size that?" He then added, "Fries are up!"

The two new tracks, titled "You are the Dead" and "Up the Dose," are available on the Willowtip website here and on the Impaled myspace page. According to bassist Ross Sewage, "These two brutal tracks are just a brutalistic sampling of how brutalful our latest brutastic album really is." More...

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Supreme Majesty Part Ways With Guitarist

Guitarist Rille Svensson has announced his departure from the Swedish melodic metal band SUPREME MAJESTY. His statement on the matter reads as follows:

"Since I have been active in the music industry for over 11 years, it felt natural to take a break from SUPREME MAJESTY. One reason is mainly to be active in the music business, but in another way be able to develop as a human being.

"It has been a long trip, with both pleasant and less pleasant occasions, just like it is in this sort of business. Now I am going to put all my free time on a relative new started record label called Sweden Metal Music Entertainment. More...

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Nile and Suicide Silence Team Up For Tour

The first dates have been released for NILE’s headlining tour next year, that appears to feature SUICIDE SILENCE, THE FACELESS, and THE AGONIST:

March 27 - Louisville, KY @ Headliners Music Hall w/ Kreator
March 28 - Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
April 2 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx

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Autumn Forced To Cancel Charity Show

Holland's AUTUMN were forced to cancel their September 22nd Battle Against Cancer charity performance at De Groene Engel in Oss, Holland "due to health reasons."

Their tour schedule is now as follows:

September
29 - 't Beest - Goes, Holland

October
5 - Mezz - Breda, Holland
12 - Goudvishal - Arnhem, Holland
13 - Nirwana - Lierop, Holland
17 - Knaack - Berlin, Germany
18 - Knust - Hamburg, Germany
19 - Underground - Köln, Germany
20 - Metal Female Voices Festival V - Wieze, Belgium
21 - Zeche Carl - Essen, Germany
22 - Backstage Club - Munchen, Germany
23 - Nachtleben - Frankfurt, Germany

Holland
3 - Burgerweeshuis - Deventer, Holland
17 - Underground - Lelystad, Holland
29 - 013 - Tilburg, Holland

December
15 - Escape - Veenendaal, Holland

January
19 - Monsters of Mariaheide - Veghel, Holland

April
12 - Le Foyer Socio Culturel d’Antoing - Tournai, Belgium

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Ratt Postpone European Tour

The following press release has been announced:

"Live Nation, X-Ray Touring and RATT have decided to postpone the European portion (October 5th - November 1st) of the Ratt fall tour. All 21 dates across Europe will be moved to a later date in order to allow the band to stay on schedule to finish the writing for their new album, which they want to deliver in early 2008. The band also needs the time to honor some personal commitments. All the members of the Ratt organization apologize to their fans and followers but this rescheduling will also allow the band to incorporate some of the bigger festivals they have been invited to play next summer (Monsters of Rock, Donington and several others) into their touring schedule.

The band's Japan and Australia tour in early November stays as scheduled."

Ratt's schedule is now as follows:

November
5 - Namba HATCH - Osaka, Japan
6 - Club Diamond Hall - Nagoya, Japan
8 - Shibuya O-EAST - Toyko, Japan
9 - Yokohama BLITZ - Yokohama, Japan
12 - Metro - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
14 - Billboard - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

As previously reported, Ratt plans to start writing for an album of new material to be released sometime in 2008.

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