Metallica Rehearsal Video Available

A five-minute video clip featuring METALLICA in the rehearsal studio preparing for their upcoming shows with THE ROLLING STONES has been posted online at this location (Windows Media). METALLICA will be the special guest for the STONES as part of their "A Bigger Bang" world tour at SBC Park in San Francisco on November 13 and November 15.

As previously reported, the cover of the January 2006 issue of Guitar World magazine, featuring METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett and the 20-year salute to the band's "Master Of Puppets" album, has been posted online at Metallica.com. Hammett was interviewed and took part in a new photo shoot for the magazine, which goes on sale November 22. You can check out some of the pictures at this location.

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Viking Skull Dropped From Alice Cooper Tour

British hard rockers VIKING SKULL have been forced to drop off the upcoming ALICE COOPER/TWISTED SISTER U.K. tour. "Basically, despite being added to the advertising and having the tour confirmed for seven months, TWISTED SISTER decided that they had to play the same length of time as ALICE COOPER. So in order to not have their egos dented by Mr. Cooper, they threw VIKING SKULL off the bill in order to make Alice's fans sit through 95 minutes of their not-had-a-hit-for-20-years rubbish."

"This has nothing to do with ALICE COOPER, whom VIKING SKULL have played with before and who was a total gent to the band.

"Very sorry to anyone that bought tickets for those shows but we do have a headline tour starting in a few weeks time. VIKING SKULL's debut album, 'Born In Hell', is out today."

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Enter My Silence Sign With JMT Music

Finnish melodic deathsters ENTER MY SILENCE have signed a deal with JMT Music. The group's already-recorded sophomore album is tentatively scheduled to be released in early 2006. ENTER MY SILENCE's debut CD, "Remotecontrolled Scythe", was released in 2001 through Mighty Music, but their cooperation ended just days before the band entered the studio to begin recording the upcoming effort.

Guitarist and main songwriter Tuomas Jäppinen commented: "We're really happy [to have landed a new record deal], of course. We finished recording back in February and have worked since then to get a satisfying deal. Even though JMT Music is a brand new label, the people behind it have decades' worth of experience and a good network of partners around the world. I also believe that with some heart in what you do, you can double your resources. That's actually one of the biggest reasons we went with JMT — the attitude and enthusiasm they showed."

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Headline News

Fleshgrind Split Up After 13 Years

Illinois-based death metallers FLESHGRIND have officially split up. The group's statement on the matter reads as follows:

"We regretfully wish to inform everyone that FLESHGRIND has officially called it quits. For some that's good news, for others it's gonna suck. The reasoning behind this decision was not an easy one after 13 years, but we feel this is the best time to move on.

"Before our last show about a month ago vocalist Rich Lispcomb formally stepped down from the position. Instead of contemplating replacing Rich with another vocalist, the remaining three members — Steve Murray, James Genenz, and Jesse Kehoe — have decided to move on in a new project. It just wouldn't be right calling ourselves FLESHGRIND if Rich isn't involved. Rich has decided he needs a life change. His heart just wasn't into it anymore, business-wise and artistically, so he is moving on. He sold his business, United Guttural Records, and will be moving to Michigan to get on with his life. The three of us have no hard feelings towards Rich and his decision, and respect him even more for coming out about how he felt, and we are excited about the uninhibited possibilites for our new project. We are currently undergoing a group soul search to determine our direction in our future endeavors, and will be looking for a singer and possibly a second guitarist to fill out the group, although that search has yet to get underway. For now we just wish to respectfully put FLESHGRIND to rest. We wish to thank every single person that has ever supported us in any way. You all know who you are.

"The MySpace page at www.myspace.com/fleshgrind will stay active for some time to come. News and information on our future efforts will be available here until everything is set in stone. We will be looking for members in the coming weeks. Again, we thank everyone for their support!"

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Audioslave Finish Writing Material For 3rd Album

MTV.com reports: During Saturday's (Oct. 29) performance at New York's Madison Square Garden, AUDIOSLAVE frontman Chris Cornell told the crowd the band is finished writing all of the material for its third album. The group then played, for the first time, one of the tracks that'll make the LP. Cornell said the song was still untitled, and even had its lyrics written down on the stage so he wouldn't forget them. "I only wrote them last week," he said.

AUDIOSLAVE is currently in the middle of its first major North American tour since the release of their sophomore album, "Out of Exile", which finds the band headlining arenas on its own for the first time.

AUDIOSLAVE did a short run of North American dates just before "Out of Exile"'s May 24 release.

As on that tour, AUDIOSLAVE is playing songs from its members' previous groups, SOUNDGARDEN, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and TEMPLE OF THE DOG.

The band is joined on the current jaunt by openers SEETHER and KASABIAN.

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100 Demons Cancel Tour with Cast Aside

100 Demons have reportedly cancelled most of their upcoming tour with Cast Aside, which was to kick off on Wednesday. The following statement has been issued:

"Due to some personal circumstances, 100 Demons is no longer touring. So, unfortunately the entire tour has been canceled until the last few dates. I apologize on behalf of the band for any inconvenience this causes. This happened literally a few hours ago so this is the first chance I have to inform everyone."

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Cytheran Theory Form From The Ashes Of Others

A new death/black metal band has formed from the ashes of 12 Guage, Dissolve, Asru (US), and Bloodgasm called Cytheran Theory. The band is ready to record a full length record and hit the road by next summer. You can check out some of their music at Pure Volume.

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El Caco News and New Gigs

El Caco’s “Substitute” is currently a challenger on the Nordic videolist on national TV in Finland. You vote for it here.

In other news, El Caco have added a show at the Rockefeller in Oslo on January 27th. Stonegard will be the joint headliner that night. You can buy tickets here. El Caco's upcoming gigs include:

NOV 19 2005: Strømmen, Norway - Baråtti (Acoustic)
DEC 28 2005: Lillestrøm, Norway - Martins
JAN 27 2005: Oslo, Norway - Rockefeller (+Stonegard)

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Nightwish: We Are Not Looking For A Tarja Clone

NIGHTWISH mainman Tuomas Holopainen has finished composing two new songs for the group's next studio album which is not expected to surface until 2007, the keyboardist revealed in a brand-new interview published in the Finnish newspaper Keskisuomalainen. According to Holopainen, the band are hoping to begin recording their next album in September 2006, but if need be, they are willing to push back the projected recording sessions for their next CD even further so that a suitable replacement for the recently departed singer Tarja Turunen can be found.

Like 2004's "Once", the group's next CD will likely take at least six months to record, which means that the new singer's contributions to the new album will not be put down on tape until sometime in early 2007 — giving the band more time to find the right person to replace Tarja.

Holopainen told the Keskisuomalainen newspaper that the band's style will not change now that Turunen is gone. The next NIGHTWISH album will follow the same musical path as the band's most recent releases, but with a new female vocalist.

"It will be interesting to see how many singers will apply for the position," Tuomas is quoted as saying. "After all, Tarja is is a first-rate singer, and replacing her will not be easy.

"The new singer will be chosen not only for her singing skills. She must also be beautiful, charismatic and she must possess a great deal of self-esteem.

"We will not necessarily pick a Tarja clone," Holopainen continued. "We will be open to a slightly new sound, especially when it comes to the vocalist."

Although the band's requirements for the new singer are high, Holopainen knows that the group's fan base will not necessarily welcome their return with open arms.

"Of course, we will get a few beer cans thrown on the stage when we fist start playing out with the new singer," Tuomas said. "Some of our fans are die-hard Tarja devotees and those people will never accept the fact that we can go on without her."

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Kalmah To Enter Studio Next Week

Finland's KALMAH have posted the following message on their official web site:

"As you might not know, we will enter studio next week to record the next KALMAH album. [The as-]yet-untitled album will contain 10 brand new KALMAH 'hits.'

"The process before this album has been quite long. That is because this time we didn't want to spoil the album with unnecessary hurry. We started to write the material at the end of 2004 and sometimes I've to admit the process has been painful. That is very common in KALMAH camp. If there is no inspiration you'll just have to lay the guitar to rest — to wait for the real inspiration.

"I'm not here to praise the new material. That is up to you guys when the new album will hit the market. But I have to admit we really enjoy the material. I know this will be the best album we have made so far and by the time you will know why. Everything is prepared for the studio and we are ready..."

Earlier in the year, KALMAH inked a new deal with Spikefarm Records (a division of Spinefarm). Demo samples of the new songs "Bitter Metallic Side" and "Infernal Death" are still available for download at this location.

KALMAH last year announced the addition of keyboardist Marco Sneck (POISONBLACK) to the group's ranks. The group's current lineup is as follows:

Pekka Kokko - Guitar, Vocals
Antti Kokko - Lead Guitar
Janne Kusmin - Drums
Timo Lehtinen - Bass
Marko Sneck – Keyboards

KALMAH's third album, "Swampsong", was released in May 2003 through Spikefarm in Finland and Century Media Records in North America.

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Ephel Duath Announce Touring Drummer

Italian jazz-metal combo EPHEL DUATH have announced the addition of drummer Andrea Rabuini to the group's touring lineup. The group were recently forced to cancel their previously announced U.K. headlining tour "due to organizational problems." In the meantime, the band are arranging a few dates in Italy to test out their new material.

EPHEL DUATH's new album, "Pain Necessary to Know", is scheduled for release in Europe today (October 31) via Elitist/Earache Records. The follow-up to "The Painter's Palette" was recorded at Studio 73 in Ravenna, Italy with producer Paso.

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Infanticide and Nefastus Dies Sign To Deepsend

Sweden's crust-inspired grind core act Infanticide has officially joined the Deepsend Records roster. The band focuses on playing fast and intense with their main influence being older Napalm Death, though it is clear that Rotten Sound, Nasum and FaceDownInShit all play a pivotal role in their musicianship. The band's yet to be titled debut full-length album is due to be completed near the end of 2005, with a hopeful release next spring. You can check out some demos or get additional information about the band at their MySpace page

Canada's scathing black metal entity Nefastus Dies has officially joined Deepsend Records. Featuring former members of Trails of Anguish and Unquintessence, following their impressive promotional effort "Prelude," a multi-album worldwide deal was inked. The as of yet untitled effort will be tracked at the end of 2005 and will be recorded by now legendary producer Yannick St-Amand (Despised Icon, Ion Dissonance, Neuraxis) at an undetermined location. The band is looking to hit the road this spring to decimate US soil in support of their debut album. If you can help book this tour or can get the band some dates, please contact the band at management@nefastusdies.com for all other related info, go to nefastusdies.com to hear 2 demos from their promo "Prelude."

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Altaria Complete New Album

Finnish melodic metallers ALTARIA have finished mixing their third album, "The Fallen Empire" at the Black Lounge Studios in Sweden. Former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson makes a guest appearance on a track called "The Lion" and keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg (SONATA ARCTICA, SILENT VOICES) is featured on a song called "The Dying Flame", which is an 8-minute epic. Other tracks set to appear on the CD include "Crucifix", "Abyss of Twilight", "Frozen Hearts" and "Disciples". An early 2006 release is expected.

ALTARIA, who recently announced the addition of guitarist J-P Alanen to the group's ranks, released their sophomore album, "Divinity", in May 2004 through AOR Heaven sub-label Metal Heaven Records. "Divinity" was mixed at Tico Tico Studio (SONATA ARCTICA, SENTENCED, FOR MY PAIN…) and was initially made available as a limited-edition digipack, featuring one bonus track — a cover version of ACCEPT's classic "Balls To The Wall" (including a guest appearance by ex-LION'S SHARE singer Andy Engberg).

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Gaia Epicus Announce New Drummer

Norwegian power metallers GAIA EPICUS have announced the addition of drummer Ole A. Myrholt (ARCHON, DIABOLICAL, BREED, ENSLAVEMENT OF BEAUTY, I WAS FLESH ONCE, VALE, THE WHIPCORDS) to the group's ranks. "Myrholt is no stranger to the music industry as he has been in many bands," the group write on their web site. "Now he is a member of GAIA and we are sure he will do a great job of pounding the drums for the band."

GAIA EPICUS have recently uploaded their video for the track "Hands of Fate" (Windows Media). The clip was shot "outdoors in the forest" in August and features a guest appearance on drums by Robert Myrhaug (MEMORIZED DREAMS).

"Hands of Fate" comes off the group's second album, "Symphony of Glory", available now on Sound Riot Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Satrap" was recorded and mixed over a five-week period at Top Room Studios (TRISTANIA, VINTERSORG, BORKNAGAR) with producer Børge Finstad and features artwork by Michael A. Mueller (MEGADETH). The CD was mastered at Bazement Studios.

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Giant Squid Sign With The End Records

Northern California's GIANT SQUID have inked a deal with The End Records.

GIANT SQUID garnered the attention of eclectic indie-metal label The End Records with their self-released first album, "Metridium Field", engineered by legendary veteran producer of heavy music, Billy Anderson (NEUROSIS, MELVINS, HIGH ON FIRE, MR. BUNGLE). This original release, featuring the concussion-inducing beats of legendary Sacramento drummer Jason Divencenzo (RED TAPE), will be fully re-mixed with added vocals and instrumentation by Billy Anderson, and then re-released in a beautiful new digipak highlighting the original cover art of Aurielle Gregory.

Any fan of artistically intelligent and organically heavy indie-rock music, in the vein of ISIS, SONIC YOUTH, PLEASURE FOREVER, BLACK HEART PROCESSION, TARANTULA HAWK, MY BLOODY VALENTINE, PELICAN, MOGWAI, ULVER, NEUROSIS, TARENTAL, HIGH ON FIRE, or classic rock and punk like BLACK SABBATH and the SUBHUMANS, should appreciate the band's worship of guitar overdrive, somber interludes, and tide-like build ups.

GIANT SQUID lineup:

Andy Southard (keyboard, vocals, pants)
Mike Conroy (drums, theories)
Aurielle Gregory (guitar, vocals, wife)
Bryan Beeson (bass, final fantasy)
Aaron Gregory (guitar, vocals, husband)

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Sanctuary Group Fight For Financial Survival

Times Online is reporting that Sanctuary Group, the music company which handles artists such as GUNS N' ROSES, IRON MAIDEN, SLIPKNOT and SLAYER, gave warning on Friday (Oct. 28) that it would have to take a multimillion-pound hit to its balance sheet as it fights to ensure its long-term survival.

The company told investors that its end-of-year balance sheet "will show net liabilities" — meaning that, technically, the business is "worth less than nothing," according to Times Online.

Shares in Sanctuary plunged 15 per cent as the company said that it was reviewing its accounting policies, as well as dealing with the consequences of a dismal year of trading.

Sanctuary is also planning on making 175 staff redundant to cut costs, twice the amount planned initially. According to analysts, that exercise will cost an estimated £8 million, to achieve annual cost savings of about £16 million.

Read the full article at Times Online.

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