Metal News for November 14, 2007
Last updated on October 7, 2025 at 6:57 AM ET
We post metal news every day, throughout the day, covering thousands of metal bands including underground and unsigned bands. You are currently browsing the news archive, but you can also find news by band.
Hot Topics
- Marduk To Play Mystic Festival 2026
- Enthroned To Release New Album In December
- Kreator To Release New Album In January
- Spite Premiere New Single & Music Video
- Carcosa (AngelMaker) Premiere New Single & Video
- Agnostic Front Premiere New Single & Lyric Video
- Potato Premiere New Single & Music Video "YUGE PP"
- Omnium Gatherum Drops "Walking Ghost Phase" Video
- Messa Shares New Music Video "Reveal"
- Stellar Circuits Premiere New Single & Music Video
47 news articles posted on this day.
Candlemass Release First North American Tour Date
Sweden’s CANDLEMASS will hit the road for a North American tour during the Spring with DAYLIGHT DIES. The first date to be released is as follows:
May 20 - New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club
Guitarist Toby Knapp Abandons Onward Reunion Plans
Former ONWARD guitarist Toby Knapp has released the following statement via his MySpace page:
"I have decided out of respect to the members of the original ONWARD lineup not to resurrect this beast. I feel some new recruits' hearts are not in the right place, and perhaps ONWARD are just not brutal enough for 2008. Of course we all know this is bullshit, and it's a shame we will never know what could have been. ONWARD were not gay power-metalists, ONWARD were progressive heavy metal with no boundaries."
ONWARD officially split up in June 2003 following a parting-of-the-ways with their label, Century Media Records.
Knapp is currently working on a solo project with former INTO ETERNITY vocalist Dean Sternberg.
L.A. Guns Announce North American Tour Dates
The Tracii Guns version of L.A. GUNS, consisting of Tracii on guitar, his son Jeremy on bass, Paul Black on vocals and Chad Stewart on drums, has announced the following tour dates:
November
30 - Crowbar - Johnson City, Tennessee
December
1 - The Sound Garden - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
5 - The Lighthouse - Imperial, Pennsylvania
6 - McGuffys - Dayton, Ohio
7 - Shakers - Cambridge, Ohio
8 - The Monkey Bar - Huntington, West Virginia
9 - Zakks - Murfreesboro, North Carolina
11 - Johnny B - Whitby, Ontario
12 - ADC Perfomance Center - Southbridge, Massachusetts
13 - Brighton Bar - Long Branch, New Jersey
14 - Jaxx - Springfield, Virginia
January
4 - House Of Blues - Hollywood, California
5 - Canyon Club - Las Vegas, Nevada
10 - House Of Blues - San Diego, Californa More...
Slash Announces Toronto Book Signing
Former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER guitarist SLASH will be signing copies of his self-titled memoir, Slash, in Toronto, ONT on Monday, November 19th at 7pm at Chapters Festival Hall.
Chapters Festival Hall is located at 142 John St. For further info, contact the store at 416-595-7349.
In Flames Bassist Says New Album Is Almost Done
Bassist Peter Iwers of the Swedish metallers IN FLAMES has posted the following message on the band's web site:
"Hey there, sorry for not updating for a loooong time, have been kind of busy in the studio, making movies, and oh yeah recording bass. The [new IN FLAMES] album is almost done, everything's pretty much recorded except for some final details. We've had a blast doing this and it marks the first time since 'Reroute to Remain' [2002] that we're all recording under the same roof . This time at our very own studio, which is cool."
IN FLAMES recently inked a new deal with Nuclear Blast Records covering all territories outside North America. The group's new CD, which is currently being recorded at IF studios in Gothenburg, Sweden, is tentatively scheduled for release in April 2008.
Commented the band: "We are very happy that we have signed with Nuclear Blast again. They have been with us for a long time and helped us to get to where we are as a band right now. We have all the faith and belief in them to help us get even bigger as a band so we can continue to do this for years to come. We are really excited about our new album and can’t wait for it to be released so you, our fans, out there can enjoy it with us. See you in 2008."
Disfear Unveil Album Details
DISFEAR, the Swedish "crust rock" outfit featuring former AT THE GATES/THE CROWN vocalist Tomas Lindberg and ex-ENTOMBED guitarist Ulf "Uffe" Cederlund, has unveiled details of its new album, entitled "Live The Storm".
The follow-up to 2003's "Misanthropic Generation", "Live The Storm" was recorded with CONVERGE guitarist Kurt Ballou at his Godcity Studios in Salem, MA and includes 10 all new songs from the band. The complete track listing is as follows:
01. Get It Off
02. Fiery Father
03. Deadweight
04. The Cage
05. The Furnace
06. Live The Storm
07. Testament
08. In Exodus
09. Maps of War
10. Phantom
"Live The Storm" will be released on January 22 in North America (January 28 internationally) via Relapse Records.
Children of Bodom Reveal New Cover Songs
According to an article in the November 2007 issue of the Finnish magazine Soundi, CHILDREN OF BODOM has laid down cover versions of the following songs during the recording sessions for its sixth album, "Blooddrunk":
"War Inside My Head" (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES)
"Lookin' Out My Back Door" (CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL)
"Just Dropped In" (KENNY ROGERS)
"Ghost Riders In The Sky" (STAN JONES)
"Blooddrunk" is being recorded at Petrax Studio in Hollola, Finland with producer Mikko Karmila. The CD, which will feature a guest appearance by Peter Tägtgren of HYPOCRISY and PAIN fame, will be released in Europe on April 7, 2008 via Spinefarm Records. A single will precede the full-length CD on March 3, 2008. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Pray for the Devil", "Good Morning Roadkill" and "Tie My Rope" (a re-recording of the song that appeared on the recently released "Viva La Bands, Vol. 2" CD). More...
Kamelot Guitarist Checks In
Guitarist Thomas Youngblood of the American/Norwegian melodic metallers KAMELOT has issued the following update:
"We've been getting tons of emails regarding the next plans for KAMELOT. Well, a lot is going on despite the short break we are taking this fall. A trip to Serbia is coming up in a few week and we are still making final plans for the headliner European tour dates in early 2008, just got some proposals for the stage design, pyros, etc... it's gonna rock! Our new partners ICS Concerts and Thomas Kreidner are doing a great job for us in Europe. We confirmed some great festivals for the summer 2008; we can't announce them just yet but we will as soon as possible. What else... our management is busy with the first stages of another North American headliner tour. We are mapping out some great venues and locations and hope to return soon! Oh... new songwriting sessions as well. Stay tuned for more!"
As previously reported, KAMELOT will team up with FIREWIND and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS for the "Ghost Opera European Tour Pt. 2" in April/May 2008.
Architect Check In From The Road
Architect drummer, Ant Michel, gives an update on the band’s current trip across the US, “We’ve got 6 bald tires... That includes the trailer. Shows are going amazing. A lot of great kids at the shows!! We miss GAZA and hope everything works out for them. Architect thanks everyone that has supported us in the West and on our way back home!!“
After returning home, Architect will be heading back into Michel’s basement to work on their sophomore release for Black Market Activities. The band hopes to finish pre-production this winter and record in early 2008.
From a Second Story Window Update on New Album
From a Second Story Window vocalist, Will Jackson, comments on the status of their third Black Market Activities release, “Conversations”, “We have around nine songs in final rough-outline form done and plan on writing more as we tour. As far as recording, some pre-production has taken place at a friend’s house in Warren, OH, and we are looking to begin recording around January 2008.”
Jackson comments on the band’s approach to writing this record and the resulting concept, “The new record is shaping up to be a collection of songs that are really in tune with how we, as a band, are feeling right now. There are a variety of influences on this record, but the main thing we want to get across is ourselves. This record is a reflection of where we stand as a group, both musically and in the reflection of our ideas in general. More...
The_Network Begin Pre-production For Split Album
the_Network is currently in pre-production at What Just Happened Studios in Dover, NH for a soon-to-be-announced split release on Black Market Activities. On December 2nd, the band will enter Backyard Studios with Jonny Fay (Beyond the Sixth Seal, She is a Liar) to record the tracks for the split cd.
the_Network is concurrently working on a follow-up to “This is Your Pig’s Portrait”, that will be completed and recorded in 2008.
the_Network has also booked a slew of tour dates taking them from New Hampshire to California and back again. Heading out with Belay My Last, Moria and Blues, the_Network will be on the road December to February 2008.
12/07 Nashua, NH American Legion Hall with Our Last Night and Salt the Wound
12/27 Cleveland, OH The Davenport
12/28 Savoy, IL Savoy Red Center
12/29 Nashville, TN Muse with Look What I Did
12/30 Memphis, TN The Dregs
1/01 Lubbock, TX The Sweatshop
Tour with Belay My Last and Moria
1/03 Anaheim, CA Chain Reaction
1/06 Shawnee, OK Fusion Affect
1/07 Kansas City, MO Static Bar
1/08 Tulsa, OK The Pinkeye
1/10 San Antonio, TX White Rabbit
1/11 Abilene, TX Rose Park Activity Building
1/13 Tucson, AZ The Rock
1/16 Bakersfield, CA The Dome
1/18 Santa Cruz, CA The 418 Project
Tour with Blues
1/19 Hollywood, CA The Relax Bar
1/23 Dallas, TX The Door
1/24 Austin, TX Red Seven
1/29 Tampa, FL Transitions Art Gallery
2/01 Thomasville, NC The Soundvent with The Fire The Flood
2/03 Doylestown, PA Siren Records
Dance Club Massacre Confirm More US Tour Dates
Dance Club Massacre have added a few more shows to their winter US tour in support of their 2007 release “Feast of the blood Monsters”.
11/24 DeKalb, IL The House
11/30 Normal, IL Das Fun Haus
12/01 Henryville, OK The Mosh Hall
12/03 Lubbock, TX the Sweatshop
12/04 Albuquerque, NM The Compound
12/07 San Jose, CA The Nova Hall
12/09 Bakersfield, CA Jerry’s Pizza
12/14 Centennial, CO LIFEspot
12/16 Hutchinson, KS McGraw’s
12/17 Leavenworth, KS Groundwork Coffee House More...
Destroy Destroy Destroy Busy Writing Next Album
Murfreesboro, TN dragon-slayers, Destroy Destroy Destroy are hard a work on their next full length album for Black Market Activities. Guitarist, Sir Jeremiah Scott comments on the direction of the new material, “The style is the same, with a little more fantasy/epic, and an evil edge. There are more Viking-type folk songs, as well as more chants and mug pounding sing-a-longs. We also plan on putting a cover of Dio’s ‘Rainbow in the Dark on the new album.“
The addition of their latest, and permanent, keyboardist, Brian Shorter means the keys will be more prominent on their new record. Scott continues, “Expect rich, full orchestra pads in every song to make you feel like you are in another land about to embark on a long journey only to find yourself impaled on the end of a dragons tail in the end.”
Destroy Destroy Destroy will be entering the studio in January 2008. More details on their new release will be available soon.
Lost Aspid Album Reissued On CD
'Extravasation', a long-lost gem from Russian thrash group Aspid, has been released for the first time on CD. Prior to now, only a very small number of vinyl copies and some very low-budget tapes were ever released, both close to impossible to find. Aspid were only together as a band for a few short years in the early '90s, recording their debut full-length, entitled 'Krovoyziliyanie' (meaning 'Extravasation' in English), in 1992. All the ingredients were there for a very successful career; musicianship, production, vision, and great songwriting. Unfortunately, Aspid soon disbanded after releasing only a tiny number of vinyls and tapes of 'Extravasation', resulting in the album and band vanishing before having a chance to be widely heard.
Stigmartyr Records in conjunction with ant[ICON] Laboratories obtained permission to reissue the album, which has been remastered for the CD format. 'Extravasation' is an epic, theatrical exercise in progressive thrash excellence which leads listeners on a dynamic journey with constant pace shifts, tight musicianship, impressive production, a crushing guitar tone, strong vocal performance and brilliant bass-work. Fans of progressive/technical thrash such as Coroner, Voivod, Mekong Delta and so on are especially likely to enjoy the CD.
The 2007 reissue of Aspid's 'Extravasation' includes all 8 original tracks, coming through at almost 45-minutes, and includes the original cover artwork which has been refined and enhanced, in addition to brand new full-colour internal layout, including a 6-page booklet featuring a band photo, considerable liner notes and more.
Some of this can be seen at the official Aspid MySpace page, and the album itself can be purchased from Stigmartyr Records. Four tracks can be heard on the bands' MySpace player, and the tracklisting for 'Extravasation' is as follows:
1. Intro
2. It Came (Aspid)
3. Towards One Goal
4. Give Me (Play For A Ballet)
5. Hey, You!
6. Where The Night
7. Comatose State
8. Extravasation
Diamond Head To Open For Thin Lizzy
UK NWOBHM legends DIAMOND HEAD will join THIN LIZZY for select dates - from November 26th - December 13th - on their upcoming UK tour.
QUEENSRŸCHE were recently forced to cancel their upcoming tour of the UK with Thin Lizzy "due to a personal emergency."
Thin Lizzy's complete UK itinerary is as follows:
November
22 - Leicester, UK - De Montfort Hall
23 - Cambridge, UK - Corn Exchange
24 - Ipswich, UK - Regent
26 - Nottingham, UK - Royal Concert Hall (with Diamond Head)
27 - Birmingham, UK - Academy (with Diamond Head)
28 - Cardiff, UK - St David's Hall (with Diamond Head)
30 - Glasgow, Scotland - Academy (with Diamond Head)
December
1 - Aberdeen, Scotland - Music Hall (with Diamond Head)
2 - Newcastle, UK - City Hall (with Diamond Head)
4 - Sheffield, UK - City Hall (with Diamond Head)
5 - Manchester, UK - Apollo (with Diamond Head)
6 - Liverpool, UK - University (with Diamond Head)
8 - Bristol, UK - Colston Hall (with Diamond Head)
9 - Southampton, UK - Guildhall (with Diamond Head)
10 - Exeter, UK - University (with Diamond Head)
12 - Folkestone, UK - Leas Cliff (with Diamond Head)
13 - London, UK - Hammersmith Apollo (with Diamond Head)
16 - Belfast, Ireland - Belfast Waterfront Hall
17 - Dublin, Ireland - Olympia Theatre
18 - Dublin, Ireland - Olympia Theatre
20 - Castlebar, Ireland - Royal Theatre
21 - Killarney, Ireland - INEC
New Blaze Bayley Album Due Next Year
Former IRON MAIDEN singer BLAZE BAYLEY's website has been updated as follows:
"The new album will be available in spring 2008 - we are thinking of doing a limited addition of 1000 units. If you are intersted in pre-ordering a limited addition or would like more information on what will be contained on the limited addition then please email bblimitedadditioninfo@rock.com. This is research only at this point. Thank you."
Trash Talk Set To Release New EP, "Plagues"
Trash Talk will release a new 7" EP titled "Plagues" on January 15th through Malfunction Records. Here's the official release:
"'Plagues' is their dizzying soundtrack to the impending and unavoidable apocalypse. Comprised of six violent anthems to the diseased and destructive survivors of a dead world. With every explosive note, they delve deeper into that bleak vision: 'All major cities have been laid to waste and survival has become daily life. This is the end of the world. Romantically doomed. The age of innocence is over and everybody knows we're fucked. Most have come to terms and have let defeat set in. Some haven't. Ostracized, morally outcast, and devoid of feeling, our pack has to outlast hunger, freezing cold, scorching heat, dehydration, and self destructive tendencies to survive to see just one more day. Everything has changed so fast and so drastically that this is all a blur. A ball of flesh and metal. An unwanted child of nothing...' Plagues are upon us..."
Kayo Dot Completes New Album
Kayo Dot has finished up their new album, titled "Blue Lambency Downward." Here's the final track listing:
1. Blue Lambency Downward
2. Clelia Walking
3. Right Hand is the One I Want
4. The Sow Submits
5. The Awkward Windwheel
6. The Useless Ladder
7. Symmetrical Arizona
Hydra Head Records will release the effort in March 2008. Additional information on the release can be found here.
Stream The New Led Zeppelin, Senses Fail Albums
AOL Music and Spinner have a few new releases of interest available for streaming in their entirety this week including:
Sepultura Drummer Talks Teaching And More
An exclusive interview with SEPULTURA drummer Jean Dolabella has been posted online at the Agenda do Headbanger blog. The following is an excerpt:
Q: You are a drum teacher, graduated in the Music Academy, in Los Angeles. After that you joined Sepultura, are you still teaching?
A: "Yes. I continue teaching here in BH. Besides, my father and I are running a "Cultural Space" and we have made a lot of events and workshops, not only mine but with several other artists."
Q: About your side projects, you’ve played with Andreas Kisser in his solo project called HUBRIS. Are you still working in the instrumental music project with the guitarist Augusto Nogueira? Do you have any other projects in mind?
A: "Hubris recording sessions were very special. It was the first time that I could record something with Andreas and I thought that the result was wonderful. The songs were strong and we felt a real good chemistry working together. My project with Augusto's been taking shape. We intend to release an album in the beginning of the next year. I also have another project with some old friends from Belo Horizonte that doesn't even have a name yet and no imminent recordings either."
Q: Seems like one of your favorite bands is Meshuggah. Is the drummer Tomas Haake one of your influences?
A: "Meshuggah is a band that I admire a lot, but it’s not my favorite band. I don’t even have a favorite band. I’ve seen them live a couple of times and the quality of the musicians is really impressive. As I enjoy and listen to many kinds of music, I have some completely distinct influences. During a time, Tomas Haake was in fact an influence."
Converge Offer Band Member Updates
CONVERGE have posted the following updates:
“As most of you know, all of us hate sitting still. Though we are not touring right now (as life needs us at home) all of us are keeping busy with a variety of projects, here’s the latest:"
"Kurt Ballou: He has been engineering up a storm at Godcity Studios. Lately he has worked on albums for COLISEUM, DISFEAR, GENGHIS TRON, TORCHE, and BLACKLISTED. He is also working w/ Jake on his ‘Wear Your Wounds’ album, due out on Deathwish in early 2K8. Lastly, Hydrahead will soon be reissuing material from THE HUGEUNOTS, a band that Kurt played in in the mid 90’s w/ members of THE EXPLOSION and PIEBALD. Check out Hydrahead for the latest info on that release…"
"Nate Newton: Nate has been playing shows with DOOMRIDERS (including some w/ DANZIG). DOOMRIDERS are also currently writing and recording new material as well. Be sure to pick up their ‘Black Thunder’ album if you haven’t already."
"J. Bannon: Jake has been working on his ‘Wear Your Wounds’ album w/ Kurt at Godcity. Also he’s been busy w/ all things Deathwish/Malfunction. New art projects that are in the works include: New silkscreened prints, SHIPWRECK A.D. art/packaging, LIFE LONG TRAGEDY art/packaging, Rockett Clothing designs, BLACKLISTED art/packaging, and more." More...
Sinphonia Working On New Material
SINPHONIA, the Danish dark melodic metal band featuring ex-SIRENIA singer Monika Pedersen, HATESPHERE drummer Dennis Buhl, CHAOSWAVE guitarist Henrik "Guf" Rangstrup, and newly added bassist Leif N (JANUARY JAUNT), has commenced work on new material. The group — which has released two full-length albums so far (2000's "When the Tide Breaks" and 2001's "The Divine Disharmony") through Lucretia Records — is searching for a new label home for its upcoming third CD. The as-yet-untitled new effort is scheduled for release late next year.
According to a press release, SINPHONIA's new material will not be far removed from that on the 2005 "Silence" EP, although it will include "a darker yet more melodic touch."
The three songs from the "Silence" EP can be heard on the band's MySpace page.
Kreator Cancel Bulgarian Concert
Veteran German thrashers KREATOR have cancelled their previously announced December 15 concert at Hristo Botev Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria.
According to a posting on the band's official web site, the show was called off due to circumstances beyond [the group's] control. KREATOR hopes to come to Bulgaria at a later date."
Phil Anselmo: "I'm The Best Frontman In The World"
In the second installment of Headbanger's Blog's week-long series with DOWN/ex-PANTERA vocalist Philip Anselmo, the pugnacious fighter steps into the ring and talks about why he's the undisputed heavyweight champion of heavy metal and how he’s working with the best band playing today. Watch the two clips below. (Note: Video stream is NOT available to non-U.S. residents.)
In the first clip, Anselmo says: "I just think I'm the best frontman in the world and I have the best band behind and I'm the best at what I fucking do. And I've known most of them since I was 13 years old. That's the magic there. That's longevity. That's a team. That's what got you there.
He continues: "We can't be categorized. We've taken the southern rock thing… We wrote about being southern on our first damn record. On our second record we touched upon the fact… We have transcended the entire thing. As a matter of fact, last night I think I saw a confederate flag for the first time the entire tour and it got yanked down into the crowd and I never saw it again. I stand on no damn flag."
DOWN's video for the song "On March The Saints" will make its "Headbanger's Ball" debut this Saturday, November 17 at 11:00 p.m. on MTV2 (re-air at 4:00 a.m.). This episode will also feature a piece with Phil Anselmo in which he compares the world of boxing to playing music.
The "On March The Saints" clip will make its online debut tomorrow (Thursday, November 15) on the Headbanger's Blog.
DOWN's new album, "Over the Under", was released on September 25 through ILG/Warner Music Group (one day earlier internationally via Roadrunner Records). The LP was issued in Europe as a limited-edition digipack CD featuring the bonus track "Invest in Fear". More...
Grails East Coast Tour Dates
Oregon's Grails will tour the East Coast this week. Here are the tour dates:
11/13 Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel w/ OM, Jack Rose
11/14 Brooklyn, NY @ Club Europa w/ OM, Jack Rose
11/15 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's w/ OM
11/16 New York, NY @ Knitting Factory w/ OM
11/17 Brattleboro, VT @ The Loft w/ OM, Witch, Jack Rose
11/18 Boston, MA @ Middle East w/ OM, Jack Rose
Sonic Syndicate Singer Talks Nightwish Tour
As previously reported, Finnish superstars NIGHTWISH and newcomers SONIC SYNDICATE from Sweden will embark on a North America Tour together in 2008!
Sonic Syndicate vocalist Richard Sjunnesson has issued the following statement with regared to the support tour:
"Just got home from a very successful European tour with our fellow countrymen and label mates of SOILWORK and it wasn't even necessary to unpack our bags cause we're leaving in a mather of days for America to support another great Swedish act, namely AMON AMARTH.
However the breaking news that dropped my jaw to the ground today and leaving it there for good over half an hour was that Sonic Syndicate have been confirmed to open for the scandinavia's own Nightwish on there upcoming American tour. I would just like to say that me and the band who all are hardcore Nightwish fans are extremly thrilled about this and we're really looking forward for an massive tour with a lot of crazy stuff and brilliant gigs!
I'm already with passion studying a Finnish dictionary and we literary can't wait for 2008... Kippis!"
Dates for the Nightwish/Sonic Syndicate North American tour include:
May
5 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
6 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theatre
7 - Poughkeepsie, NY - Chance Theater
9 - Quebec City, QC - Centre De Foire
11 - London, ON - Cowboy's
14 - Winnipeg, MB - Garrick Centre
15 - Regina, SK - The Drink
16 - Edmonton, AL - Starlite Room
17 - Calgary, AL - MacEwan Hall Ballroom
19 - Victoria, BC - Sugar
20 - Vancouver, BC - Croatian Cultural Centre (TBC)
22 - Orangevale, CA - The Boardwalk
23 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
24 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
26 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theater
27 - Lawrence, KS - Granada
28 - Sauget, IL - Pop's
30 - Louisville, KY - Headliner's Music Hall
31 - Mokena, IL - The Pearl Room
Dismember Reveal New Album Details
Long-running Stockholm, Sweden-based death metal masters DISMEMBER will release their self-titled new album in March 2008 via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at B.A.S. studios with producer Nico Elgstrand (MURDER SQUAD, KRUX, MERCILESS, ENTOMBED). The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. Death Conquers All
02. Europa Burns
03. Under A Bloodred Sky
04. The Hills Have Eyes
05. Legion
06. Tide Of Blood
07. Combat Fatigue
08. No Honor In Death
09. To End It All
10. Dark Depths
11. Black Sun
DISMEMBER in May tapped drummer Thomas Daun (ex-REPUGNANT, INSISION, SUBVISION) to replace longtime skinsman Fred Estby, who left the band in April. "My decision to put my family in first hand makes it impossible to keep on touring and commit to the band full-time," Estby said in a statement. "I want to thank all the fans, friends, bands and all the other cool people I've met through the years and I wish DISMEMBER all the best in the future."
DISMEMBER's latest album, "The God That Never Was", was released in February 2006 via Regain Records. The follow-up to 2004's "Where Ironcrosses Grow" was once again produced by Estby at Sami Studio in Stockholm. The group's current lineup includes Matti Kärki (vocals), David Blomqvist (guitar), Martin Persson (guitar) and newcomer Tobias Christiansson on bass.
Dimevision 2 and Book Details Revealed
HELLYEAH/ex-PANTERA drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott has issued the following update:
"HELLYEAH's first DVD, 'Below the Belt', is in stores now. Pick it up anywhere — it's a way to live a day in the life of the HELLYEAH band and our rowdy crew.
"We are shooting our video for 'Thank You' in Dallas, Texas at The Palladium the night before Thanksgiving, November 21st... then the party moves to The Clubhouse so bring your ass and let's make it the video and party of the year!
"HELLYEAH will be on tour until December 15th and possibly into next year.
"I wanna thank everyone for making my return to music a great experience! It's been awesome!
"Please keep sending demos as I will get some time to focus on the label (Big Vin Records) early next year and plan on signing a few bands...
"Also, 'Dimevision 2' [DVD tribute to late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott] is coming along and the first official photo book for Dime is being put together by me and my Dad and will be out next year too. We are very excited about this as it's a true tribute to the King himself!"
"Below the Belt" contains footage going back to the formation of HELLYEAH, including the group's first recording session, the making of its self-titled debut album and various stops on the group's ongoing world tour, as well as personal interviews and other features. The two-hour DVD also includes videos, backstage clips, footage from the band's April record release party and a look inside Chasin' Jason, the studio once owned by late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott where HELLYEAH recorded.
Singer Chad Gray, who also fronts MUDVAYNE, told The Pulse of Radio that HELLYEAH likes to bring a light-hearted attitude to playing in a band. "Being on the road and touring and playing shows is, like, fun," he said. "You know, to get all in your, you know, leather and your spikes and get up and be all serious and mean and whatever, it's like, that's just not the vibe of our band. We just have a good time with it and people seem to respond to that kind of HELLYEAH vibe, you know, just like, let's have a good time, you know."
Deicide Guitarist Checks In
Guitarist Jack Owen (DEICIDE, ADRIFT, ex-CANNIBAL CORPSE) has sent the following update to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:
"Just got home from a couple whirlwind months of touring. First was OBITUARY's North American tour for their great new album, 'Xecutioner's Return'. I want to thank them for letting me tag along and be a one-man film crew and emergency guitarist!
"Next up was the Balkans Assassination tour, playing bass for my good friends ESTUARY! Yes, bass! It was an awesome and challenging expeience ripping out some bass for a change!
"Thank you to Zdenka, Ash, and Jesse (and KRISIUN and INCANTATION) for a great tour!
"Arrived home to a finished product of the debut ADRIFT album, 'Absolution'. Finally! We've been sending out the first run to labels, mags, and fans. If you'd like to order the album, visit our homepage. We're pushing a limited run of albums ourselves until a label picks it up. (hint, hint..)
"Also got home to the terrible news about Vitek from DECAPITATED. It's a horrible tragedy, and my condolences go out to his band, family, and friends.
"In the works right now? Recording my guitar parts for the new DEICIDE album, rehearsing for an Orlando show with ADRIFT, and sleeping a lot!
"ADRIFT should be on the road before you know it!
"Cheers to all the awesome fans and friends I ran into through the September and October tours! See you again soon!"
ADRIFT's "Absolution" was recorded by David Burrill at The Sample Factory in Youngsville, NC, was mixed by Mark Lewis at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, FL, and was mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in New Windsor, NY.
KSE Drummer Talks Touring, Fans And Lyrics
SunJournal.com recently conducted the following interview with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE drummer Justin Foley:
SunJournal.com: Name, age?
Foley: Justin Foley, 31.
SunJournal.com: How long have you been playing?
Foley: About 8 years now. We came together from a bunch of different bands in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Now we're based in western Mass.
SunJournal.com: What are your fans like?
Foley: It's mostly I would say angry teenagers. I don't know. We've done some tours lately where the kids aren't quite as angry. But they're mostly younger than we are.
SunJournal.com: They're angry though? Are you? More...
Children Of Bodom Announce New Album Title
Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM recently entered Petrax Studio in Hollola, Finland with producer Mikko Karmila to begin recording their new album for an April 7, 2008 European release via Spinefarm Records. The CD, which will feature a guest appearance by Peter Tägtgren of HYPOCRISY and PAIN fame, will be preceded by a single on March 3, 2008. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Pray for the Devil", "Good Morning Roadkill" and "Tie My Rope".
CHILDREN OF BODOM bassist Henkka T. Blacksmith has checked in with the following studio update:
"Last week in studio. Alexi [Laiho, guitar/vocals] has been doing vocals with Peter Tägtgren this week. Janne [Wirman, keyboards] will finish his stuff now also, and by the end of the week everything should be fine. We will start mixing and mastering right away.
"We did nine tracks, including a new version of 'Tie My Rope', plus four cover songs. We will post the different formats as soon as these are confirmed with the different release dates. The actual album itself will contain nine CHILDREN OF BODOM tracks.
"The album will be called 'Blooddrunk'."
CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman Alexi Laiho has told Revolver magazine that he plunged into an alcohol stupor that lasted several months following the completion of the band's two-year tour in support of 2005's "Are You Dead Yet?" "I was so tired of everything and everybody," he said. "I was just like, 'Fuck this, I'm going to get drunk."
"I was in a really aggressive mood, so I think the songs are thrashier and faster than the ones on 'Are You Dead Yet?'" Laiho added. "It's a faster album, but some of it is more progressive. You'll just have to hear it."
As previously reported, Finnish acts MOONSORROW and KIUAS have been confirmed as the support bands for CHILDREN OF BODOM at their one-off show on March 8, 2008 at London, England's Astoria.
Alexi Laiho made a guest appearance the new album from the Finnish band GODSPLAGUE. He played a solo in the song "Don't Come Back" and he sings backing vocals on the CD, entitled "H8", which came out on September 5.
Two songs from CHILDREN OF BODOM — "Angels Don't Kill" and "In Your Face" — are featured on the "Unholy Alliance Tour" DVD, which was released on October 30 via American Recordings. The set features the the "Unholy Alliance Tour: Preaching to the Perverted" lineup — SLAYER, LAMB OF GOD, MASTODON, CHILDREN OF BODOM and THINE EYES BLEED. The DVD has an approximate running time of 90 minutes.
The "Unholy Alliance Tour" DVD was shot at Vancouver's General Motors Place on July 13, 2006, was directed by Adam Rothlein (Speedway Films), and boasts performance footage plus bonus material to include backstage, behind-the-scenes and one-on-one interviews, many of which were conducted by the Unholy Alliance artists themselves.
John Bush Featured In Podcast
The Shockwaves/HardRadio podcast #23 is now available. According to a show update, "this episode features a classic metal discussion between podcast host Bob Nalbandian and vocalist John Bush (ARMORED SAINT, ex-ANTHRAX). Rather than the standard interview Nalbandian and Bush each give their insight on some of the much publicized recent classic rock/metal reunions including VAN HALEN, HEAVEN AND HELL, LED ZEPPELIN, QUEEN, ALICE IN CHAINS, THE DOORS and many others. Also on this episode Nalbandian interviews William Irwin, the author/editor of METALLICA And Philosophy: A Crash Course In Brain Surgery. Topics include the philosophical aspects of James Hetfield's lyrics, Napster, the band's forthcoming release and the ongoing debate of Metallica 'selling-out.'"
It can be heard here
Down Debuts "On March The Saints" Video On HBB
It has been a busy year for Phil Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Rex Brown, Kirk Windstein and Jimmy Bower of DOWN. The band released DOWN III – OVER THE UNDER to critical acclaim, did some revealing interviews, went on tour and made a video that is now coming to light on MTV2’s HEADBANGERS BALL!
DOWN is set to release the first video from OVER THE UNDER. The clip, for “On March The Saints” makes its first showing on MTV2’s HEADBANGERS BALL this weekend – Saturday, November 17th at 11pm (re-airing Monday at 4am). You can catch a sneak preview on http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/ starting TODAY!
Fans should not miss the remainder of the band’s OVER THE UNDER US tour: More...
Tygers Of Pan Tang Albums To Be Reissued
The first four albums from legendary New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band TYGERS OF PAN TANG are being reissued as Limited Edition Paper Sleeves on December 19th via Geffen Japan. The titles are as follows: Wild Cat (1980), Spellbound (1981), Crazy Nights (1982), The Cage (1983).
On October 29th, Tygers Of Pan Tang released a brand new 5 track EP called Back & Beyond. The EP features two new songs, 'Live For Today' and 'Bury The Hatchet' as well as three reworked classics, 'Hellbound', 'Take It' and 'Rock And Roll Man'.
Celtic Frost Frontman Talks About Hellhammer Book
CELTIC FROST mainman Tom Gabriel Fischer has issued the following update:
"In the course of the past three weeks, while working on the manuscript of the HELLHAMMER book, I ventured twice to the godless rural settings of Hellhammer's rise in the early 1980s. I encountered an area that had been changed, to the point of being mangled, by greed, ignorance, and egotism. This was hardly a revelation. I had always been made aware by the local inhabitants that they felt I was vastly mismatched among their mental and behavioral structures.
It was an experience of distinctly mixed emotions and recollections to visit the places where, so many years ago, we enwrapped ourselves with the darkness of Hellhammer's music in order to seek distance from a world we detested and refused to surrender to. Now, it all seems dead. The aura of these locations, once so pronounced, has all but disappeared, in spite of the inherent personal history. The building under which we rehearsed, the paths we walked uncounted times, the spots in the forests where we took our earliest photographs, they are all lifeless now, and there exists no trace of the untamed fire that once affected everybody and everything around us. And yet it is alive within ourselves."
Alice In Chains Discuss New Album For 2008
The following report is courtesy of Chris Harris from MTV.com:
It's been nearly two years since the surviving members of ALICE IN CHAINS - guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney - announced they'd be returning to action for a series of reunion gigs. At the time, some in the band even hinted at the possibility of some fresh Alice tunes somewhere down the line.
Now, two highly successful tours later , Alice in Chains — with COMES WITH THE FALL frontman William DuVall stepping in for late singer Layne Staley — are ready to write and hope to have an LP recorded by the end of 2008.
"Definitely possibly," Cantrell responded with a healthy guffaw when asked whether fans could expect an Alice record next year. "I don't think you can put a time limit on it, because first we have to come up with a record we're satisfied with, and I think we can do that."
No, Alice in Chains haven't written any complete songs for their forthcoming record yet, but Cantrell said they have been tinkering with a few ideas here and there, and they'll start writing in earnest after the holidays.
"The body of stuff that's been coming out so far - all the riffs and song ideas - are really cool," Cantrell explained. "It's really aggressive and everything Alice was, but it's moved on into a different thing too. It's [indicative of the] transformation of this band. The dynamic is different, and it should be. But Mike, Sean and I, we're still here. We're still a big part of how this band sounds. The elements that remain and the element that William brings to the band are powerful things. I couldn't put a time on it, but I can tell you that [writing songs] is what we are working toward. We're gathering material and doing other business to help this band move forward."
Sebastian Bach Checks In From Tour
SEBASTIAN BACH (ex-SKID ROW) has issued the following update:
"Cincinnatti Ohio WEBN FM parking lot - in the middle of the national radio tour. Sitting in the parking lot of WEBN radio in Cincinnati Ohio, waiting to go live on air in person with Fritz. Just drove here from Dayton where we played a bunch of new songs on WTUE with Bman (thanks dude!). Was on the air in person this morning at 7:45 am in Columbus Ohio where we played a lot of Angel Down on the Morning Blitz and had a great time with Blazor & Mo. Premiered the song 'Falling Into You' this morning in Columbus. It feels so great to play the new music on the air across the country!
I have never done this before. I have never gone on tour without playing concerts. It's alot of travel but well worth it. If I was doing shows there would be little chance of me going to a radio station at 7:45 am. This is a great way to let people hear the new album. The whole list of all the radio stations I am going to is on the myspace page. I will be at every station, live in person, playing fresh cuts off Angel Down, which finally hits stores on November 20! Tune into your local station to hear the new album, or come down to the station and get a free autographed poster as long as we got 'em!
In the current issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, on newsstands now, 'Back In The Saddle' off Angel Down is listed at #2 on the Editors Hotlist of Favorite Songs, Videos, or Albums Of The Month. This is a big honor and I freaked out in the airport when I saw it! Glad you dig it ROLLING STONE! Thanks alot for the support!
For the second time this month, I am going on MTV's Total Request Live. I will be a judge in the Rockband Video Game Contest on MTV's TRL on November 15! Check it out !"
Angel Down, will be released on November 20th via a joint-venture between Merovingian Music, Ltd. (MRV) and Bach's Get Off My Bach Productions, and distributed worldwide through Caroline/EMI Music Group.
Produced by Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD, JUDAS PRIEST), and recorded at Sound City Studios and Under City Studios in Los Angeles, CA, the album features the following tracklisting: 'Angel Down', 'You Don't Understand', 'Back In The Saddle' (AEROSMITH cover featuring GUNS N' ROSES' Axl Rose), '(Love Is) A Bitchslap' (featuring Axl Rose), 'Stuck Inside' (featuring Axl Rose), 'American Metalhead', 'Negative Light', 'Live & Die', 'By Your Side', 'Our Love Is A Lie', 'Take You Down With Me', 'Stabbin' Daggers', 'You Bring Me Down', 'Falling Into You'.
Decapitated Ink Nuclear Blast Deal
The supreme Polish Death Metal commando DECAPITATED has just inked a deal with Nuclear Blast. An excerpt from a label press release reads as follows:
"This exceptional band has so far recorded four albums, and we're looking forward to the upcoming mix of technical superiority, brutal riffs and blast-beats on album number five. The joy over these awesome news are of course overshadowed by the tragic death of Decapitated drummer Witold "Vitek" Kieltyka. Vitek passed away on November 3rd in a Russian hospital due to severe head injuries resulting from a heavy car crash involving the band's tour bus and a truck while touring Russia. The highly respected and acclaimed blast-beat maestro was only 23 years old. Rest in peace, Vitek!"
Insect Warfare To Tour Australia
Insect Warfare will tour Australia in early 2008 with Agents Of Abhorrence. Here are the tour dates:
22/2 Adelaide @ TBA
23/2 Melbourne @ Arthouse Hotel
24/2 Melbourne @ Missing Link
27/2 Canberra @ Anu Bar
28/2 Sydney @ The Empire Hotel
29/2 Sydney @ Maggotsville
01/3 Melbourne @ The Tote Hotel
Misery Signals Working On New Album
Last month Misery Signals began focusing on writing material for their next release. Thus far, the band has written the music for roughly five tracks and the demo process will begin later this month. The group hopes to enter the studio in February to record the effort. Guitarist Stuart Ross comments on the new material:
"For those of you who are fans of both of our previous records, I think you can expect another to add to your list. Judging from where we are at right now, you can expect this record to be a little faster and a little heavier at points, but at the same time I don't think we are writing exactly what you would typically expect from our band. We have been really trying to make a conscience effort to step out of the box a bit, while staying true to the style that we have been crafting for the last five years. I think this record will prove to be our best album to date."
Interview
Interview with Mark Wilkerson of Course of Nature
Known for their single “Anger Cage”, Course of Nature was originally signed to Lava/Atlantic Records in 2001; experiencing label changes as well as band members. CON is back again in 2007. I was able to get a phone interview with founder, Mark Wilkerson (vocalist and rhythm guitarist). Not only a major artist with an upcoming album to be released Jan 22, 2008; Mark is also married to the beautiful Melissa Joan Hart. More...
Interview
Unexpect's Syriak and ChaotH Interviewed
On September 9th, 2007 I went to the Highline Ballroom in New York City to see the band Unexpect open for Epica. Before the show I took guitarist Syriak and bassist ChaotH aside to interview them. We ended up doing the interview outside, as many other places around were very noisy. At the time I didn't realize how much wind there would be. This made certain parts of the interview very hard to understand. However, the interview was very entertaining to do as theses guys have a good sense of humor. I hope you enjoy reading it. More...
Straight Line Stitch Post "Remission" Video Online
Knoxville, Tennessee-based female-fronted metal/hardcore act STRAIGHT LINE STITCH has released its video for the song "Remission". The clip was helmed by acclaimed video director Dale "Rage" Resteghini (SHADOWS FALL, FEAR FACTORY, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN) in Atlanta and is described as "top quality, filmed on 'Super 35' film," according to the band's co-manager Charlie Moore. "That, combined with the best director of photography and the best editor in the business, this video is sure to impress."
You can watch the "Remission" video here or below.
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH is signed to Koch Records under the newly created Raging Nation Records imprint. The group has just entered Millbrook Sound Studios in Millbrook, New York with producer Rob Caggiano (ANTHRAX, CRADLE OF FILTH, 36 CRAZYFISTS) to begin recording its full-length debut for an early 2008 release. More...
Day Without Dawn Announce New Guitarist
Day Without Dawn (formerly known as The Postman Syndrome) has solidified their line-up with the addition of a new guitarist. Additionally, the band will likely be changing their name in the near future. Here's a statement from the group:
"Okay, so to answer the questions as to our happenings: The lineup is solidified with the addition of one Dan Brownridge on guitar. We've already written some new material and we're really stoked on it. Unfortunately, the new line-up sounds different enough that we'll probably change the band name again. Sorry. I suppose the new songs don't stray too far from our older material but at least the vocals will be very different (and less of a key element to our sound). One of the consolations concerning changing the name again is that we can release the previously written material under the 'Day Without Dawn' moniker without concern that it doesn't sound like our band anymore. We may wind up just putting the Day Without Dawn album out on iTunes or some such place. since no label wants to release a disc from a semi-defunct band, even if the band has simply evolved into a new lineup. In hindsight we kind of dislike the name "Day Without Dawn" anyway.
"We're already looking to book some shows in the Spring. There's tentative talks of another run down to Texas and back in March, so if you're into booking us or playing a show along the way contact us here."
Eluveitie Sign With Nuclear Blast Records
Nuclear Blast Records announced the signing of the Swiss folk metal band ELUVEITIE.
Commented the group: "While being busy finishing up the production of 'Slania' and working on our 'Evocation' concept, we still found the time to travel to Donzdorf in Germany for a few beers and a talk with the people of Nuclear Blast Records. Not only did they make us drunk as hell, but they also impressed us with a great artist roster, 20 years of incredible work (happy birthday, Nuclear Blast!) and their professional but still very 'metal' staff. So we did what had to be done — we came, we saw and we signed."
"We are looking forward to many years of great work together with one of the world's biggest record companies in metal and are glad to announce that our new full-length record, 'Slania', will join the legions of legendary albums released by Nuclear Blast on February 15th, 2008!" More...
Maynard James Keenan Talks Music and Wine
Suicide Girls has posted an exclusive video featuring Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer frontman Maynard James Keenan, shot on the grounds of his vineyard in Arizona, Caduceus Cellars/Merkin Vineyards. Maynard, who keeps a blog on SG.com, talks about making both wine and music and where the two merge in his world. More...
Interview
An Interview with Jeremy Spencer of FFDP
Seeing these guys in concert was amazing! I was able to get a phone interview with Jeremy Spencer, drummer of Five Finger Death Punch. They were currently touring with Korn, Hellyeah, and Droid. Their album "The Way of the Fist" is currently in stores. Jeremy explained how the band was formed a few years ago and their current future plans. More...
Navigate forward or backward through each day of news below: