Metal News for July 2, 2009
Last updated on October 8, 2025 at 4:10 PM ET
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33 news articles posted on this day.
Alex Webster Featured On Shockwaves Skull Sessions
Cannibal Corpse founding bassist Alex Webster and Order Of Ennead bassist Scott Patrick joins Skull Sessions regular and author Joel McIver and Skull Sessions host Bob Nalbandian in this hour-long discussion about extreme/technical death metal. Alex and Scott discuss their early influences, Cliff Burton, the emergence of thrash/death/black metal and what the future holds for extreme metal.
For the direct link to the podcast, click Here
Anterior Issues Recording Update
”We have had lots of people asking about what we are doing and when you guys n girls will hear something new so here's a quick update.
We are still writing for the forthcoming album, we will be releasing updates regarding the new album's title, track listing, etc. over the coming months and we are hoping to record in September/October time with the beastly metal producer extraordinaire, Mr. Scott Atkins.
That's about all we can reveal right now but rest assured we are working on some cool stuff and new things which can only mean greater things for Anterior in the future.
Thanks you for your patience and we will be updating this regularly over the coming months regarding the new album. Also, you can now follow us on twitter, facebook and last.fm, just click the links on the profile that the lovely people at rightclick studios built us.”
We love you all!”
AnterioR
The Red Chord Posts Fourth Studio Update Online
The Red Chord has posted the fourth video installment for the making of Fed Through The Teeth Machine. In this episode, Johnny Fay tries to no avail to get Greg Weeks to successfully lay down his bass tracks.
Watch episode #4, bass recording Here
Metal Blade Signs Up We Are The End
Los Angeles, California's We Are The End has inked a deal with Metal Blade Records. A relatively new addition to the SoCal scene, the band came together in June of 2008 with the timely meeting of Brandyn Love and Shaun-Matthew Paramore, and the eventual addition of vocalist, Spencer Aragon, guitarist Mychal Wright, and drummer David Crough. The band has been locked away in their practice space since April writing their debut full length, which will see an early 2010 release.
We Are The End comments: "We are proud to join and contribute to the industry standard for extreme music that is Metal Blade Records. Their reputation for developing and caring for their artists has preceded them. After some time of searching we have finally found our home."
We Are The End is:
Spencer Aragon - vocals
Brandyn Love - guitars
Mychal Wright - guitars
Shaun-Matthew Paramore - bass
David Joseph Crough - drums
The band will be recording their debut at Eck Studios, with producer Christopher Eck. The band is currently booking tours for later this year.
Check out the band's Myspace Here
GWAR Vocalist Oderus Urungus Grabs Victory
In an event asinine yet sublime, GWAR lead singer Oderus Urungus has claimed victory over world-famous wrestler Tracy Smothers in a match held last week at Schoenbaum Amphitheater in Charleston, W. Virginia.
“It wasn't too hard…I just grabbed his neck, and choked. His eyeballs popped out of his skull. End of story,” said the well-hung shock-rocker.
Smothers corpse was quickly re-animated by the necrotic power of Oderus, and the two pledged to continue to wage their war as long as people “gave them money for it”.
“This is huge in Czechoslovakia,” said the still-bleeding Smothers.
There has been no word on the re-match.
Oderus also recently appeared on Fox News' late-night show, “Red Eye,” as their “Interplanetary Correspondent.” The footage is available HERE.
Re-recorded Mercyful Fate Material On Itunes
As many of you already know, Mercyful Fate's Evil is featured as a playable track on Guitar Hero: Metallica. Mercyful Fate re-recorded these two tracks specifically for the game because the original masters no longer exist. Now, the band is making both available to fans to purchase on iTunes. These versions were recorded at Earplug Studio in Copenhagen and Nomad Recording Studio in Dallas, Texas. They were both mastered by Andy LaRocque at his Sonic Train Studio in Sweden.
King Diamond comments: “It was a lot of fun to get a chance to re-record "Evil" and "Curse of the Pharaohs" from our 1983 "Melissa" album. It was cool to go into the studio and try to figure out all the various harmony vocals and see if I could still do them. The other guys had a lot of fun with this project too, and the whole thing turned out much better than we could have hoped for. Everyone nailed their performances and Hank's solos were even slightly improved. Everything is right where it should be and with a much better sound! The “feel” was there and all of the guys - Hank, Denner, Timi and Bjarne are all naturals. The versions that will be up on iTunes were mastered by Andy LaRocque and even with a 2009 sound, there's no doubt that these songs were recorded by Mercyful Fate!”
Evil and Curse Of The Pharaohs will be available for fans to purchase digitally on July 14th. A special edition picture disc vinyl single will be available on September 1st.
Children of Bodom Cover Album Tracklists Revealed
Children of Bodom has revealed the tracklists for the upcoming cover album, entitled "Skeletons in the Closet," scheduled to be released worldwide this fall. The tracklists are as follows:
Europe:
1. "Lookin' Out My Back Door" (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
2. "Hell Is For Children" (Pat Benatar)*
3. "Somebody Put Something In My Drink" (Ramones)
4. "Mass Hypnosis" (Sepultura)
5. "Don't Stop At The Top" (Scorpions)
6. "Silent Scream" (Slayer)
7. "She Is Beautiful" (Andrew W.K.)
8. "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" (Kenny Rogers)
9. "Bed Of Nails" (Alice Cooper)
10. "Hellion" (W.A.S.P.)
11. "Aces High" (Iron Maiden)
12. "Rebel Yell" (Billy Idol)
13. "No Commands" (Stone)
14. "Antisocial" (Trust/Anthrax)*
15. "Talk Dirty To Me" (Poison)
16. "War Inside My Head" (Suicidal Tendencies)**
17. "Ooops! I Did It Again" (Britney Spears) More...
Man Must Die Streaming New Song Online
Scotland’s Man Must Die have posted the second preview track, “This Day Is Black”, from their brand new album "No Tolerance For Imperfection" online now via the band’s MySpace page. "No Tolerance For Imperfection" is set for an August 4th North American release date (August 10th internationally).
Man Must Die have added a second guitar player to ranks; Renne Hauffe from German grinders JAPANISCHE KAMPFHÖRSPIELE. The two bands have recently completed a European tour together, along with MACABRE, where Hauffe began learning the new material.
Man Must Die’s Danny McNab commented on the new addition: "Renne brings a wealth of experience to MMD along with a ferocious playing style and live performance. He just slotted right in, he's a fast learner and a super cool guy. He was able to play with us during some of the recent dates in Europe, learning the tunes in the back of the tour bus! We are all really excited about our new future, it will make a huge difference to MMD's live performance and we can't wait to get out with our new lineup and play the new songs!"
Voodoo Six Recruits New Vocalist Luke Purdie
London based rockers Voodoo Six have issued the following announcement about replacing their vocalist:
"We know there has been a lot of speculation as to what the major announcement is, well the wait is over: There has been a re shuffle of the Voodoo Six pack, the band has parted ways with Henry. This may be of disappointment to many fans but in order for Voodoo Six to move forward change was necessary. We all wish Henry the very best for the future, he is a talented guy and sure he will find the music which will inspire him to carry on with a new project. We also thank him for his past contribution to the band.
"Voodoo Six now has a new member, Luke Purdie. Luke has a rich bluesy voice and is a great songwriter too, he slotted into the band perfectly. Former bands include Reculver and his own solo acoustic project.
"We are working on getting the new album finished, it's sounding amazing. We have been rehearsing the new songs and you will be pleased to hear that V6 is firing on all cylinders! More...
Ensiferum Reveal New Album "From Afar" Details
Finnish folk metallers Ensiferum have set "From Afar" as the title of their fourth album, due on September 9 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was produced by Tero Kinnunen (Nighwish, Amorphis) and Janne Joutsenniemi ('Victory Songs' producer) and was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa (Him, Sentenced, Amorphis).
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
1. By The Dividing Stream
2. From Afar
3. Twilight Tavern
4. Heathen Throne
5. Elusive Reaches
6. Stone Cold Metal
7. Smoking Ruins
8. Tumman Virran Taa
9. The Longest Journey (Heathen Throne Part II)
10. Vandraren (limited-edition bonus track; NORDMAN cover)
Throne Of Katarsis Postpones Upcoming Tour
Norwegian black metal band Throne of Katarsis has issued the following announcement about postponing their upcoming tour with Nehëmah:
"Exaudi Meam! 'Revelabitur Gloria Domini Sathanas' is postponed for a few months. Nonetheless this dark crusade WILL take place...."
Goatwhore Charts At No. 190 On Billboard Top 200
New Orleans extreme metal band GOATWHORE has just broke the Billboard Top 200 chart with their latest release "Carving Out the Eyes of God," coming in at #190. In addition to hitting the Top 200 Chart, "Carving Out the Eyes of God" also debuted on the Billboard Hard Music chart at #33, the Billboard Top New Artist (Heatseekers) Albums chart at #16, and the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart at #34. GOATWHORE also carved out a spot for themselves on Canada's charts coming in at #48 on Independent chart and #79 on Hard chart.
Weedeater To Support Down On N. American Tour
North Carolina's sludge metal band WEEDEATER has been confirmed as support for a full-on North American DOWN tour. The lineup changes throughout the routing; The Canadian dates feature secondary support from VOIVOD, while the bulk of the American dates feature THE MELVINS. Other opening support for the tour will be DANAVA for the first half and EVIL ARMY for the latter half of the dates.
If you'll remember, Evil Army and Weedeater also supported Down on their North American dates earlier this year.
WEEDEATER will play several shows in North Carolina and Tennessee on the way to the opening and after the closing of the tour, and will headline sporadically in chunks throughout the main tour.
WEEDEATER's latest album, "God Luck And Good Speed," was released in 2007 on Southern Lord Recordings; a deluxe double LP version just released in 2009.
Here are the latest WEEDEATER tour dates: More...
Former Toxik Members Reunite For Doom Project
Former Toxik members Tad Leger and Josh Christian have just posted songs on Myspace of the latest recordings of Lucertola, three and a half years after the project was originally revealed. Originally a solo project for Tad, Josh recently came on board to do bass, keys and some slide guitar.
The music in is the vein of Sabbath, Mercyful Fate, Voivod, Goblin and Fabio Frizzi, and very influenced by the films of Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento and the Blind Dead films.
Amoral Posts "Year Of The Suckerpunch" Video
Finnish metallers Amoral have posted a new video online for the song "Year of the Suckerpunch," which can be viewed below. The band issued the following statement about the video:
"The video for 'Year of the Suckerpunch' is finally done and online! Watch it here. A big thank you to the film crew (Toni Salminen, Timo Honkanen, Leeni-Maria Hovila, Maria Jaskari, Valtteri Hirvonen & Ilkka Taponen) for their hard work!" More...
Born From Pain Issues Update On Vocalist's Surgery
Born From Pain has issued the following update about their vocalist Rob Franssen undergoing eye surgery:
"What's up everybody!
"Most of you might have heard about Rob's eye operation. After a seemingly successful recovery, Rob returned to tour two weeks ago. However, due to his eye problem returning, he had to drop off tour last week to undergo surgery again. Rob will not be fronting the band this weekend in Eindhoven and the upcoming July shows. However, Born From Pain will be playing every show this month with a substitute singer except for Vainstream, which we had to cancel. As it looks now, we will return to full strength as off August.
"Rob would like to thank everybody for their support during the last five weeks!
"Hope to see you soon!"
For Ruin Streaming Two New Songs Online
Irish metallers For Ruin are streaming two new tracks "Care of the Dead" and "In Suffering" on their MySpace page. The songs are from the band's upcoming album "Last Light."
The track listing for "Last Light" will be as follows:
1. Enlightened (Instrum)
2. Care of the Dead
3. Decline
4. In suffering
5. Solace
6. Recoil
7. Crawl (Instrum)
8. Deluge
9. Cold Call
10. Elysium
Thornafire Reveals New Album Tracklisting
Chilean death metallers Thornafire will release their second album, "Vorex Deconstrucción," later this month via Ibex Moon Records. The cover art for the album can be viewed here.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
1. Hacia La Ruina Del Agartha
2. Sucubación
3. Deconstrucción
4. Otredad
5. Confesión
6. En El Eon De Las Falacias
7. Por El Delirio
8. Conflagracóin Del Monoteismo
9. De La Destrucción Al Trono
Suicide City Offering Free MP3 For Download
Suicide City, the band featuring ex-Biohazard guitarist/vocalist Billy Graziadei and former Kittie bassist Jennifer Arroyo, are set to release their debut full-length album "Frenzy" on August 4th via The End Records. The band is currently offering an MP3 from the album titled "The Best Way" as a free download. The song can be found here.
Morton Black Streaming New Song Online
Morton Black has issued the following announcement about streaming a new demo track online at their MySpace page:
"Joey Ferwerda, instigator and mastermind of melodic metal project Morton Black has posted the track ‘World Is Closing In’ on the project’s MySpace. ‘World Is Closing in’, featuring vocals by guest musician Marcel Oerlemans (Ceremony of Opposites) is a roughly mixed and unmastered non-CD track and fow now, a MySpace exclusive. A preview of the songs on the upcoming mini ‘Confusion of Existence’, due out later this year on Netherlands-based label Deity Down Records will follow shortly."
Sepultura Posts Devilside Festival Live Footage
Sepultura have posted a live video clip online of their performance at the Devilside festival in Duisburg, Germany on June 28th. The video clip can be viewed here.
August Burns Red Posts New Album Trailer Online
August Burns Red are set to release their new album "Constellations" on July 14th through Solid State Records. A new trailer for the album has been posted online, which can be viewed below. More...
Dream Theater Enters U.S. Billboard Charts At #6
Dream Theater has issued the following announcement about their new album "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" entering the U.S. Billboard charts at #6:
"DT cracks the US Top 10!!!! Just got this email from our A&R guy at Roadrunner.... Dream Theater's Black Clouds & Silver Linings entered the US Billboard Charts today at #6!!
"This is truly amazing....that after almost 25 years together, this band is still growing and progressing and doing bigger and better numbers than ever.....I can't think of many bands that can claim that...
"Plus - a progressive metal album with four songs over 12 minutes in the US Top 10??? (wedged between Jonas Brothers, Eminem and Hannah Montana!) Hell must've frozen over!!!! (this must be a first of its kind.....)
"Thank you everybody!"
Dysrhythmia Streaming Entire New Album Online
Dysrhythmia's upcoming album "Psychic Maps" is currently streaming in its entirety here. "Psychic Maps" will see its CD and limited LP release next Tuesday, July 7th in North America (July 13th internationally).
Dysrhythmia has recently announced a run of east coast dates in support of the new album. This tour will kick-off in Brooklyn, NY on July 18th with a "Psychic Maps" CD release show. A listing of confirmed tour dates and cities can be found below with more to be announced soon.
7/18 Brooklyn, NY Union Pool (CD release show)
7/22 Binghamton, NY Voodoo Lounge
7/23 Wilkes-Barre, PA Café Metropolis
7/24 Richmond, VA Nara Sushi (w/ BLOODY PANDA)
7/25 Baltimore, MD Sonar
7/26 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's
Job For A Cowboy Streaming Entire New Album Online
Job For A Cowboy is currently streaming the entire new album "Ruination" online at the band's official MySpace page. The album is currently set for a July 7th release via Metal Blade Records.
Killswitch Engage Vocalist To Miss Signing Session
Killswitch Engage has issued the following statement about vocalist Howard Jones missing the Hot Topic signing session today in Springfield:
"Due to the passing of a close family member, Howard Jones will unfortunately be unable to attend the Hot Topic In Store Signing on 7/2 @ the Eastfield Mall in Springfield, MA. Please note this signing is NOT cancelled. The rest of Killswitch Engage will be in attendance at 2:30 pm. We thank you for understanding during this difficult time."
Moonspell Cancels Unholy Fest Appearance
As was previously reported, Dark Funeral, Cradle of Filth, Hate, Satyricon, and Blood Red Throne have all canceled their appearances at the 2009 Unholy Fest. Moonspell have now also canceled the appearance at the festival, giving the following statement:
"We are sorry to inform but due to this information and having no response from the promoter Moonspell is also forced to cancel this show. More info as we get it.
"AMON AMARTH , OBITUARY and ENSLAVED have cancelled their appearances at the 2009 edition of the Unholy Fest, set to take place July 23-25 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, due to a 'breach of agreement.' No further details are currently available."
Swashbucke Confirmed for Waken Open Air 2009
NJ pirate metal band, Swashbucke, has announced that the official release party for the three pirates' upcoming album, “Back To The Noose,” will take place at this years Wacken Open Air.
The show starts at 8pm CET at the Mittelalter-Stage on Friday, July 31st including a signing session right after the band plays. As it is the official “Back To The Noose” release party, SWASHBUCKLE plan something really special that night.
Singer/bassist Admiral Nobeard comments, “Aye, it seems the Gods of Metal have smiled upon we pirates three, for we now have rite of passage to pillage and conquer thee greatest festival of heavy metal music known to mankind: WACKEN OPEN AIR!!!! With our record "BACK TO THE NOOSE" being released July 24th on NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS, we'll be making WACKEN our official Record Release Party. Expect utter shenannigans and a blistering battering ram of metal mayhem! Bring yar wenches, yar booze, yar will to thrash about and mosh everything in sight, for it be time for piratical metal glory!!! Be warned Wacken: Hell hath no fury like a Pirate's will to thrash! WE'RE COMING FOR YE, AVAST!”
McQueen Parts Ways with Guitarist
UK rockers, McQueen, have issued the following update regarding the departure of guitarist Cat de Casanove:
"It's with great sadness and a heavy heart that after six years of blood, sweat and tears, we officially announce the resignation of guitarist Cat de Casanove."
"Unfortunately, as with many relationships in life, people grow apart and ultimately want different things. After these six years and many ups and downs, Cat has decided that she would like to pursue other ventures and both Leah Duors and Hayley Cramer wish her the absolute best of luck and will continue to support her in whatever she decides to do in the future. She will be sorely missed!" More...
Armed For Apocalypse Signs To Ironclad Recordings
Ironclad Recordings, founded by Unearth vocalist Trevor Phipps, is pleased to announce the signing of Chico California's ARMED FOR APOCALYPSE; a band featuring the talents of former members of Will Haven, The Abominable Iron Sloth, and Ghostride. Ironclad Recordings is set to release ARMED FOR APOCALYPSE's debut full-length studio album, "Defeat," in the US and Canada on September 15th, 2009 with SOAR releasing this behemoth of an album in Europe. "Defeat" was recorded during two different sessions in late 2008 at the Pus Cavern in Sacramento, CA and Heirloom Studios in Chico, CA, with Matt Pedri engineering. Mixing and mastering for "Defeat" was handled by Eric Stenman (Saves The Day, Will Haven, Senses Fail, Far, Forever The Sickest Kids, Dashboard Confessional, Thrice) with cover art being tackled by renowned artist Matt Loomis, who has done cover art for Abominable Iron Sloth and the Makai in addition to merch designs for Mastodon and The Red Chord. More...
Melbourne's Festival de la Grenouille Announced
FESTIVAL DE LA GRENOUILLE (Festival of the Frog), brings together eight of Melbourne’s leading metal bands, for a night of metal across two stages. The event, supported by both MetalObsession.net and OzProg, is only $15 and takes place at Melbourne's Corner Hotel on July 31, 2009.
Melbourne band Ne Obliviscaris acquired a new lead guitarist, Benjamin Baret, from France in August, 2008. And with his current visa expiring this August, Benjamin’s main hope of staying in Australia long term is a "Distinguished Talent" visa that would extend his stay in Australia at least another 4 years. The only catch, is that it costs more money to apply than he or the band has, (typical broke metal musicians!) and so this amazing line-up has been put together to raise the money for Benjamin’s visa, to help keep him in Australia long term; to help "keep a frog an Aussie."
As well as the amazing line-up of Eyefear, Ne Obliviscaris, Alarum, Be’lakor, The Ocularis Infernum, In Malice’s Wake and A Million Dead Birds Laughing, Festival De La Grenouille also marks the live debut of a new tech/death band, Primordial Space, featuring Benjamin Baret (guitar) and Brendan Brown (bass) from Ne Obliviscaris and brothers Miles and Glenn Krenzin (drums and guitar respectively).
Suicide Silence Plans Signing Session In Cali
Suicide Silence will be appearing at the mall at Victor Valley Hot Topic located at 14400 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92392 on Tuesday, July 14th at 3:00 PM. If you'd like to meet them, here's what to do: Beginning Tuesday, June 30th, purchase the new Suicide Silence CD, "No Time to Bleed," or any Suicide Silence T-shirt from the Mall at Victor Valley Hot Topic location ONLY and receive a wristband that guarantees the opportunity to meet the band on July 14th.* For more info, call the Mall at Victor Valley Hot Topic at 760-843-7650.
*Available while supplies last. Space is limited. Offer not valid online. Limit one wristband and one autograph per person.
Timo Tolkki Gives Personal/Band Update
Timo Tollki, formerly of Stratovarius and currently with Revolution Renaissance and the more recent Project Strato, has issued an updates on a number of things from his personal projects to the status of Revolution Renaissance:
"Sorry for the lack of updates. I have been really busy working hard with different things and projects. Some mixes for my mixing service, composing songs for Project Strato, one Finnish female artist and producing a record for a really cool new Goldenworks artist.
"I've been also writing my book and it is almost finished. It is sort of an autobiography covering the years 1975-2009. It is called: "Intermission - Entr'acte". Some kind and beautiful people are helping me with this by editing and translating. For free. That is truly amazing.
It will come out in English, Finnish, Portugese and Spanish. I try to make the price as low as possible. You will be able to order it from a certain webshop (I'm negotiating about it at the moment) and from some bookstores and record shops. I hope to get it out early September.
"Things don't look too good for RR unfortunately. We have tried but we have no gigs confirmed and actually we don't even have a record deal at the moment. Anyway, we have been working on a new website at least and it should be up in some time soon. There is an intropage already at www.revolution-renaissance.com if you want to have a look. For those who have speakers in their computers, the intropage has a little surprise.
We had to close down the forum to weed out the spam bots and fill in some security holes. This might take some time. Sorry for that.
"When we have something to tell about the possible gigs and new recordings, we will of course inform you right away."
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