Carrying on the tradition that it started in 2008, Norway’s “anti” Label, Misantrof, has, for the third year, released its “anti” Christmas compilation. Titled “Holy Fucking ANTIChristmas Volume III”, the album takes an irreverent poke and what Christmas has become. This year’s compilation contains 15 tracks, of varying genres, all loosely based on the various facets of Christmas, and which have either been newly written and recorded, or adapted, especially for album. Like all Misantrof releases the 15-track “Holy Fucking ANTIChristmas Volume III” is available for free download, together with cover art and information about the bands involved, at http://antichristmas2010.misantrof.net/
CARPATHIAN FOREST bassist Daniel Vrangsinn, who founded Misantrof in 2007, heads what he calls the “anti” label, which he set up as an alternative way for bands to release music. By making Misantrof entirely non-profit and allowing the bands to keep all the rights to their music and control all decisions regarding their releases, he has offered bands a viable alternative to the established labels, especially at time when few, if any, are willing to take risks with new bands. Regarding the ANTIChristmas albums, Vrangsinn explains, “Christmas has now lost whatever religious significance it had to all but a small handful of people, and it has become an orgy of exploitation where everyone is encouraged to spend money they probably don’t have. We just want to give everyone something for free, and hopefully at the same time make people sit back and realise that there are ways to have fun that do not require vast sums of money. All the bands featured have allowed us to use their music for free, even paying their own studio costs - it’s a 55 minutes reality check on Christmas, from 15 different artists, and made for pure enjoyment and cost-free self-indulgence”.
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS & TRACK LISTING
01 - 26z - SANTA BABY
02 - A WASTE OF TALENT - THIS SHALLOW WORLD
03 - AVVIST - UVELKOMMEN
04 - ELECTRONIC CHAOS - WE EAT SO WE KILL
05 - PLAAG - THE GENIUS OF CHRISTMAS
06 - IGNOTUS - EXISTENCE NIHIL
07 - PAAL POTET - GJER FAEN I JUL
08 - THE SMALL PENIS SYNDROMES - CHRISMAS PENIS
09 - VRANGSINN - YOUR AVERAGE JESUS
10 - ION VADER - RESIST THE NWO
11 - JESUS HITLER ONE MAN GANGBANG BAND - JESUS DER NACHT DER WELT
12 - GLOMB - NACHTEN
13 - RH - LAMB SONG II
14 - PHOEBUSNEX - STOLEN
15 - NIERTY - BALLISTIC ANGEL (Previously unreleased - Bonus track)
Beecher reform for live shows
2010-12-19
British progressive metal act BEECHER have reformed almost five years after splitting up, with plans to play live shows in 2011.
The band has issued the following statement:
"Summer 2011 sees the 10 year anniversary of the start of Beecher. We disbanded suddenly, during our most active period, playing just one 'goodbye' gig, at which more than 100 fans of the band were rejected at the doors of the already over-capacity venue.
"Having had five years of reflection time, and considering the aforementioned fact that our tenth birthday is fast approaching, we have decided to reform, playing a handful of shows over the course of 2011 - the first of which will take place on April 29th at the Star & Garter, in our hometown of Manchester. The rest are as-of-yet unconfirmed.
"Not only are we excited to do this for ourselves, but we're also keen that any Beecher fans that didn't manage to see us at the time, get the opportunity to witness what we do best!"
Formed in Manchester, England in 2001, BEECHER released two full-length albums during their career - 2003's BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL and 2005's THIS ELEGY, HIS AUTOPSY - garnering widespread critical acclaim.
The band also toured the UK and Europe with the likes of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, NORMA JEAN, DARKEST HOUR, ISIS, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and more, building up a loyal fanbase in the process. The band announced their split in early 2006, shortly after the release of THIS ELEGY, HIS AUTOPSY.
Now, after five years of waiting, BEECHER have reformed and are in the process of booking live shows for 2011, with the first set to be at The Star & Garter in the band's hometown of Manchester - the very same place in which the band played their last show before splitting up in February, 2006.
For more BEECHER news and info, head to http://www.myspace.com/beecherband
Wormrot enter studio
2010-12-19
The critically acclaimed grind act, WORMROT will be heading into Singapore's TNT Music Productions this January to record a brand new album entitled DIRGE. With this being the full-length followup to ABUSE, the band promises to bring their breakneck grind tones to grim new lows. Frontman, Arif Rot is highly excited about the band's new material and wants the world to know about it:
"We are definitely stoked to get this album out. We are working extra hard on this one. EXTRA FUCKING HARDER THAN ABUSE. We are currently in the rehearsal studio still writing songs and making some minor adjustments and what not. If you are digging Abuse and also from our latest split with I ABHOR, then u might dig the new album. We'll be in the studio for "DIRGE" first week of January. NEW YEAR WITH A NEW DOSAGE OF GRIND!"
WORMROT's new album, DIRGE is due out in Spring 2011.
Kamelot to tour with Fabio Lione as singer
2010-12-16
Kamelot's "Pandemonium Over Europe 2011" is building, adding Evergrey, Amaranthe and Sons of Seasons* to the already announced tour schedule, with more dates to come!
As part of the ongoing Kamelot campaign , we are announcing 2 shows as part of what will be a full US tour!
Aug 30 at the Grammercy Theater in New York City, NY - USA
Sept 2 at the Club Soda in Montreal, Québec - Canada
Promoters will offer a special VIP ticket for these show. This will include a pre show meet/greet and an autographed poster commemorating the show. Both shows go onsale today exclusively through www.Enterthevault.com till Jan 22 when they become available everywhere.
Unfortunately, we have been informed that, due to continuing medical and personal issues, Roy Khan will not be able to finish the remaining touring in support of Kamelot's album, "Poetry for the Poisoned". However, we are pleased to announce that metal icon Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire) will be joining the tour and handling the lead vocal duties. There will also be guest vocal appearances throughout the tour by Simone Simons (Epica), Tommy Karevik (Seventh Wonder), and many more surprise guests throughout this very special and rare tour.
Fabio Lione is eager to get on the road, stating: "I am excited and pleased to be part of the next Kamelot tour. I always loved the sound of the band and I think this will be a great experience for me, the band and for all the fans of great music and Kamelot... see you soon on tour and let's rock!!!"
Sons of Seasons will play at select shows, to be announced.
Heavenwood reveal new album details
2010-12-16
Oporto, Portugal-based metal outfit HEAVENWOOD recently announced the release of their forthcoming fourth album, ‘ Abyss Masterpiece ‘,via LISTENABLE RECORDS on February 28th, 2011. It was mixed and mastered by Kristian " Kohle " Kohlmannslehner at Kohlekeller Studios ( http://www.myspace.com/kohlekellerstudio ).
Abyss Masterpiece’s artwork was developed and realized by Matthew Vickerstaff of Darkwave Art ( http://www.darkwaveart.co.uk/ ) and the numerous bands he has worked with include Cradle Of Filth, My Dying Bride, Godflesh, Carcass, Mendeed, Cathedral, Abigail Williams, The Haunted, Soil and Deicide, to name but a few.
According Bruno Silva, HEAVENWOOD’s guitar-player “ the band is very delighted with the work done by Matthew Vickerstaff. He managed to illustrate in the perfection the essence and feeling contained on ‘Abyss Masterpiece ‘. Matthew experience was a great plus for the whole graphic production and for everybody truly into HEAVENWOOD’s world. “
Song titles set to appear on the Abyss Masterpiece CD include:
'The Arcadia Order'
'Fading Sun'
'Like Yesterday'
'Winter Slave'
'September Blood'
'Sudden Scars'
'A Poem For Matilde'
'Leonor'
'Once A Burden'
'Goddess Presiding Over Solitude'
'Morning Glory Clouds'
'Her Lament'
Morgoth announce festival tour
2010-12-16
Ever since Century Media Records re-released the 1991 MORGOTH album “Cursed” in 2006 as well as a “Best Of” compilation-release one year earlier, there have been constant rumours circulating about an actual comeback of MORGOTH. These rumours as well as several offers from festival promoters have finally challenged the band to actively celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original release of the “Cursed” album by playing some selected festival shows in 2011.
The setlist will consequently mainly consist of songs from the “Cursed” album as well as some cuts from the classic 1989/1990 EP‘s “Resurrection Absurd” and “The Eternal Fall“. The band’s line-up for these special shows is almost confirmed by now as well and will consist of Marc Grewe (Vocals), Harry Busse (Guitar), Sebastian Swart (Guitar), Thilo Mellies (Bass) as well as a great drummer, soon to be announced.
Vocalist Marc Grewe comments as follows: “Throughout the next months we will make sure to prepare a great show for us all to celebrate together in 2011. We seriously look forward to seeing old friends, peers and faithful supporters of the band again as well as playing to new audiences during the upcoming string of festival shows”.
The first confirmed date for MORGOTH in 2011 can now also be revealed: The band will appear on a headlining slot at the 5th edition of the Death Feast Open Air 2011. Death Feast takes places June 23rd – 25th, 2011 in Hünxe / Germany and other heavy-weight Death Metal acts to appear will be Grave, Vader, Pestilence, Krisiun, Misery Index and Gorguts, to mention but a few. More details can be found here: www.deathfeast.de.
Autopsy confirmed for Roskilde festival
2010-12-16
Autopsy and Weekend deliver death metal and noise rock, respectively. Both bands are new additions to the Roskilde 2011 programme.
Good news for fans of metal and noise. This Thursday, we have a coveted crown jewel and one of the more unpolished diamonds in the gift bag.
AUTOPSY (US) is legendary and trendsetting in death metal. The band plays its only Scandinavian concert next summer at Roskilde Festival – and is generally not playing much next year. Accordingly, Autopsy's return is backed by a much-awaited new album. With these pioneers on the programme, brutal death metal is guaranteed, unsuitable for children and weak souls. The uncompromising heroes' visit is an outstanding metal event.
WEEKEND (US) is a brand-new noise rock band from San Fransisco. The band makes a virtue of brutal guitar feedback and towering decibel levels that could force even Godzilla down on his knees. The tracks on the debut album Sports do not use cheap tricks but respect the legacy of bands such as Joy Division, The Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine. Lo-fi, punk and noise in an uncompromising union from a group of debutants, which will enthuse everyone with a nose for new talent.
Wolf to support Accept
2010-12-16
Wolf will be main support for metal legends Accept on a UK tour March 17 – 22, 2011. The band comments: ”We are thrilled to tour with one of the classic bands who made a huge impact on the metal scene in the 80’s and has been a great influence on us. We share the same straight forward, no bullshit attitude in our music and it’s an honour to tour with them. Accept and Wolf - this perfect package should satisfy the appetite of the hungry metal heads, and still leave them craving for more.”
Wolf will release their 6th studio album in Spring 2011 on Century Media Records. The new album is entitled ”LEGIONS OF BASTARDS” and best described in two words: ”heavy” and ”metal”. Nothing more, nothing less. Producer Pelle Saether of Studio Underground, Sweden, has given the album a heavy and raw sound that these excellent new tracks deserve. Fans of previous albums such as “Evil Star”, “The Black Flame” and “Ravenous” will not be disappointed, as the band kept true to their vision of what good ol’ in-your-face Heavy Metal is about. Expect nothing less from these Swedish bastards.
WOLF supporting Accept
March 17, 2011 — LONDON (UK), Garage
March 18, 2011 — PRESTATYN (UK), Hammer Festival
March 19, 2011 — DUBLIN (IRE), The Village
March 20, 2011 — BELFAST (UK), Spring & Airbreak
March 22, 2011 — SHEFFIELD (UK), Corporation
Cruchan sign with Candlelight Records
2010-12-15
Cruachan, Co-creators of the genre Folk Metal was founded in 1992 by Keith Fay, John Fay and John Clohessy. With a love of Celtic music, history and mythology, they sought to incorporate these elements into their music and lyrics, on a scale that had never been done before. With a line-up playing a variety of Irish traditional and conventional metal instruments they released the “Celtica” demo in 1994, in this year they signed with “Nazguls Eyrie Productions” from Germany and released their debut album “Tuatha na Gael” in early 1995. The album suffered from poor sound and production as the band were new to studio recording. Regardless, the album became by far the number one seller for the label despite selling out quickly in the few shops it was available in, not being replaced and not being promoted. As a result a lot of people who read the excellent reviews could not get their hands on the record. Cruachan went into studio again in early 97’ and recorded a four-song promo with a new female folk singer (Aisling). The new material was a lot more heavy rock orientated. The promo was for record labels only. Century Media Records showed a lot of interest in 97’ and arrangements were made for a signing. We left “N.E.P.” and negotiated with Century media. Unfortunately this deal never materialised. Cruachan continued writing and playing, not only to metal audiences but in Celtic festivals and with internationally renowned acts to a variety of people.
In Jan. 99’ Keith and John Fay decided it was time to source a fresh record deal as fans kept writing asking about the possibility of a second album. “Hammerheart records” from Holland were keen to sign them, in Oct. 99’ the deal was signed and Cruachan began recording their second album entitled “The Middle Kingdom” in Nov. 99’, this was released in June 2000. During this period Cruachan played shows extensively throughout Ireland. Folklore, Cruachan’s third album was released in 2002 to huge acclaim. It was recorded by and features vocals by the legendary Shane Mc Gowan of the Pogues. The single “Ride On” reached number 40 in the Irish charts. It received high marks in all the top Metal Magazines (Rock Hard, Legacy, Aardshock etc.). With this album Cruachan toured Europe and headlined festivals in both Germany and Norway.
Pagan is Cruachans 4th studio album and was released in April 2004. Again this album has been regarded as a breakthrough in folk metal and once more received fantastic reviews. The cover artwork was painted by John Howe, the artist from The Lord of the Rings movies. Since Pagan’s release Cruachan have performed all over Europe including 2 Headlining Russian tours and 1 headlining European tour in 2005, to date they are the only Irish band in history, metal or otherwise, to have toured Russia. In 2005 Cruachan signed with AFM records. Their 5th studio album “The Morrigan’s Call” was recorded by Gail Lebling from Gail of god! As of our latest sales statement in February 2009, “The Morrigans Call” is also our best selling album to date. Cruachan left AFM in early 2010. At this time vocalist Karen Gilligan left the band and they decided not to replace her and return to their roots and create extreme folk metal music. They recorded a 3 song demo which was only sent to a select few people. A recording contract was signed with Candlelight records in summer 2010 and recording of their latest album “Blood on the Black Robe” began in November 2010.
Jag Panzer to release new album
2010-12-15
For the original band members Harry Conklin (vocals), Mark Briody (guitar) and John Tetley (bass), Jag Panzer has always been a matter close to their hearts. “We’ve known each other from our earliest childhood and have never lost sight of the idea that this band is based on,” Tetley explains, who naturally doesn`t forget drummer Rikard Stjernquist (a member since 1986) in this context. “I don’t exactly want to use the term ‘spiritual’, but we are connected with this band by a very special relationship. You could say that our lives are inseparably linked with the history of Jag Panzer.” Basically, this heartfelt passion has always been apparent in their songs, however: the American band has never sounded as impressive, mature and accomplished as on their latest album The Scourge Of The Light (out on 28 February 2011 in Europe, 25 February 2011 in Germany , and on 8 March 2011 in the US ).
The reasons? Well, there are probably a number of them. Without doubt, the band’s two main songwriters, guitarists Mark Briody and Christian Lasegue, have never been in better form. Every one of their extremely dynamic riffs sounds haunting, every melody cuts their listeners to the quick. It may sound like a contradiction, but since guitarist Chris Broderick, who was a band member between 1997 and 2007, left to join Megadeth, Jag Panzer have returned to their old forte. “There can be no question that Chris Broderick is an amazing guitarist, and we were really happy for him that he got this chance with Megadeth. But we feel that thanks to Christian Lasegue, Jag Panzer’s classic, clearly more melodic power metal style has returned and that the fans will definitely be happy about this.” Tetley may well be right since Jag Panzer’s most recent studio recording Casting The Stones (2004) was criticised, especially in Europe , for its noticeably harsher direction. “We knew that Christian was the best man for the job, after all he was a band member for three years in the mid-1980s.”
But there are other reasons, too, why The Scourge Of The Light sounds so impressive. Despite their limited production budget, Jag Panzer spared neither cost nor effort to give their ten fantastic new songs a driving, but always transparent sound. For this reason, they asked Jim Morris to mix the recordings at his legendary Morrisound Studios in Florida and sent the result to New York ’s renowned Sterling Sound for mastering. The result is a real earcatcher, without any ifs and buts: “I feel The Scourge Of The Light is the best-sounding album in the history of Jag Panzer,” Tetley rightly expresses his pride in the product of his group’s labours. “It all started when Mark really pushed the envelope during the guitar recordings. And that our friend Jim Morris subsequently helped with the mix is fantastic, of course.
But it’s not only the impressive sound. The new Jag Panzer’s most notable feature is their excellent songwriting, which sounds all of a piece, yet multi-layered and diverse at the same time. Be it the extremely pacy opener ‘Condemned To Fight’, which seems to practically jump at the listener, or the deeply melodic ‘Overlord’ with its gritty hookline. Occasionally, Jag Panzer even venture into experimental fields, as documented by the somewhat progressive ‘Cycles’. In addition, vocalist and lyricist Harry Conklin has tackled a number of interesting issues again. Especially the story of the final track, ‘The Book Of Kells’, in which Conklin tells the (fictitious) story of a man whose tattoos suddenly come to life – an amusing idea, in this case supported by wonderfully atmospheric music.
So would it be justified to say that The Scourge Of The Light has turned into the kind of album which Jag Panzer’s many fans have deserved for years? Yes, that’s precisely how to put it, especially since John Tetley can hardly wait to find out what the group’s supporters have to say about the ten new numbers. “It’s not easy to always come up with the typical Jag Panzer sound with a band which has undergone quite a number of line-up changes in the past almost 30 years. But if we’ve succeeded in achieving just this – and that’s what initial reactions to The Scourge Of The Light have lead us to believe – it not only makes us happy, but also fills us with pride. We put a lot of effort into this album, we tried with the help of Jim Morris and the Sterling Sound to come up with the optimum result, and we have found the perfect record company for this album in SPV. I feel that every bit of energy we’ve invested in The Scourge Of The Light has absolutely paid off.”
TRACKS
Condemned To Fight * The Setting Of The Sun * Bringing On The End * Call To Arms * Cycles * Overlord * Let It Out * Union * Burn * The Book Of Kells
Vicious Rumors to release new album
2010-12-15
It’s Geoff Thorpe’s story of power and pain. The quest to change peoples lives with the power of metal music and the fascination of his band in 2011. The guitarist and main songwriter of American power metal act Vicious Rumors says: “The older we get, the more wicked Vicious Rumors sound. We’ve definitely not slowed down – quite the opposite – have even more drive. Our fans won’t see a single Vicious Rumors show where we don’t go to our limits and beyond.” Anybody who has been to one of the group’s gigs during the past two years knows just what he means. Thorpe’s comment not only describes his band’s concerts, but also without reservation Vicious Rumour’s latest album Razorback Killers, due out on SPV on 28 March 2011 (Germany: 25 March 2011, US: April 5th.) and featuring ten breathtaking new songs which transport the traditional Vicious Rumors sound perfectly into the present. To cut a long story short: this band has never sounded more dynamic than on Razorback Killers.
The reasons for Vicious Rumors’ high-powered performance? Thorpe has a plausible explanation: “The metal is in our blood!!!! Plus we always have an awesome line-up. Larry Howe on drums and vocals, our bassist Stephen Goodwin and guitarist Kiyoshi Morgan, and in Brian Allen we’ve found the best vocalist you could possibly get for these kind of songs.” Brian Allen joined the Vicious Rumors fold one and a half years ago at the recommendation of Matt McCourt (Wild Dogs), a long time friend who Thorpe met up with at the Headbangers Open Air. “Matt had praised Brian, and I thought that he’d be perfect for Vicious Rumors.” His assessment soon proved true: from the beginning, Allen showed his great potential during intense rehearsals. “We immediately noticed this raw, pure quality in him. Like a snowball, something very big developed very quickly out of small beginnings. During our five-week European tour, Brian got nothing but positive reactions from our fans.”
So Brian Allen and Kiyoshi Morgan are – along with Thorpe, Bassist Stephen Goodwin and drummer Larry Howe, of course – two of the elemental parameters which make Razorback Killers such a dynamic powerhouse of an album. Three other musicians deserve to be mentioned: the guest guitarists Mark McGee, Eric Peterson and Brad Gillis. “Isn’t it fantastic that Mark returned and contributed those amazing solos on two songs?” McGee was a band member between 1986 and 1995 and has launched veritable guitar solos on ‘Blood Stained Sunday’ and ‘Pearl Of Wisdom’. “Mark and I trading solos just like the old days,” enthuses Thorpe, who also can’t hold back his delight at Eric Peterson’s impassioned solo passages on ‘Murderball’. “Eric has been a friend for many years and is the driving force in Testament. His solo on ‘Murderball’ is a perfect combination of the whole energy of Vicious Rumors and Testament, merged into one song.” And last but not least: Brad Gillis, who otherwise makes his living as one of the band leaders in Night Ranger, is one of Geoff Thorpe’s close friends and already delivered a number of great solos on Vicious Rumor’s predecessor album, Warball. This time around, Gillis contributed a matchless – as Thorpe calls it – “classic tremolo guitar solo” on ‘Deal With The Devil’. “I remember well when he replaced the late Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne’s band. Brad has my utmost respect as a friend and colleague.”
So the furious Razorback Killers marks the next chapter in the career of Vicious Rumors, whose history is paved with countless highlights: the band took the legendary Dynamo Festival in Eindhoven, Netherlands, by storm with their amazing shows in the summers of 1990 and 1994, floored the 2002 Wacken Open Air, rocked the metal fans at the 2007 Bang Your Head Festival and are celebrated frenetically all over the world for their passionate live performances. Vicious Rumors have released ten excellent power metal albums to date, travelled the world over a dozen times – with Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Aerosmith and many others – and are now ready to present their latest recording to their fans. “We’ll be co- headlining the Keep It True festival in April 2011, one month after the album is released,” Thorpe promises. “We’ll be touring for the rest of the year in the USA , Europe and Japan , hopefully also visiting countries such as South America or Australia , where we’ve never been before.” Razorback Killers produced by Geoff Thorpe and Juan Urteaga certainly has the potential!
TRACKS
01 Murderball
02 Black
03 Razorback Blade
04 Blood Stained Sunday
05 Pearl Of Wisdom
06 All I Want Is You
07 Axe To Grind
08 Let The Garden Burn
09 Rite Of Devastation
10 Deal With The Devil
Iced Earth reveal DVD details
2010-12-14
Can Iced Earth fans handle nearly six hours of their favorite metal band? - They’ll soon find out.
An intense two-minute trailer from the long-awaited live DVD extravaganza “Festivals of the Wicked” has just been posted to the Iced Earth web site (http://www.icedearth.com). The cover art – featuring Iced Earth “mascot” Set Abominae emerging from the fires of Hell, riffing on a Les Paul – has also been revealed. “Festivals of the Wicked” boasts nearly six hours of Iced Earth – three full headliner shows (over 40 live tracks!), a photo gallery shot by famed rock photographer Ross Halfin, plus a 90-minute documentary. It will be released early in 2011.
“The last part of the DVD to be completed is the documentary,” said Iced Earth main man Jon Schaffer. “Thousands of hours were shot and edited down to 90 minutes. It’s very close to done. I have to say the footage of the band on stage is mind-blowing. Those who have already seen us will love it. Those who haven’t yet seen Iced Earth will be amazed by what this band can do on stage.”
Drummer Brent Smedley concurs: “The three festivals featured on the DVD were all extremely remarkable and each one memorable in its own way,” he said. “All three were amazing nights where the Metal and the Magic were fully flowing. I think the release of this DVD truly proves my mantra and favorite saying: METAL LIVES!”
Indeed it does. “Festivals of the Wicked” shows Iced Earth in its favorite element – facing tens of thousands of screaming fans – and playing songs that demonstrate why Iced Earth fans are some of the most loyal in metal.
The three soon-to-be-released festivals are:
Wacken Open Air (2007) with Tim Owens on lead vocals. The blistering 13-song set begins with a jaw-dropping rendition of “Burning Times” and closes with the band’s signature track, “Iced Earth.”
Rock Hard Festival (2008) with Matt Barlow on lead vocals. This festival, the first to feature Matt’s return, storms through 15 songs, with “Dark Saga” leading the charge.
Metal Camp (2008) with Matt Barlow on lead vocals. A not-to-be-missed 16-song face melter of a concert that proves why some say Iced Earth is one of the top live bands in the world.
Schaffer formed Iced Earth in Tampa , Florida , in 1984. Since then, he has released 10 studio albums, one live album, two compilations, and three boxed sets. With worldwide sales in the millions, Iced Earth has earned a seat in the pantheon of America ’s most successful heavy-metal bands.
“I’m very proud of this DVD, and I’m grateful to fans for their patience,” said Schaffer. “Getting this ready for release has been an enormous job, but a true labor of love. It will be worth the wait. I promise.”
Iced Earth was recently confirmed to appear at Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel , Belgium , on June 24th, 2011. Additional festival dates will be announced soon on the band’s official web site, Facebook and MySpace.
King Diamond undergoes triple bypass surgery
2010-12-14
King Diamond was recently hospitalized and underwent open heart surgery. He is currently recuperating at his home and is expected to make a full recovery. King's wife, Livia, made the following post on the official King Diamond website, covenworldwide.org:
"Let me catch you all up on the past couple of weeks' happenings, because it affects many things.
On Monday the 29th of November, King had to be transported to the nearby hospital by ambulance. After several different tests were done and the EKG machine showing abnormalities, the doctors recommended that he get a cardiac catheterization.
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where the doctors lead a very thin tube up from the leg and into the heart, where it injects dye into the bloodstream. Then a camera at the end of the tube takes many pictures of the heart's arteries, looking for blockages. After this was done, they determined that King had several heart attacks, and three of his heart's arteries were the cause: one was completely blocked, the second was 90% blocked, and the third was 65% blocked.
The only solution to this was an open heart triple bypass surgery.
If you are interested in the details of how this surgery is performed, please look it up online. I will only touch on the basics. The sternum (breastbone) is cut in half and pulled apart, to expose the heart. Veins are harvested from other places of the body, in King's case it was his left leg and chest wall. The person is then hooked up to a machine that practically does the job of the heart, circulating and oxygenating the blood. The heart is then stopped, and the lungs collapse (the lungs stop working since the blood is being oxygenated by the machine). The surgeon then sews the harvested veins in place, bypassing the found blockages. Once the surgery is done, the surgeon moves the ribs and breastbone back into place and wires it together. The chest is closed as well. They use an electric pulse to start the heart and a breathing machine is lead into the lungs to restart breathing. King's surgery took approximately 7 hours.
Everything went well, and King was taken to ICU for recovery. He was walking and eating solid food already 2 days after the operation, and he was the first one in the history of the hospital who walked on his own power from the ICU to normal care. 10 days after the ambulance took him to the emergency room, he is at home and is recovering well. It will be a few months before he feels completely normal and is without pain.
He would like to mention here that he's eternally grateful for the wonderful staff at Centennial Medical Center who took care of him. Dr. Kourlis, Dr. Kamili, Dr. Alang, Nurse Christie and Nurse Thomas among many others made sure that he got the best care and attention he could ever have hoped for. They were always very nice to me too, letting me stay overnight in the ICU after visiting hours were over.
In light of this, he will be taking a break from music and the music business altogether until further notice. He very much wants to write new music, finish the DVDs, and go on tour, but for now, all those things are in the distant future and he's not thinking about them.
Please understand that the King Diamond band is not stopping, disbanding or anything of the sort. King's health is first priority, and when everything is going good with him, the music will resume.
Thank you all very much for reading this and STAY HEAVY,
Livia"
The Soulless enter studio
2010-12-14
British melodic death metallers THE SOULLESS, who recently changed their name from IGNOMINIOUS INCARCERATION, are going into the studio tomorrow, December 15th, to begin recording their new album.
THE SOULLESS are heading into Outhouse Studios in Reading, England with producer JOHN MITCHELL (ARCHITECTS, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, ENTER A SHIKARI) and will be recording until midway through January, 2011.
The as-yet untitled new album is due to be released on Earache Records in April, 2011.
THE SOULLESS frontman ANDY WARDLE comments:
"We are all beyond excited to start this process. The last few weeks we have been relentlessly rehearsing the tracks and are very happy with our creation. We know it is going to sound even better when finished at Outhouse.
"Everything will be heavily documented and regular video updates will be up after each stage of recording. Artwork, an official video, album title, tours and new merch are all in the works, so this is the calm before the storm..."
At The Gates confirm exclusive UK show
2010-12-14
Extreme Metal Legends AT THE GATES have confirmed their only UK show of 2011 will take place at next year’s BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR.
“ We had such a blast during the 2008 reunion that we decided to do some more shows.” states drummer Adrian Erlandsson. He continues, “We had an amazing gig at Bloodstock in 2008 and are really looking forward to playing there again.”
One of the most influential metal bands of the last 20 years, AT THE GATES made a permanent mark after 1995’s “Slaughter Of The Soul” album captured the imaginations of metal heads the world over. Taking the aggression of death metal and lacing it heavily with melody, the album was released to huge critical acclaim - including a Swedish Grammy nomination - and AT THE GATES looked set to take the world by storm . However disbanding in 1996 meant the next chapter was never written. The 12 years that passed left hundreds of thousands of fans hoping that one day they would get to see their heroes again.
Their wish came true and AT THE GATES reunion was one of the summer festival highlights across Europe in 2008. Now the band return for an exclusive appearance, and BLOODSTOCK is honoured to welcome them back for what is bound to be an unforgettable set at Catton Hall.
Whitechapel to film new video
2010-12-14
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – December 14, 2010 – Knoxville, TN's WHITECHAPEL has selected Rocketown in Nashville, TN as the location for the new music video for the track Breeding Violence, off the band's latest release A New Era of Corruption. The video is being shot on Saturday, January 8th with director Scott Hansen (Ill Nino, Willie Nelson, A Day to Remember, DWP, Bless the Fall, We Came As Romans). WHITECHAPEL will play a full set for their fans and will be joined by The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza.
Guitarist and founding member Alex Wade comments; "We're very excited to announce that we will be shooting our next music video for Breeding Violence at Rocketown in Nashville, TN on January 8th. Nashville has always been a second hometown for us and with the success of the show there on The Corruptour, naturally we'd love to shoot our music video for our awesome Nashville fans. Our good friends in The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza will be opening the show so come out and get a shot of being in our video, it's gonna be a fun night!"
Come out to join WHITECHAPEL and be a part of the band's new music video; the $10 all ages show starts at 7pm.
Leaves' Eyes finishing new album
2010-12-13
A new studio update from LEAVES' EYES:
"Dear Leaves' Eyes Fans, the production of the new album will be finished soon. We are proud to announce our cooperation with the Lingua Mortis Orchestra and Victor Smolski as well as the choir "al dente", who also worked with us on previous releases. The classical recordings will take place next week in Minsk, Belarus. Moreover, we are happy to announce that we have more special guests on the upcoming album, for duets and special historic instruments. The album is planned to be released in April 2011.
More details will follow. Stay tuned!
Leaves' Eyes"
To Cast A Shadow album details
2010-12-13
Norwegian gothic-doom metallers TO CAST A SHADOW have revealed the track listing and the cover artwork for their forthcoming sophomore album, "In Memory Of".
The whole artwork was developed and realized by Matthew Vickerstaff of Darkwave Art (MY DYING BRIDE, CRADLE OF FILTH).
The album will be released on February 14, 2011 in UK (February 18 in the rest of Europe) by Kolony Records. The CD was recorded at Hamar Recordings in Norway with producer Kristian Sigland (THE CREST, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY) and was mastered at Leon Music Studio in Sweden by Rikard Lofgren. "In Memory Of" features a guest appearance by THEATRE OF TRAGEDY's lead singer Nell Sigland in the song "Betula".
"In Memory Of" track listing:
01. Tormented
02. Morose
03. Nightfall
04. Oceans Apart
05. Betula
06. My Misery
07. When You Leave the Room
08. Set Afire
09. The Answer
10. In Memory Of
New Ares Kingdom release in the tube
2010-12-13
Ares Kingdom has returned to their Very Metal Sound studio and pre-production rehearsals for an upcoming release titled 'Veneration,' through NWN! Productions.
Release formats will include mini LP and mini CD.
The selected covers represent a cross-section of Ares Kingdom's influences, as well as a couple of songs from their previous bands, Vulpecula and Nepenthe:
Slaughter Lord - 'Die By Power'
Sacrilege - 'The Captive'
Nepenthe - 'Oblivion'
R.U. Dead? - 'When Your Heart Turns Black'
Vulpecula - 'Celestial'
Dokken - 'Without Warning/Tooth and Nail'
2010 was Ares Kingdom's busiest year yet. It started with two shows opening for the reunited Order From Chaos on January 2nd in Kansas City, and January 16th in Los Angeles.
The L.A. show also marked the release of the band's second full-length album, 'Incendiary' through NWN! Productions. The album has entered its second pressing and is available on LP, CD and 'die hard' picture disc.
The nine-song album, described by guitarist Chuck Keller as, "'Return to Dust' magnified in every respect," was immediately embraced by AK's Chaosmongers, with many reviewers wondering aloud why the band remains so deeply underground.
These early-year shows were followed by an appearance in St. Louis with Zuul and Terra Caput Mundi on March 26th, and then Chicago on March 27th with Order From Chaos. The following weekend Ares Kingdom appeared with Order From Chaos at the Destroying Texas Fest in Houston.
The band played Minneapolis in June, and Baltimore's Defenders of the Old Fest on October 16th with Bloodfeast, Tyrant, October 31st, Extermination Angel and Sentinel Beast.
The year's live appearances culminated on November 20th when Ares Kingdom subdued Berlin along side NWN Fest allies Order From Chaos, Blasphemy, Mystifier, Xibalba, Black Witchery, Proclamation, Blasphemophager, Bone Awl, and Faustcoven - among others.
Lion's Share confirmed for Norwegian festival
2010-12-13
Swedish melodic metal masters LION'S SHARE have been confirmed for next year's installment of the Karmøygeddon metal festival, set to take place May 6-7, 2011 in Haugesund, Norway. Other acts include AMORPHIS, GRAVE DIGGER, CRIMSON GLORY, THE HAUNTED etc.
LION'S SHARE recently performed four BLACK SABBATH and DIO classics — "Mob Rules", "Heaven And Hell", "Stand Up And Shout" and "We Rock" — with legendary drummer Vinny Appice (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO), during his Scandinavian Drum Day appearance in Stockholm, Sweden.
LION'S SHARE's critically acclaimed "Dark Hours" album was released in 2009. The follow-up to 2007's "Emotional Coma" was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (OPETH, SYMPHONY X, PARADISE LOST, AMON AMARTH) and features a guest appearance by SYMPHONY X guitarist Mike Romeo (solo on "Behind The Curtain").
