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| Evergrey to open for Whitesnake |
2008-09-24
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Progressive metallers Evergrey have been chosen to open up for Whitesnake's Swedish dates in December. | |
| Order Of Ennead surprises Italy |
2008-09-24
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For Italian metalheads who recently went to see death metal legends DEICIDE perform on the Total Metal Festival tour, they got even more than they bargained for.
As well as seeing the mighty DEICIDE, fans were treated to a special double-barrelled assault as DEICIDE drummer STEVE ASHEIM's killer new band, ORDER OF ENNEAD made a surprise appearance. ORDER OF ENNEAD bassist SCOTT PATRICK comments on the band's unexpected performances: "Since Deicide was going to be in Italy, I decided to go hang out for the tour. When I brought it up, I was asked to bring a bass along and we would slide Order Of Ennead on a few of the dates. Order Of Ennead was able to play the Rome, Turin, and Bologna dates of the Total Metal Festival tour. We had a great time at each venue and were asked by the promoter to come back soon. We would like to thank Glen Benton for his help in making this happen." Check out a video of ORDER OF ENNEAD performing their debut song "The Culling" recently at the band's show with DEICIDE in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVIMxISo_B0 ORDER OF ENNEAD's self-titled debut album was recorded at Audio Hammer Studios in Sanford, Florida with the help of MARK LEWIS (TRIVIUM, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER) and is due to be released by EARACHE RECORDS on October 13th in Europe and November 11th in the USA, followed by widespread touring. Get all the latest ORDER OF ENNEAD news, photos and videos at www.myspace.com/orderofennead | |
| Hellsaw sign with Napalm Records |
2008-09-22
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Austrian black metal mongrels HELLSAW are the latest addition to Napalm Records’ evergrowing roster. The band, fronted by the charismatic Aries (ex-Sanguis), offers an unholy blend of dark melodies, pitch-black vocals, and infernal drums. The new Hellsaw opus “Cold” will be released in the spring of 2009. Aries: “We are very proud to be a member of the Napalm family. Not only is it proof of our hard work, but also a major sign that Napalm Records return to their roots and put their faith in a fucked-up Austrian black metal band. We honor this sign of trust and in return will unleash our album “Cold” early next year. Fans can expect a composition of hate and brimstone, all-crushing blastbeats, and raw guitars filled with deep melancholy.” | |
| As I Lay Dying win local award |
2008-09-22
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AS I LAY DYING won the award for Artist of the Year at the San Diego Music Awards, which took place Wednesday September 17th. AS I LAY DYING was on hand to receive the award for Artist of the Year and also preformed the track The Sound of Truth off their latest release An Ocean Between Us, which scanned nearly 40,000 units its first week out in the USA and landed at #8 on our Billboard Top 200 charts – the highest rock debut on the chart that week!
Here’s what the band has to say about their recent win: “Once again both our fans and San Diego prove to be best! This award means a lot to us because we take so much pride in our home town, but also because it is open to be voted on by the fans. Every year that we've won seems to be a little bit of shock to the greater music community because we've always been up against major label Gold selling artists from what are typically known as "more accessible" genres. Well, none of that matters when it comes time for the diehard fans to make their voices heard. Thank you so much both AILD fans and San Diego! This is our third time winning Artist of the Year!” | |
| Cannibal Corpse studio report |
2008-09-22
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Hey everybody, Alex from Cannibal here checking in from Mana Studios in St. Petersburg Florida. Paul has finished all the drums tracks for our new album, and we think he did an amazing job. Things really went smoothly with the drum tracking this time, and that gave us a little extra time for Paul to get creative with some of the drum parts. Everything is still fast and brutal as you'd expect, but there are a few different rhythmic ideas happening that we think our fans will appreciate.
The next step for us will be to start working on a guitar sound, and then begin guitar tracking. The sound of the rhythm guitar is one of the most important things on a metal album, so we will take our time and make sure that we get the heaviest sound possible. The recording of the rhythm guitars will be something we'll take our time with as well. Rob, Pat and producer Erik Rutan are truly perfectionists when it comes to guitar tracking, they'll settle for nothing less than a flawless performance. That kind of dedication can make for a challenging recording session, but when the end result is a crushingly heavy album it's more than worth the time and effort. OK, that's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks, we'll have lots of cool info for you such as the new album's title, song titles, studio photos, and more. | |
| Leaves' Eyes forced to cancel tour |
2008-09-22
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LEAVES' EYES — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of ATROCITY — has issued the following update:
"We are terribly sorry to tell you that Napalm Records (Leaves' Eyes' record label) has decided to cancel our participation in the North American tour [with AMORPHIS, SAMAEL and VIRGIN BLACK]. This is due to the fact that the release of our first DVD has been postponed. We really regret this. Moreover, we've tried everything possible to save the tour. However, we now have to face the fact that we cannot change the situation. We wish AMORPHIS, SAMAEL and VIRGIN BLACK all the best for the tour, and we hope to be back in the States and Canada in 2009." | |
| Hammerfall to enter studio again |
2008-09-22
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Swedish melodic metallers HAMMERFALL will enter Andy La Rocque's (KING DIAMOND) Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden on September 22 to continue recording their eighth full-length album, due on February 20, 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records.
The as-yet-untitled CD will include an instrumental written by the group's latest addition, guitarist Pontus Norgren (THE POODLES, TALISMAN, GREAT KING RAT), and a song entitled "One of a Kind," which was written as a collaboration between HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak and IN FLAMES axeman Jesper Strömblad (who was a member of HAMMERFALL in the band's earliest incarnation). Pontus Norgren joined HAMMERFALL as the replacement for Stefan Elmgren, who left the band in early April to focus on his new career as a pilot. | |
| Sirenia complete new album |
2008-09-22
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Norwegian/Spanish female-fronted gothic metal band SIRENIA has issued the following update:
"The new album is now completed. We just received the finished mastered product from Antfarm Studios, and we have to admit we are mighty proud of the result. Expect a release in February next year. Next thing coming up now is photo sessions with photographer Emile M. E. Ashley, while the cover artwork will be done by Jan Yrlund." The new SIRENIA album was tracked at Sound Suite Studios in France and Stargoth Studios in Norway while the mixing and mastering sessions took place at the Antfarm Studios in Denmark with Tue Madsen. | |
| Soilwork rejoined by guitarist |
2008-09-22
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It's been almost three years since guitarist Peter Wichers announced his departure (on December 11, 2005) from one of Sweden's elite metal forces, SOILWORK. Although this initially caused shock and ponder among the metal community, SOILWORK were determined to continue modernizing the face of music and unleashed Sworn To A Great Divide in October '07.
Driven to be an unstoppable force, SOILWORK brings great news to all the fans and checks in with the following statement: "Dear SOILWORK fans, The past two years have been great although sometimes a bit turbulent. We made another killer album and did several amazing tours around the world; and today it is with sheer joy and excitement that we announce the return of Peter Wichers as a guitarist in SOILWORK. He's been missed both as a bandmate and as a songwriter. We know that we can come back even stronger, and it definitely gives us a feeling of inspiration and completion to have Peter, one of the founders of SOILWORK, come back to the fold. We feel that we can look into the future with greater confidence and musical creativity. Having Peter back will complete the circle and the final line up of the band. This also marks Daniel Antonsson's departure from SOILWORK as Peter's replacement since 2006. We are really grateful for Daniel's excellent work and he will be missed. However, to us it's ideal for Peter to fulfill his former duties as a songwriter and guitarist. Going separate ways with Daniel is not an easy decision for us to make, but it's the right one. We wish Daniel the best of luck in the future and many great things with his other band Dimension Zero! Rock on Daniel!!! As we previously announced, Dirk's bandmate in Scarve, Sylvain Coudret, has been doing session work for us throughout the Summer festivals and shredding on second guitar. Therefore we're taking this opportunity to confirm Sylvain as a permanent guitar player for SOILWORK. Since we're big fans of Scarve, we know Sylvain will make a great addition to the songwriting process for the next SOILWORK album. Peter's return to SOILWORK will begin on stage with the upcoming European tour. We're looking forward to rocking out with all of you this Fall and Winter... See you on the road for a unique Swedish metal feast that may very well include some blasts from the past! /SOILWORK" | |
| Halcyon Way sign with Nightmare Records |
2008-09-22
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The album was produced by guitarist Jon Bodan, mixed by Lasse Lammert (Alestorm), and mastered by James Murphy (Testament, Death).
The album features guest appearances from Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze) & Blaze Pearson (The Souls Unrest). Sounding like a cross between Megadeth, Dio, and Fates Warning, the band is known and recognized for its energetic and theatrical live performances, blazing guitar, intricate drumming, and three-part vocal harmonies. They have appeared live with acts such as Helloween, Symphony X, Kamelot, Brand New Sin, Cellador, Circle II Circle, To/Die/For, Doro Pesch, Strapping Young Lad, and many others. In addition, they appeared live at the ProgPower USA Showcase in 2004 and 2007, alongside bands such as Primal Fear, Threshold, Freak Kitchen, and Virgin Steele. Halcyon Way also performed twice at Rocklahoma in 2008, alongside bands such as Queensrÿche & Tesla, and many others. “The band was very persistent. Finally they we’re far enough along in the recording process and gave me a few of their songs to check out. I was sold! This band, while being a new force to be recognized, knows how to write solid songs, and how to translate their ideas from gut and head to your ears!,” said Lance King (Nightmare Records) Halcyon Way is endorsed by Brian Moore Custom Guitars, Madison Amplifiers, Halo Guitars, and Sfarzo Strings. A Manifesto For Domination track listing: 1. Intro 2. A Manifesto For Domination 3. Blind Eyes To The Sky 4. The Hidden 5. Disconnected 6. Deliver The Suffering 7. powderBurn 8. A Thousand Points Of Night 9. Communicate With The Violence 10. I Fought The World 11. The Lonely Road 12. Physician, Heal Thyself Halcyon Way is: Sean Shields – Vocals Jon Bodan – Lead Guitar & Background Vocals Zane Matthews – Rhythm Guitar & Background Vocals Kris Maltenieks – Bass Guitar & Background Vocals Ernie Topran - Drums | |
| 16 complete new album |
2008-09-20
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Legendary sludge misanthropes 16 have completed recording their new album. The new full-length, Bridges To Burn, will see a January 20, 2009 release (January 26th internationally) through Relapse Records. Extensive photos from the recording sessions can be viewed now via the band’s official MySpace page: MySpace.com/16, in the photos section.
16, who have reformed with the original Dropout line-up of Cris Jerue – vocals, Tony Baumeister– bass, Bobby Ferry – guitar, and Jason Corley– drums, have also announced an upcoming Los Angeles, CA show where they will perform all new songs taken from Bridges To Burn. More information on this show can be found here with additional tour dates to be announced soon. | |
| Rumpelstiltskin Grinder complete new album |
2008-09-20
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Philadelphia thrashers RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER have completed recording their brand new album. The as-yet-untitled new full-length was recorded by engineer Dan O’Hare at Mark It Zero studios and will see a January 20, 2009 release (January 26th internationally) through Relapse Records.
The band recently visited Woozyfly.com’s JSM studios to record a set where they debuted three tracks, “Nothing Defeats The Skull”, “Beware The Thrash Brigade”, and “Brainwasher”, from the forthcoming album. The session is streaming online and can be accessed at Woozyfly.com/RumpelstiltskinGrinder. RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER has also announced a string of upcoming tour dates, their first since completing the new album. A listing of tour dates and cities can be found here with more to be announced shortly. | |
| Buried Inside enter studio |
2008-09-20
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Ottawa, ON’s BURIED INSIDE have entered the studio to begin recording the follow-up to their Relapse debut, Chronoclast.
This as-yet-untitled album is being recorded in Salem, MA with Kurt Ballou (DISFEAR, COLISEUM, GENGHIS TRON) at Ballou’s Godcity Studios. Mixing will follow at Red Room Recordings with Matt Bayles (MASTODON, MINUS THE BEAR, RUSSIAN CIRCLES). The record will see a February 2009 international release via Relapse Records. BURIED INSIDE’s Andrew Tweedy recently checked in from the studio with some insight on the new record’s direction; “This record isn't heavier, or faster, or more melodic than Chronoclast was. Every record we've released has been significantly different from the one before it, and this is no different. What it is not is Chronoclast part 2, or even an expansion on that record. Chronoclast was recorded almost five years ago, and was written over the course of several years before that, so obviously our tastes and ideas have grown and mutated considerably over that time. This record still sounds very much like Buried Inside, in that it is passionate music with a lot of intensity, however hopefully that is as close as it gets to records we've released in the past.” | |
| Obscura sign with Relapse Records |
2008-09-20
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Relapse Records is proud to announce the signing of Munich, Germany’s OBSCURA.
OBSCURA (Steffan Kummerer: guitar / vocals, Christian Muenzner (ex-NECROPHAGIST): guitar, Jeroen Paul Thesseling (ex-PESTILENCE): bass, Hannes Grossmann (ex-NECROPHAGIST): drums) are currently recording their second full-length and Relapse debut. OBSCURA founder Kummerer commented on the signing and new album; “We are very happy to have found in Relapse a strong partner for the upcoming albums. We think Relapse is one of the best homes for progressive death metal in general and we are looking forward for this long time cooperation. We are putting the final touches on the mix and mastering for the upcoming album which will see the light in the beginning of next year. Obscura are back - stronger than ever!” OBSCURA will headline the Munich Deathfest on November 8th and are preparing for more touring in the new year. A full listing of tour dates and cities will be announced shortly. Audio samples of demo material from the forthcoming album can be heard now via the band’s MySpace: MySpace.com/RealmOfObscura. | |
| Wolf in the studio |
2008-09-19
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Swedish heavy metal band WOLF are set to start recording their 5th album from September 17th on in Studio Seven in Örebro / Sweden. Behind the mixing table, WOLF will be joined by renowned producer Roy Z. After working with the likes of Judas Priest, Sebastian Bach, Halford, Helloween, Malmsteen, Bruce Dickinson etc, Roy Z now takes on WOLF.
The band comments: “It is an honor and a great privilege to get to work with Roy. We’re big fans of his work and we are 100% sure that he’ll fuel the black flame that is WOLF. He knows his heavy metal & so do we!“ And Roy Z is also glad to work with the band and states: “I first heard WOLF a few years back when a good friend of mine was cranking “Evil Star” in his car. Since then WOLF have been one of my favorite new bands. The opportunity came up for me to work on the new album, so I am off… I am looking forward to be a part of the new recordings with the lads. The new tunes Rock so to Sweden I will Roll to be a part of a great new CD with the WOLF gang! I am ready to Howl!” The follow up to 2006’s much lauded “The Black Flame” will see the light of day in early 2009 on Century Media Records. The working title is “Ravenous". WOLF also lines up the following shows to keep the fire burning: 18. October, Prato (Italy) @ Siddharta 09. November, Tilburg (Netherlands) @ MMMeeting / 013 22. November, Malmö (Sweden) @ KB – supporting Trivium! 29. November, Lörrach (Germany) @ Metalforces Festival If "The Black Flame" doesn't cause you to break into fist-waving singalongs or air-guitar seizures, then you, my friend, are just not very metal. - KeithBergman/Blabbermouth | |
| Yngwie Malmsteen Rockwalk induction |
2008-09-18
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Yngwie Malmsteen, will be inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk on Monday, October 13 at noon. Yngwie's masterful technique, innovation, and flamboyant showmanship has mesmerized listeners since the early 1980s and inspired generations of aspiring guitarists around the world.
Born on June 30, 1963 in Stockholm, Sweden, Yngwie Malmsteen received his first guitar at the age of five from his mother, Rigmor. Originally having no interest in music, a September 18, 1970 TV special on the death of guitarist Jimi Hendrix became the day that the guitar-playing Yngwie was born. Yngwie immersed himself in music and spent long hours practicing the songs of Deep Purple. His admiration for Ritchie Blackmore's classically influenced playing led him to absorb the classical structures of such masters as Bach, Vilvaldi, Beethoven and Mozart. At the age of 15 Yngwie left school for good and formed the very first incarnation of Rising Force before moving to the United States in 1982 with only his '71 Strat® and an extra pair of pants. He performed for the first time in the U.S. the very next year and then, after playing on an album by Steeler, he formed Alcatrazz. After it became clear that he would need to go solo to fully develop his talents, Yngwie released his first solo album, Rising Force, in 1981. The album made it to #60 on the Billboard charts and gained Yngwie a GRAMMY nomination for best rock instrumental performance. With his place in guitar history firmly established, Yngwie has continued to inspire guitarists worldwide for over a decade. He has released many classic albums including Marching Out (1985), Trilogy (1986), Odyssey (1988), Fire & Ice (1992), The Seventh Sign (1994), Inspiration (1996), Facing the Animal (1997), Alchemy (1999), Attack!! (2002) and Unleash the Fury (2005). He has also shown his versatility by producing his first completely classical work, Concerto Suite for Electric Guitar and Orchestra in Eb minor, Op.1, in 1997. October 14, 2008 will see the release of his latest studio album, Perpetual Flame which he produced and engineered himself. The Fender® Custom Shop has also introduced the new Yngwie Malmsteen Tribute Series Stratocaster® guitar, a reproduction of Malmsteen's beloved instrument that will be produced in limited edition. Hollywood's RockWalk is the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock 'n' Roll, Blues and R&B. Yngwie Malmsteen's handprints will reside alongside the handprints, signatures, and faces of other equally accomplished musicians and innovators such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, John Lee Hooker and Earth Wind & Fire among numerous others. FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: GUITAR LEGEND YNGWIE MALMSTEEN UNLEASHES FIRST NEW ALBUM IN THREE YEARS, 'PERPETUAL FLAME' The global rock guitar community will undoubtedly mark October 14, 2008 on their calendars, as this is the exact date that Yngwie Malmsteen will be issuing his latest studio triumph, 'Perpetual Flame.' The album will the first-ever Yngwie album to be released via Rising Force Records (distributed via Koch), while the album also marks the debut on an Yngwie album by ex-Judas Priest/Iced Earth frontman, Tim 'Ripper' Owens. Twelve tracks of pure six string metallic bliss (which stretches to almost 70 minutes total), the album was produced and engineered by Yngwie himself, and mixed by Roy Z (who has previously worked with Judas Priest and Bruce Dickinson, among others). Joining Yngwie and Ripper on the album is keyboardist Derek Sherinian and drummer Patrick Johansson (Yngwie contributed bass, additional keyboards, and vocals, as well), but on tour, Michael Troy will supply keyboards, and Bjorn Englen will be laying down the bass. A supporting tour of the U.S. and Canada is slated to run through all of October. Single-handedly, Yngwie Malmsteen trailblazed the classical metal movement in the 1980's. During a time when the majority of guitarists were merely copying Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie was one of the few rock guitarists to create his own instantly-identifiable playing style – which has been subsequently mimicked by countless other guitarists. Yngwie is responsible for issuing some of the metal's all-time great guitar classics, especially such releases as 1984's 'Rising Force,' 1985's 'Marching Out,' 1992's 'Fire and Ice,' and most recently, 2005's 'Unleash the Fury.' In addition to the arrival of 'Perpetual Flame' in October, another career highlight is slated for the following month – Yngwie has teamed up with the Fender® Custom Shop to reconstruct his beloved Yngwie Malmsteen "Play Loud" Stratocaster® guitar, which be unveiled globally on November 28th (limited edition of 106 tribute series guitars) and there will be a slew of CD reissues of Yngwie classics to soon be announced. And the accolades continue to pour in - 'Roadie Crew Magazine' organized a poll in which 330 respected rock guitarists were asked to vote for their favorite guitarist of all-time. Yngwie checked in at a lofty number 3, only behind fellow legends Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. Without question, 2008 is shaping up to be the year of Yngwie. COMPLETE TRACKLISTING FOR 'PERPETUAL FLAME': 1. Death Dealer 2. Damnation Game 3. Live to Fight (Another Day) 4. Red Devil 5. Four Horsemen (Of the Apocalypse) 6. Priest of the Unholy 7. Be Careful What You Wish For 8. Caprici Di Diablo 9. Lament 10. Magic City 11. Eleventh Hour 12. Heavy Heart YNGWIE MALMSTEEN 2008 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – CENTRO BELLAS ARTES OCTOBER 4, 2008 SAN ANTONIO, TX – SCOUTBAR OCTOBER 5, 2008 DALLAS, TX – GRANADA THEATER OCTOBER 8, 2008 SAN DIEGO, CA – HOUSE OF BLUES OCTOBER 9, 2008 ANAHEIM, CA – HOUSE OF BLUES OCTOBER 10, 2008 LAS VEGAS, NV – HOUSE OF BLUES OCTOBER 11, 2008 VENTURA, CA – MAJESTIC VENTURA THEATER OCTOBER 12, 2008 LOS ANGELES, CA – AVALON OCTOBER 17, 2008 ROYAL OAK, MI – ROYAL OAK THEATER OCTOBER 19, 2008 CHICAGO, IL – HOUSE OF BLUES OCTOBER 21, 2008 WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – CLUB INFINITY OCTOBER 24, 2008 SAYREVILLE, NJ – STARLAND BALLROOM OCTOBER 26, 2008 NEW YORK, NY – BLENDER THEATER | |
| Andre Matos guests on Clairvoytants album |
2008-09-18
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Andre Matos, unforgettable lead singer of Angra, will be the second special guest on Word To The Wise, debut album of italian Heavy Metal band Clairvoyants.
After Kamelot's Oliver Palotai, it's finally announced the long awaited second special guest on italian Clairvoyants debut album. Andre Matos will sing the only cover song featured on the album, one of the most representative hits of Iron Maiden: Helloweed Be Thy Name chosen by Matos as his favourite ever in Maiden's repertoire. Long time friends Matos and Clairvoyants will perform together for a special double Live event in Italy: 24th October at Milan's Live Club and 25th October at Tempo Rock – Gualtieri (RE). Word To The Wise is the title of the album which will be released by the end of October by Valery Records. It will contain nine original songs plus the cover version of Iron Maiden performed by Angra's ex vocalist Andre Matos. The whole artwork of the album has been created by Nerve Design Studio (designers of album covers for Threshold, Vision Divine, Eldritch, Extrema) introducing a special new character, the clairvoyant, graphic representation of the band. The official promo pictures of the band (taken by Stefano “Imago” Bon), will reprise the charming theme of clairvoyance. Here is the tracklist of Word To The Wise: 1. Journey Through the Stars 2. The Lone 3. Choose the Truth 4. The Pain of Sight 5. Sheer Hate 6. Back to my Dreams 7. Step Aside 8. Closure 9. Word to the Wise 10. Hallowed Be Thy Name | |