NUCLEAR ASSAULT: "Alive Again" finalized
NUCLEAR ASSAULT have finalized the track listing for their upcoming live album, "Alive Again", due this spring through SPV/Steamhammer Records.
The upcoming CD, which represents NUCLEAR ASSAULT's first release in over nine years, will contain the following cuts:
01. Rise From The Ashes
02. Brainwashed
03. F#
04. New Song
05. Critical Mass
06. SIN
07. Betrayal
08. Radiation Sickness
09. Game Over
10. Butt Fuck
11. Trail Of Tears
12. Hang the Pope
Also included with the CD will be a computer-enhanced portion containing a short interview with bassist Danny Lilker and drummer Glenn Evans and live footage of "Brainwashed" from the 2002 New Jersey Metal Meltdown.
NUCLEAR ASSAULT are set to kick off the 2003"No Mercy Festivals Tour" today (April 8) at Mean Fiddler in London, England. Also appearing on the tour are TESTAMENT, MARDUK, DEATH ANGEL, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, PRO-PAIN, MALEVOLENT CREATION, and DARKANE.
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AGENT STEEL: "Order Of The Illuminati" completed
WE HAVE COMPLETED THE MIX AND MASTERING ON THE NEW RECORD!!!
The album “Order of the illuminati” is scheduled to be released in June, 2003 throughout Europe by Scarlet Records and it was also sublicense to
King Records for the Japanese territory by Scarlet for a late May, 2003 release.
We are planning a July, 2003 release date for the United States through Artillery Music.
Here's the final track listing:
1. AVENGER
2. TEN FISTS OF NATIONS
3. EARTH UNDER LUCIFER
4. ENSLAVED
5. INSURRECTION
6. APOCALYPSE
7. FOREVER BLACK
8. DANCE OF ST. VITUS (bass solo)
9. DEAD EYES
10. KONTROL (instrumental)
11. HUMAN BULLET BRAINWASHED* (Japan bonus track only)
THE BONDEDBY METAL OVER EUROPE 2003(updated)
EXODUS
NUCLEAR ASSAULT
AGENT STEEL
BEHEMOTH
MORTICIAN
CARNAL FORGE
OCCULT
CALLENISH CIRCLE
Dates already confirmed:
08.10 UK SCHEFFIELD - CORPORATION
09.10 UK LONDON - CAMDEN PALACE
10.10 NL EINDHOVEN - EFFENAAR
11.10 BL ANTWERPEN - HOF TER LOO
12.10 FR PARIS - LA LOCOMOTIVE
13.10 D ESSEN - ZECHE CARL
14.10 D BERLIN - COLUMBIA HALLE FRITZ
15.10 D HAMBURG - MARKTHALLE
16.10 D MUNSTER(breitefeld) - LIVE ARENA
17.10 D BISCHOFSWERDA - HANGER
18.10 PL WARSZAW - PROXIMA
21.10 CH PRATTELN - Z7
More dated added:
24.10. Spain BARCELONA - LA CAPSA
25.10. Spain MADRID - AQUALUNG
26.10. Portugal PORTO - HARD CLUB
-more date's confirmed soon-
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METALIUM commence work on new album
Germany's METALIUM have commenced the songwriting process for the follow-up to last year's "Hero-Nation Chapter III", tentatively due in late 2003 through Massacre Records. "The boys gathered in the past weeks to listen to the songs (as you should know meanwhile ALL musicians in METALIUM are writing music...) and arranging as well as pre-produce the stuff," according to the band's official newsletter. "Next week they will finally START with Mr. Ehre on drums for the REAL take of '... — Chapter Four'. As birdies told... the ones who heard some of the demo stuff confirmed: 'THE STUFF IS F.....G HEAVY'" and a bit 'MORE DRIVING' than 'Hero-Nation'. But don't worry, the METALIUM-typicals are always present as usual."
In related news, METALIUM bassist Lars Ratz was recently asked by ex-URIAH HEEP keyboardist Ken Hensley to appear on his upcoming CD, due later in the year. "As a huge URIAH HEEP fan, Lars agreed, of course, and feels very honored to be part of the Ken Hensley solo CD this way," states the newsletter.
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DECEASED Split with Relapse Records
Virginia-based DECEASED have officially left Relapse Records. "The parting was on friendly terms and was a mutual agreement, as both the band and the label felt that the relationship had run its natural course," the band said in an official statement. "DECEASED was the first band to ever sign to Relapse Records when the label first started in 1990. We wish Relapse Records all the best in the future and thank them for their support over the years."
DECEASED's new full-length album, "As The Weird Travel On", is due later in the year through an as-yet-undetermined label.
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IRON MAIDEN to release new single in early Summer
IRON MAIDEN are nearing completion of the mixing process for their as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2000's "Brave New World", due later in the year through Sony/Columbia Records. "We should be finished the first stage of mixing the IRON MAIDEN album next week," producer Kevin Shirley revealed via his web site. "I'll be off to New York next weekend to attend a mastering session with George Marino [at Sterling Sound Studios], then back to complete the final stage of MAIDEN, which will be all the 5.1 surround sound mixes, and we should be all done by the end of April. This doesn't mean that there'll be product two weeks later, because with all the packaging and artwork still to be finalized, and release schedules to be set up all over the world, it may take a few more months before it sees the dark of night, but you'll probably see a new single by the time they hit the stage on the first leg of their 'Give Me Ed…' tour!"
GIVE ME ED... TIL I'M DEAD TOUR 2003
MAY
Fri 23 Spain La Coruna, Coliseum Sports Palace
Sat 24 Spain Gijon Sports Palace
Mon 26 France Toulouse Zenith
Tue 27 France Toulon Zenith
Sat 31 England Donington Park Download Festival
JUNE
Tue 3 Poland Katowice Spodek
Wed 4 Hungary Budapest Petofi Csarnock Open Air (Summer Rocks Festival)
Fri 6 Germany Nurburgring Rock Am Ring
Sat 7 Germany Nurnburg Rock Im Park
Sun 8 Austria Vienna Stadthalle
Wed 11 Spain Barcelona Palau Sant Jordi
Thur 12 Spain Madrid Palacio Vistalegre
Fri 13 Spain San Sebastian Illumbe Bullring
Sun 15 Italy Imola Heineken Jammin' Festival
Tue 17 Croatia Zagreb Dom Sportova
Thur 19 Czech Rep. Zlin Sportshall
Sat 21 Holland Bergum Waldrock Festival
Mon 23 Switzerland Fribourg Forum
Wed 25 France Paris Palais Omnisports Bercy
Fri 27 Denmark Roskilde Festival Orange stage
Sat 28 Sweden Stockholm Stadium (SOLD OUT)
Mon 30 Finland Helsinki The Hartwall Arena (SOLD OUT)
JULY
Wed 2 Norway Oslo Spektrum (SOLD OUT)
Thur 3 Norway Oslo Spektrum
Sat 5 Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting
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U.D.O.'s DVD to include bonus Live CD
U.D.O.'s forthcoming DVD will come in a special package containing a bonus live CD.
"When the 'Live From Russia' [live album] was released, a lot of people were asking for the ACCEPT classics on it, but our concept for that album was to record only U.D.O. classics, and those songs that ACCEPT never released live," the band said in a statement posted on their official web site. "But those people will be satisfied very soon..."
Due in August, the bonus live CD will include the following tracks:
01. Holy
02. Raiders Of Beyond
03. Metal Heart
04. Balls To The Wall
05. XTC
06. Hard Attack
07. Princess Of The Dawn
08. Thunder In The Tower
09. Restless And Wild
10. Fast As A Shark
As previously reported, U.D.O.'s new studio album is tentatively set for an October/November release and will be supported by a world tour, which will kick off in South America and the U.S. A European tour will begin in January 2004. U.D.O. — who are fronted by former ACCEPT singer Udo Dirkschneider — will appear at this summer's Bang Your Head (Germany) and Gods Of Metal (Italy) festivals.
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Kataklysm News
Kataklysm have just returned from their succesfull 6-week North American trek! The band made many new fans and wishes to thank all the people that came out and supported this tour. Special thanks to Into Eternity, Dying Fetus and Hate Eternal for a great time. Special wishes of a speedy recovery for Erik and the rest of Hate Eternal... We're glad you guys are alright.
Kataklysm would also like to thank J-F Richard (Ion Dissonance) for doing a great job on the tour. Kataklysm have now found a permanent drummer to replace Max Duhamel. His name is Martin Maurais, and let us tell you that he will not dissapoint!... We just finished jamming with Martin and all we can say is "Holy shit... Human machine??"... Fuck yeah!! Martin will be introducing his own version of the Northen Hyperblast to the masses on the next album. "Fans of Nick Miller ("Temple of Knowledge") and Max Duhamel - watch out!" comments Maurizio.
The Hyperblasters have confirmed their appearance at the New England Metal Fest on May 17, more dates around the fest will be also be confirmed soon. Although more touring plans are in the works but not confirmed, the band will finalize their "Shadows & Dust" campaign with a full scale Canadian tour in August, following their return from the European festivals.
Meanwhile, Kataklysm continues to write their next album "Serenity in Fire" due out in February 2004. Some early song titles include "The Ambassador of Pain"," Slithering Down The Spine", "Blood On The Swans", "It's Back(Infested)", "Resurected", "Serenity In Fire", etc.
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AC/DC: The Epic Remasters
THE PACKAGING
Without a doubt the best job done on any AC/DC CD packaging ever. All CD's are issued in Digipak format with extensive booklets of 12 to 16 pages filled with rare photos (relevant to the album period, which were chosen among thousands of photographs), memorabilia, handwritten lyrics and liners notes.
THE REMASTERING
A new remastering job was done using the original 2-track mixes for the best possible quality. The prior remasters released by Warner in 1994 did not use these masters in all cases and EQ'd masters were used. These new ones DO sound better, with a much crispier sound with better rendering on vocals & drums. The difference is quite noticeable on the earlier albums. Note that the original vinyl releases were used as a reference and in some cases the track versions used are different from the ones found in the 1994 Warner CD's. There are no bonus track on any of the CDs, and Malcolm had this to say when interviewed on the subject by Billboard.com recently:
""We really haven't got a lot of spares lying around. We'll go in to do 12 [tracks], if one or two doesn't make it, we'll go into another batch of ideas that we've got, and maybe do a bit more writing in the studio."
"But the bottom line is: what we record is what we use. Once we feel we've got a good album, we stop at that. That's usually around 12 tracks. We figure if they're not good enough for the album, we're not going to spend all that time trying to make them good; it's like trying to make something that's not quite there, there; and sometimes, you've got the best out of it, so you go, 'that's gone, that one." [Any leftovers are in extremely rough form] and too rough to be issued."
THE WEBSITES
Although none of the CD's include any bonus tracks, online material can be accessed using the original CD's as a 'key' to unlock content. Each album has a separate website with video, audio, photos, and the tour dates relevant to the album, which were provided by 'Electric Shock'. The sites are being launched with few videos and audio tracks for each album, but content will be added on an ongoing basis. Initial rare videos include rare live performances from and promo clips unseen in the US.
THE DATES
First batch of releases, issued in the US on February 18th, UK on March 3rd & Europe on March 24th:
• High Voltage
• Dirty deeds Done Dirt Cheap
• Highway To Hell
• Back In Black
• Live
• Live CD Collectors Edition
Second batch, issued in the US on April 29th & Europe on April 21st:
• Who Made Who
• Let There Be Rock
• The Razor's Edge
• For Those About To Rock
• Powerage
Third batch, issued in the US & Europe in May/June:
• Blow Up Your Video
• Flick Of The Switch
• Fly On The Wall
• '74 Jailbreak
• If You Want Blood
"Bonfire" Boxed Set and limited edition 180-gram vinyl for each album are also scheduled sometime this year. In addition, Sony Music is preparing DVD releases for Live At Donington and a DVD regrouping the long form videos 'Fly On The Wall,' 'Who Made Who' and 'Clipped' with possibly additional video clips.
ATTENTION
The second batch of Epic reissues consisting of "Let There Be Rock," "Powerage," "For Those About To Rock," "Who Made Who" and "The Razors Edge" will be released in the States on April 29th and Europe on April 21st. Again the reissues are identical to the original US vinyl Lp's, with "Let There Be Rock" including "Problem Child" instead of "Crasody In Blue" and "Powerage" being the US mix of the album. The reissues will also be released in Australia by Alberts sometime this year.
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ICED EARTH Split with guitarist
"Here’s a quick update.
Next week we begin recording drum tracks and the next IE is fully underway. We will be doing everything but the drums in my studio. The drums and the mix will be done in Tampa at Morrisound. Jim Morris and I will be flying to Prague to record the symphony in mid May as it stands right now. I’m very much looking forward to that. We are kicking around the idea of a full surround sound mix of Gettysburg on the DVD audio format as a bonus disc. We are checking on costs and all that fun stuff now to see if it’s possible. I’ve always wanted to do this and this epic is the perfect choice for it.
Another bit of news is that Larry Tarnowski will no longer be performing in IE. He will continue his studies and we wish him all the best for his future endeavors. There will be a few different guest appearances on the record for the solo’s and we will be deciding on a touring replacement in the near future. I’ll be making that decision after the recording and will let you know who it will be in the next few months.
Also, we will be auctioning off the IE drum kit for charity on ebay, but it will have to be after the recording due to my intense schedule.
My next post will most likely be after the recording is finished so until then take care and stay metal!
Jon"
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BATHORY: 'Nordland II' track listing revealed
BATHORY's new album, "Nordland II", will be released on March 31 in Europe and April 29 in North America through Black Mark Records.
The complete track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Fanfare
02. Blooded Shore
03. Sea Wolf
04. Vinland
05. The Land
06. Death And Resurrection Of A Northern Son
07. The Messenger
08. Flash Of The Silverhammer
09. The Wheel Of Sun
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THE 2003 METAL GODS TOUR: first dates announced
The first few dates have been announced for The 2003 Metal Gods Tour, a multi-band package featuring HALFORD, co-headliners TESTAMENT, IMMORTAL, CARNAL FORGE, PRIMAL FEAR, PAINMUSEUM, and AMON AMARTH. They are as follows:
Apr. 25 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues, Chicago, IL
April 26 - Cleveland, OH @ TBA
May 04 - Worcester, MA @ TBA
May 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
More dates will be announced soon. The trek, which will mark Rob Halford's first full-length tour of North America in nearly three years, is set to wrap up on the west coast by mid-June.
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ADAGIO: New album is coming
New album Underworld will be released in September 2003 worldwide and followed by the 'Underworld Tour'. Dennis Ward is once again the producer with the help this time of Stephan Forte. It is also to be noticed that japanese version will include a bonus track.
Some news coming soon, stay tuned !
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MOONSPELL split with bassist
Portugal's MOONSPELL have amicably parted ways with bassist Sérgio Crestana and will replace him during the recording sessions for their upcoming album with AMORPHIS bassist Niclas Etelävuori.
MOONSPELL will record the follow-up to "Darkness And Hope" between March 23 and April 12 at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (H.I.M., SENTENCED, AMORPHIS).
Among the tracks set to appear on the upcoming CD are the following:
01. The Southern Deathstyle
02. Lunar Still
03. From Lowering Skies
04. In And Above Men
05. Everything Invaded
The band, who recently completed pre-production for their new album at their own Inferno studios with producer Waldemar Sorychta (who has worked with the band on the "Wolfheart", "Irreligious" and "Sin" albums), are describing the direction of the new material as "the greatest, strongest and most personal songs we ever wrote. The [ambience] is both very classical and spiritual served by an intense lyrical support mainly focused in horror fiction, a clash between horror and beauty and what is in between those two dimensions."
Upcoming MOONSPELL tour dates:
Jul. 4-6 – Leipzig, GER @ With Full Force Festival
Jul. 12 – Arvika, SWE @ Arvika Festival
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SUFFOCATION Reunite
The rumors are true Suffocation has reformed and consist of the four founding members; Frank Mullen (vocals), Terrance Hobbs (guitar), Mike Smith (drums) and Josh Barohn (bass). Longtime friend Guy Marchais, formerly of Pyrexia and Internal Bleeding, will replace Doug Cerrito as 2nd Guitarist.
The band is currently in the studio creating and producing their long-awaited sixth release, and first in five years since their departure from the scene.
Suffocation is scheduled to perform at the 2003 New England Metalfest and headline this year's Maryland Deathfest as their return to the underworld.
States drummer Mike Smith: "The much needed vacation Suffocation has taken over the years individually and as a whole only refueled the intensity we’ve grown to call our own. I truly feel for any who doubt our intentions."
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BLIND GUARDIAN: Live album details unveiled
German melodic metallers BLIND GUARDIAN have set a May 26 release date for their as-yet-untitled live album. The two-disc collection, which is currently being mixed at a German studio, will contain 20 songs recorded last year on the band's world tour.
The full track listing for the CD is as follows (in no particular order):
01. Into The Storm
02. Welcome To Dying
03. Nightfall
04. The Script For My Requiem
05. Harvest Of Sorrow
06. Valhalla
07. Majesty
08. The Soulforged
09. Under The Ice
10. Born In A Mourning Hall
11. Lord Of The Rings
12. Punishment Divine
13. Time Stands Still
14. Bright Eyes
15. The Bard's Song - In The Forest
16. Imaginations From The Other Side
17. Lost In The Twilight Hall
18. Journey Through The Dark
19. A Past & Future Secret
20. Mirror Mirror
A single will precede the album on April 28 containing a brand new studio version of "Bard's Song" backed up with several different live versions of the same track.
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EDGUY: Live album delayed
German melodic metallers EDGUY have pushed back the projected release date for their upcoming double live album, "Burning Down The Opera", to June 2 through AFM Records. Check out the cover artwork here: http://www.edguy.nu/images/bdto_cover_thumb.jpg The band, whose last album, "Mandrake", was released in 2001, have begun the pre-production process for their new studio CD, tentatively due in early 2004.
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AMORPHIS Ink deal with EMI Records
AMORPHIS have inked a deal with EMI Records for the release of their new CD, "Far From The Sun", due in Finland in May. The album's first single, "Day Of Your Beliefs", will surface in early April.
The complete track listing for "Far From The Sun" is as follows:
01. Day Of Your Beliefs
02. Planetary Misfortune
03. Evil Inside
04. Mourning Soil
05. Far From The Sun
06. Ethereal Solitude
07. Killing Goodness
08. God Of Deception
09. Higher Ground
10. Smithereens
The follow-up to 2000's "Am Universum" was self-produced and was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa (H.I.M., SENTENCED, MOONSPELL) and mastered in Stockholm, Sweden. Frontman Pasi Koskinen recorded all vocals for the CD at Seawolf studio in Suomenlinna under the guidance of Hannu Leiden (ex-singer of HAVANA BLACKS), who had previously worked with HANOI ROCKS, among others. Says guitarist Esa Holopainen: "I think our new material is a mixture of both new and old elements."
AMORPHIS tracked 15 songs during the sessions for the new album, the group's first since their split with longtime home Relapse Records. The remaining tracks are expected to be used as single B-sides and bonus cuts.
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ARMORED SAINT - deluxe 3 CD set
One of the most classic ARMORED SAINT albums ever, "Symbol Of Salvation", is due to get the reissue treatment in a super deluxe 3 CD set!!! Not only does it contain the full album in remastered form, but videos, demos, interviews, extra artwork, etc. To get the full picture of what we're talking about, here's the breakdown of each disc's contents:
Disc 1:
The original record (remastered) plus Mpeg video files of the two accompanying videos "Reign Of Fire" and "Last Train Home"
Disc 2:
The much-sought-after four-track demos of the entire record in sequence, featuring original guitar work by Dave Prichard - and bonus track interview. This is part one of a 90-minute interview conducted by Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel, with the band discussing the making of "Symbol Of Salvation". The interview was recorded in December 2002
Disc 3:
Part two and conclusion of interview
The digipack set will also contain liner notes by respected rock journo Jon Sutherland, extra band pictures and a revised version of the original artwork. The release date is set for April.
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BRAINSTORM Begin work on "Soul Temptation"
Germany's BRAINSTORM have set "Soul Temptation" as the title for their new album, due on June 30 through Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Metus Mortis" is currently being recorded at House of Music studios in Winterbach, Germany and will be the group's "most diverse album ever," according to guitarist Torsten Ihlenfeld. "Hard, catchy, powerful and maybe the biggest step for all of us. As we see it…the right step at the right time."
Among the titles tentatively set to appear on the CD are the following:
01. Highs Without Lows
02. The Leading
03. Nunca Nos Rendimos
04. Doorway To Survive
05. To The Head
The first pressing of "Soul Temptation" will be released as a double-digipack containing the new CD (plus bonus track) and a special DVD, featuring footage filmed at the final show of their "Metus Mortis In Europe" tour at the Summer Breeze Festival in Germany. Additionally, the DVD will include "tons of bonus material," according to an official press release.
BRAINSTORM will support SAXON at three shows in the beginning of April and will also appear at the Blind Guardian Open Air and the Bang Your Head festivals. A full-length European tour, dubbed "Tempting Europe", is planned for the fall.
BRAINSTORM w/ SAXON, EVIDENCE ONE:
Apr. 03 – Kaufbeuren, GER - Zeppelinhalle
Apr. 04 – Salzburg, AUT - Rockhouse
Apr. 07 – Kassel, GER – Musiktheater
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DOMINE to enter studio in May
"NEW ALBUM : Ah ! Ah ! It’s time to work on new stuff ! With a tentative recording session at New Sin scheduled set for May, main composer Enrico is hard at work on new songs for Domine’s 4th album. So far, the band has already rehearsed 5 new compositions. Titles are TOP SECRET to avoid copycats running amok. The rest of the guys in the band (and roadies) comment on a few of the new songs as “different”…. but don’t worry, it’s still EPIC POWER METAL. No radical changes but a few new ideas in arrangments, melodies and structures. Songs go almost all over the 6 minutes, as usual. Enrico says : “If you like Domine, Manowar, Iron Maiden, Queen, Jethro Tull, Virgin Steele and Thin Lizzy you will not be disappointed”. You will get a storm of the usual powerful EPIC METAL the band has become famous for. There will also be another tribute song in the style of “The Ride Of The Valkyries”. Well, actually 2 this time, we must keep our mouths shut for now. The band will also record 1 or 2 covers and everybody is starting to throw song titles. Main contenders are songs by Black Sabbath, MSG, Angel and Kansas. More news to come."
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NUCLEAR ASSAULT have finalized the track listing for their upcoming live album, "Alive Again", due this spring through SPV/Steamhammer Records.
The upcoming CD, which represents NUCLEAR ASSAULT's first release in over nine years, will contain the following cuts:
01. Rise From The Ashes
02. Brainwashed
03. F#
04. New Song
05. Critical Mass
06. SIN
07. Betrayal
08. Radiation Sickness
09. Game Over
10. Butt Fuck
11. Trail Of Tears
12. Hang the Pope
Also included with the CD will be a computer-enhanced portion containing a short interview with bassist Danny Lilker and drummer Glenn Evans and live footage of "Brainwashed" from the 2002 New Jersey Metal Meltdown.
NUCLEAR ASSAULT are set to kick off the 2003"No Mercy Festivals Tour" today (April 8) at Mean Fiddler in London, England. Also appearing on the tour are TESTAMENT, MARDUK, DEATH ANGEL, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, PRO-PAIN, MALEVOLENT CREATION, and DARKANE.
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AGENT STEEL: "Order Of The Illuminati" completed
WE HAVE COMPLETED THE MIX AND MASTERING ON THE NEW RECORD!!!
The album “Order of the illuminati” is scheduled to be released in June, 2003 throughout Europe by Scarlet Records and it was also sublicense to
King Records for the Japanese territory by Scarlet for a late May, 2003 release.
We are planning a July, 2003 release date for the United States through Artillery Music.
Here's the final track listing:
1. AVENGER
2. TEN FISTS OF NATIONS
3. EARTH UNDER LUCIFER
4. ENSLAVED
5. INSURRECTION
6. APOCALYPSE
7. FOREVER BLACK
8. DANCE OF ST. VITUS (bass solo)
9. DEAD EYES
10. KONTROL (instrumental)
11. HUMAN BULLET BRAINWASHED* (Japan bonus track only)
THE BONDEDBY METAL OVER EUROPE 2003(updated)
EXODUS
NUCLEAR ASSAULT
AGENT STEEL
BEHEMOTH
MORTICIAN
CARNAL FORGE
OCCULT
CALLENISH CIRCLE
Dates already confirmed:
08.10 UK SCHEFFIELD - CORPORATION
09.10 UK LONDON - CAMDEN PALACE
10.10 NL EINDHOVEN - EFFENAAR
11.10 BL ANTWERPEN - HOF TER LOO
12.10 FR PARIS - LA LOCOMOTIVE
13.10 D ESSEN - ZECHE CARL
14.10 D BERLIN - COLUMBIA HALLE FRITZ
15.10 D HAMBURG - MARKTHALLE
16.10 D MUNSTER(breitefeld) - LIVE ARENA
17.10 D BISCHOFSWERDA - HANGER
18.10 PL WARSZAW - PROXIMA
21.10 CH PRATTELN - Z7
More dated added:
24.10. Spain BARCELONA - LA CAPSA
25.10. Spain MADRID - AQUALUNG
26.10. Portugal PORTO - HARD CLUB
-more date's confirmed soon-
--------------------------------------------------------
METALIUM commence work on new album
Germany's METALIUM have commenced the songwriting process for the follow-up to last year's "Hero-Nation Chapter III", tentatively due in late 2003 through Massacre Records. "The boys gathered in the past weeks to listen to the songs (as you should know meanwhile ALL musicians in METALIUM are writing music...) and arranging as well as pre-produce the stuff," according to the band's official newsletter. "Next week they will finally START with Mr. Ehre on drums for the REAL take of '... — Chapter Four'. As birdies told... the ones who heard some of the demo stuff confirmed: 'THE STUFF IS F.....G HEAVY'" and a bit 'MORE DRIVING' than 'Hero-Nation'. But don't worry, the METALIUM-typicals are always present as usual."
In related news, METALIUM bassist Lars Ratz was recently asked by ex-URIAH HEEP keyboardist Ken Hensley to appear on his upcoming CD, due later in the year. "As a huge URIAH HEEP fan, Lars agreed, of course, and feels very honored to be part of the Ken Hensley solo CD this way," states the newsletter.
-----------------------------------------------------------
DECEASED Split with Relapse Records
Virginia-based DECEASED have officially left Relapse Records. "The parting was on friendly terms and was a mutual agreement, as both the band and the label felt that the relationship had run its natural course," the band said in an official statement. "DECEASED was the first band to ever sign to Relapse Records when the label first started in 1990. We wish Relapse Records all the best in the future and thank them for their support over the years."
DECEASED's new full-length album, "As The Weird Travel On", is due later in the year through an as-yet-undetermined label.
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IRON MAIDEN to release new single in early Summer
IRON MAIDEN are nearing completion of the mixing process for their as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2000's "Brave New World", due later in the year through Sony/Columbia Records. "We should be finished the first stage of mixing the IRON MAIDEN album next week," producer Kevin Shirley revealed via his web site. "I'll be off to New York next weekend to attend a mastering session with George Marino [at Sterling Sound Studios], then back to complete the final stage of MAIDEN, which will be all the 5.1 surround sound mixes, and we should be all done by the end of April. This doesn't mean that there'll be product two weeks later, because with all the packaging and artwork still to be finalized, and release schedules to be set up all over the world, it may take a few more months before it sees the dark of night, but you'll probably see a new single by the time they hit the stage on the first leg of their 'Give Me Ed…' tour!"
GIVE ME ED... TIL I'M DEAD TOUR 2003
MAY
Fri 23 Spain La Coruna, Coliseum Sports Palace
Sat 24 Spain Gijon Sports Palace
Mon 26 France Toulouse Zenith
Tue 27 France Toulon Zenith
Sat 31 England Donington Park Download Festival
JUNE
Tue 3 Poland Katowice Spodek
Wed 4 Hungary Budapest Petofi Csarnock Open Air (Summer Rocks Festival)
Fri 6 Germany Nurburgring Rock Am Ring
Sat 7 Germany Nurnburg Rock Im Park
Sun 8 Austria Vienna Stadthalle
Wed 11 Spain Barcelona Palau Sant Jordi
Thur 12 Spain Madrid Palacio Vistalegre
Fri 13 Spain San Sebastian Illumbe Bullring
Sun 15 Italy Imola Heineken Jammin' Festival
Tue 17 Croatia Zagreb Dom Sportova
Thur 19 Czech Rep. Zlin Sportshall
Sat 21 Holland Bergum Waldrock Festival
Mon 23 Switzerland Fribourg Forum
Wed 25 France Paris Palais Omnisports Bercy
Fri 27 Denmark Roskilde Festival Orange stage
Sat 28 Sweden Stockholm Stadium (SOLD OUT)
Mon 30 Finland Helsinki The Hartwall Arena (SOLD OUT)
JULY
Wed 2 Norway Oslo Spektrum (SOLD OUT)
Thur 3 Norway Oslo Spektrum
Sat 5 Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting
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U.D.O.'s DVD to include bonus Live CD
U.D.O.'s forthcoming DVD will come in a special package containing a bonus live CD.
"When the 'Live From Russia' [live album] was released, a lot of people were asking for the ACCEPT classics on it, but our concept for that album was to record only U.D.O. classics, and those songs that ACCEPT never released live," the band said in a statement posted on their official web site. "But those people will be satisfied very soon..."
Due in August, the bonus live CD will include the following tracks:
01. Holy
02. Raiders Of Beyond
03. Metal Heart
04. Balls To The Wall
05. XTC
06. Hard Attack
07. Princess Of The Dawn
08. Thunder In The Tower
09. Restless And Wild
10. Fast As A Shark
As previously reported, U.D.O.'s new studio album is tentatively set for an October/November release and will be supported by a world tour, which will kick off in South America and the U.S. A European tour will begin in January 2004. U.D.O. — who are fronted by former ACCEPT singer Udo Dirkschneider — will appear at this summer's Bang Your Head (Germany) and Gods Of Metal (Italy) festivals.
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Kataklysm News
Kataklysm have just returned from their succesfull 6-week North American trek! The band made many new fans and wishes to thank all the people that came out and supported this tour. Special thanks to Into Eternity, Dying Fetus and Hate Eternal for a great time. Special wishes of a speedy recovery for Erik and the rest of Hate Eternal... We're glad you guys are alright.
Kataklysm would also like to thank J-F Richard (Ion Dissonance) for doing a great job on the tour. Kataklysm have now found a permanent drummer to replace Max Duhamel. His name is Martin Maurais, and let us tell you that he will not dissapoint!... We just finished jamming with Martin and all we can say is "Holy shit... Human machine??"... Fuck yeah!! Martin will be introducing his own version of the Northen Hyperblast to the masses on the next album. "Fans of Nick Miller ("Temple of Knowledge") and Max Duhamel - watch out!" comments Maurizio.
The Hyperblasters have confirmed their appearance at the New England Metal Fest on May 17, more dates around the fest will be also be confirmed soon. Although more touring plans are in the works but not confirmed, the band will finalize their "Shadows & Dust" campaign with a full scale Canadian tour in August, following their return from the European festivals.
Meanwhile, Kataklysm continues to write their next album "Serenity in Fire" due out in February 2004. Some early song titles include "The Ambassador of Pain"," Slithering Down The Spine", "Blood On The Swans", "It's Back(Infested)", "Resurected", "Serenity In Fire", etc.
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AC/DC: The Epic Remasters
THE PACKAGING
Without a doubt the best job done on any AC/DC CD packaging ever. All CD's are issued in Digipak format with extensive booklets of 12 to 16 pages filled with rare photos (relevant to the album period, which were chosen among thousands of photographs), memorabilia, handwritten lyrics and liners notes.
THE REMASTERING
A new remastering job was done using the original 2-track mixes for the best possible quality. The prior remasters released by Warner in 1994 did not use these masters in all cases and EQ'd masters were used. These new ones DO sound better, with a much crispier sound with better rendering on vocals & drums. The difference is quite noticeable on the earlier albums. Note that the original vinyl releases were used as a reference and in some cases the track versions used are different from the ones found in the 1994 Warner CD's. There are no bonus track on any of the CDs, and Malcolm had this to say when interviewed on the subject by Billboard.com recently:
""We really haven't got a lot of spares lying around. We'll go in to do 12 [tracks], if one or two doesn't make it, we'll go into another batch of ideas that we've got, and maybe do a bit more writing in the studio."
"But the bottom line is: what we record is what we use. Once we feel we've got a good album, we stop at that. That's usually around 12 tracks. We figure if they're not good enough for the album, we're not going to spend all that time trying to make them good; it's like trying to make something that's not quite there, there; and sometimes, you've got the best out of it, so you go, 'that's gone, that one." [Any leftovers are in extremely rough form] and too rough to be issued."
THE WEBSITES
Although none of the CD's include any bonus tracks, online material can be accessed using the original CD's as a 'key' to unlock content. Each album has a separate website with video, audio, photos, and the tour dates relevant to the album, which were provided by 'Electric Shock'. The sites are being launched with few videos and audio tracks for each album, but content will be added on an ongoing basis. Initial rare videos include rare live performances from and promo clips unseen in the US.
THE DATES
First batch of releases, issued in the US on February 18th, UK on March 3rd & Europe on March 24th:
• High Voltage
• Dirty deeds Done Dirt Cheap
• Highway To Hell
• Back In Black
• Live
• Live CD Collectors Edition
Second batch, issued in the US on April 29th & Europe on April 21st:
• Who Made Who
• Let There Be Rock
• The Razor's Edge
• For Those About To Rock
• Powerage
Third batch, issued in the US & Europe in May/June:
• Blow Up Your Video
• Flick Of The Switch
• Fly On The Wall
• '74 Jailbreak
• If You Want Blood
"Bonfire" Boxed Set and limited edition 180-gram vinyl for each album are also scheduled sometime this year. In addition, Sony Music is preparing DVD releases for Live At Donington and a DVD regrouping the long form videos 'Fly On The Wall,' 'Who Made Who' and 'Clipped' with possibly additional video clips.
ATTENTION
The second batch of Epic reissues consisting of "Let There Be Rock," "Powerage," "For Those About To Rock," "Who Made Who" and "The Razors Edge" will be released in the States on April 29th and Europe on April 21st. Again the reissues are identical to the original US vinyl Lp's, with "Let There Be Rock" including "Problem Child" instead of "Crasody In Blue" and "Powerage" being the US mix of the album. The reissues will also be released in Australia by Alberts sometime this year.
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ICED EARTH Split with guitarist
"Here’s a quick update.
Next week we begin recording drum tracks and the next IE is fully underway. We will be doing everything but the drums in my studio. The drums and the mix will be done in Tampa at Morrisound. Jim Morris and I will be flying to Prague to record the symphony in mid May as it stands right now. I’m very much looking forward to that. We are kicking around the idea of a full surround sound mix of Gettysburg on the DVD audio format as a bonus disc. We are checking on costs and all that fun stuff now to see if it’s possible. I’ve always wanted to do this and this epic is the perfect choice for it.
Another bit of news is that Larry Tarnowski will no longer be performing in IE. He will continue his studies and we wish him all the best for his future endeavors. There will be a few different guest appearances on the record for the solo’s and we will be deciding on a touring replacement in the near future. I’ll be making that decision after the recording and will let you know who it will be in the next few months.
Also, we will be auctioning off the IE drum kit for charity on ebay, but it will have to be after the recording due to my intense schedule.
My next post will most likely be after the recording is finished so until then take care and stay metal!
Jon"
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BATHORY: 'Nordland II' track listing revealed
BATHORY's new album, "Nordland II", will be released on March 31 in Europe and April 29 in North America through Black Mark Records.
The complete track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Fanfare
02. Blooded Shore
03. Sea Wolf
04. Vinland
05. The Land
06. Death And Resurrection Of A Northern Son
07. The Messenger
08. Flash Of The Silverhammer
09. The Wheel Of Sun
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THE 2003 METAL GODS TOUR: first dates announced
The first few dates have been announced for The 2003 Metal Gods Tour, a multi-band package featuring HALFORD, co-headliners TESTAMENT, IMMORTAL, CARNAL FORGE, PRIMAL FEAR, PAINMUSEUM, and AMON AMARTH. They are as follows:
Apr. 25 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues, Chicago, IL
April 26 - Cleveland, OH @ TBA
May 04 - Worcester, MA @ TBA
May 11 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
More dates will be announced soon. The trek, which will mark Rob Halford's first full-length tour of North America in nearly three years, is set to wrap up on the west coast by mid-June.
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ADAGIO: New album is coming
New album Underworld will be released in September 2003 worldwide and followed by the 'Underworld Tour'. Dennis Ward is once again the producer with the help this time of Stephan Forte. It is also to be noticed that japanese version will include a bonus track.
Some news coming soon, stay tuned !
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MOONSPELL split with bassist
Portugal's MOONSPELL have amicably parted ways with bassist Sérgio Crestana and will replace him during the recording sessions for their upcoming album with AMORPHIS bassist Niclas Etelävuori.
MOONSPELL will record the follow-up to "Darkness And Hope" between March 23 and April 12 at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (H.I.M., SENTENCED, AMORPHIS).
Among the tracks set to appear on the upcoming CD are the following:
01. The Southern Deathstyle
02. Lunar Still
03. From Lowering Skies
04. In And Above Men
05. Everything Invaded
The band, who recently completed pre-production for their new album at their own Inferno studios with producer Waldemar Sorychta (who has worked with the band on the "Wolfheart", "Irreligious" and "Sin" albums), are describing the direction of the new material as "the greatest, strongest and most personal songs we ever wrote. The [ambience] is both very classical and spiritual served by an intense lyrical support mainly focused in horror fiction, a clash between horror and beauty and what is in between those two dimensions."
Upcoming MOONSPELL tour dates:
Jul. 4-6 – Leipzig, GER @ With Full Force Festival
Jul. 12 – Arvika, SWE @ Arvika Festival
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SUFFOCATION Reunite
The rumors are true Suffocation has reformed and consist of the four founding members; Frank Mullen (vocals), Terrance Hobbs (guitar), Mike Smith (drums) and Josh Barohn (bass). Longtime friend Guy Marchais, formerly of Pyrexia and Internal Bleeding, will replace Doug Cerrito as 2nd Guitarist.
The band is currently in the studio creating and producing their long-awaited sixth release, and first in five years since their departure from the scene.
Suffocation is scheduled to perform at the 2003 New England Metalfest and headline this year's Maryland Deathfest as their return to the underworld.
States drummer Mike Smith: "The much needed vacation Suffocation has taken over the years individually and as a whole only refueled the intensity we’ve grown to call our own. I truly feel for any who doubt our intentions."
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BLIND GUARDIAN: Live album details unveiled
German melodic metallers BLIND GUARDIAN have set a May 26 release date for their as-yet-untitled live album. The two-disc collection, which is currently being mixed at a German studio, will contain 20 songs recorded last year on the band's world tour.
The full track listing for the CD is as follows (in no particular order):
01. Into The Storm
02. Welcome To Dying
03. Nightfall
04. The Script For My Requiem
05. Harvest Of Sorrow
06. Valhalla
07. Majesty
08. The Soulforged
09. Under The Ice
10. Born In A Mourning Hall
11. Lord Of The Rings
12. Punishment Divine
13. Time Stands Still
14. Bright Eyes
15. The Bard's Song - In The Forest
16. Imaginations From The Other Side
17. Lost In The Twilight Hall
18. Journey Through The Dark
19. A Past & Future Secret
20. Mirror Mirror
A single will precede the album on April 28 containing a brand new studio version of "Bard's Song" backed up with several different live versions of the same track.
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EDGUY: Live album delayed
German melodic metallers EDGUY have pushed back the projected release date for their upcoming double live album, "Burning Down The Opera", to June 2 through AFM Records. Check out the cover artwork here: http://www.edguy.nu/images/bdto_cover_thumb.jpg The band, whose last album, "Mandrake", was released in 2001, have begun the pre-production process for their new studio CD, tentatively due in early 2004.
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AMORPHIS Ink deal with EMI Records
AMORPHIS have inked a deal with EMI Records for the release of their new CD, "Far From The Sun", due in Finland in May. The album's first single, "Day Of Your Beliefs", will surface in early April.
The complete track listing for "Far From The Sun" is as follows:
01. Day Of Your Beliefs
02. Planetary Misfortune
03. Evil Inside
04. Mourning Soil
05. Far From The Sun
06. Ethereal Solitude
07. Killing Goodness
08. God Of Deception
09. Higher Ground
10. Smithereens
The follow-up to 2000's "Am Universum" was self-produced and was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa (H.I.M., SENTENCED, MOONSPELL) and mastered in Stockholm, Sweden. Frontman Pasi Koskinen recorded all vocals for the CD at Seawolf studio in Suomenlinna under the guidance of Hannu Leiden (ex-singer of HAVANA BLACKS), who had previously worked with HANOI ROCKS, among others. Says guitarist Esa Holopainen: "I think our new material is a mixture of both new and old elements."
AMORPHIS tracked 15 songs during the sessions for the new album, the group's first since their split with longtime home Relapse Records. The remaining tracks are expected to be used as single B-sides and bonus cuts.
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ARMORED SAINT - deluxe 3 CD set
One of the most classic ARMORED SAINT albums ever, "Symbol Of Salvation", is due to get the reissue treatment in a super deluxe 3 CD set!!! Not only does it contain the full album in remastered form, but videos, demos, interviews, extra artwork, etc. To get the full picture of what we're talking about, here's the breakdown of each disc's contents:
Disc 1:
The original record (remastered) plus Mpeg video files of the two accompanying videos "Reign Of Fire" and "Last Train Home"
Disc 2:
The much-sought-after four-track demos of the entire record in sequence, featuring original guitar work by Dave Prichard - and bonus track interview. This is part one of a 90-minute interview conducted by Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel, with the band discussing the making of "Symbol Of Salvation". The interview was recorded in December 2002
Disc 3:
Part two and conclusion of interview
The digipack set will also contain liner notes by respected rock journo Jon Sutherland, extra band pictures and a revised version of the original artwork. The release date is set for April.
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BRAINSTORM Begin work on "Soul Temptation"
Germany's BRAINSTORM have set "Soul Temptation" as the title for their new album, due on June 30 through Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Metus Mortis" is currently being recorded at House of Music studios in Winterbach, Germany and will be the group's "most diverse album ever," according to guitarist Torsten Ihlenfeld. "Hard, catchy, powerful and maybe the biggest step for all of us. As we see it…the right step at the right time."
Among the titles tentatively set to appear on the CD are the following:
01. Highs Without Lows
02. The Leading
03. Nunca Nos Rendimos
04. Doorway To Survive
05. To The Head
The first pressing of "Soul Temptation" will be released as a double-digipack containing the new CD (plus bonus track) and a special DVD, featuring footage filmed at the final show of their "Metus Mortis In Europe" tour at the Summer Breeze Festival in Germany. Additionally, the DVD will include "tons of bonus material," according to an official press release.
BRAINSTORM will support SAXON at three shows in the beginning of April and will also appear at the Blind Guardian Open Air and the Bang Your Head festivals. A full-length European tour, dubbed "Tempting Europe", is planned for the fall.
BRAINSTORM w/ SAXON, EVIDENCE ONE:
Apr. 03 – Kaufbeuren, GER - Zeppelinhalle
Apr. 04 – Salzburg, AUT - Rockhouse
Apr. 07 – Kassel, GER – Musiktheater
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DOMINE to enter studio in May
"NEW ALBUM : Ah ! Ah ! It’s time to work on new stuff ! With a tentative recording session at New Sin scheduled set for May, main composer Enrico is hard at work on new songs for Domine’s 4th album. So far, the band has already rehearsed 5 new compositions. Titles are TOP SECRET to avoid copycats running amok. The rest of the guys in the band (and roadies) comment on a few of the new songs as “different”…. but don’t worry, it’s still EPIC POWER METAL. No radical changes but a few new ideas in arrangments, melodies and structures. Songs go almost all over the 6 minutes, as usual. Enrico says : “If you like Domine, Manowar, Iron Maiden, Queen, Jethro Tull, Virgin Steele and Thin Lizzy you will not be disappointed”. You will get a storm of the usual powerful EPIC METAL the band has become famous for. There will also be another tribute song in the style of “The Ride Of The Valkyries”. Well, actually 2 this time, we must keep our mouths shut for now. The band will also record 1 or 2 covers and everybody is starting to throw song titles. Main contenders are songs by Black Sabbath, MSG, Angel and Kansas. More news to come."
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