QUEEN and Universal Music Group have signed an exclusive, long-term agreement on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking group's formation, in 1971.
With worldwide album sales of more than 170 million, No. 1 albums, singles and DVDs the world over, inductions into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall OF Fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk OF Fame, over 700 concerts performed in every corner of the world including their historic appearance at Live Aid, and a Guinness Book Of World Records award for the most successful U.K. album chart act in history, QUEEN represents one of the most remarkable, compelling stories in popular culture.
Their music milestones include "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", "We Are The Champions", "We Will Rock You", "Radio Ga Ga", and "Another One Bites The Dust". The new agreement with Universal Music covers the world outside North America, and the music of QUEEN will appear through Island Records from January 1, 2011. Thus, the band joins some of the greatest names in popular music under the palm tree of the legendary label's iconic logo. Brian May of QUEEN said, "We are very excited, after all this time, to be embarking on a new phase of our career — with a new record company — with new ideas, and new dreams". Universal Music Group (UMG) co-CEO Lucian Grainge said: "QUEEN rewrote the rock & roll rule book 40 years ago, and you can count at least three generations of artists who are under their influence. So now we're under their influence at Universal Music, and looking forward to writing chapters together for the new rule book".
UMG International COO Max Hole commented, "A band of QUEEN's stature, and a catalogue with such appeal, present an immense opportunity for a new creative approach. We aim to apply fresh thinking and innovation to the marketing and promotion of this great body of work. Ted Cockle, Darcus Beese and their team at Island Records are the perfect match, and everyone can't wait to get started".
During the course of the anniversary year, Island will remaster and repackage, with additional content, each of QUEEN's 15 studio albums. The first five will be made available in March: "Queen", "Queen II", "Sheer Heart Attack", "A Night At The Opera" and "A Day At The Races".
After four decades, the collective work of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon continues to resonate around the globe, inspiring a host of diverse artists from LADY GAGA (who took her name from QUEEN's "Radio Ga Ga"), Axl Rose and Katy Perry through to Dave Grohl.
Two decades after the death of their phenomenal and flamboyant singer, Freddie Mercury remains an icon beyond measure. The 40th anniversary celebrations begin with a major QUEEN exhibition in London, "Stormtroopers in Stilettos", opening in late February. This will be followed by a BBC TV documentary and the production of a major Hollywood film about the band, starring Sacha Baron Cohen as Freddie Mercury. Acclaimed script writer Peter Morgan ("The Queen", "Frost/Nixon") is working on the project, which is being produced by GK Films, Robert de Niro's Tribeca Productions and Queen Films.
"Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography Of Ronnie James Dio", the revealing memoir of the heavy metal master, was sold at auction to Jacob Hoye, Senior Director of Publishing at MTV Books, by Shawna Morey, in her first deal at Folio Literary Management, LLC.
Renowned for his powerful, hard-driving vocals, Dio lends that unique voice to recount his extraordinary journey from early pioneer in a burgeoning music movement to his undisputed reign atop the heavy metal landscape. He was born in a time and to a family so far removed from the hard-rocking world he would dominate for nearly five decades, but his unbounded passion and peerless talent broke barriers and legitimized heavy metal as an alternative art form. His creative genius made him a legend.
With nearly five decades of worldwide success and album sales in the tens of millions as the front man of ELF, RAINBOW, DIO, BLACK SABBATH, and, most recently, HEAVEN & HELL, Ronnie James Dio grabbed the mic, took the stage, and led a movement whose influence resonates to this day. In "Rainbow In The Dark", Dio himself will introduce the reader to this incredible life and the over 50 photographs included will provide readers with an unprecedented all-access pass to the rock concert of a lifetime.
During his life, Dio drew on the energy and devotion of millions of fans from around the world for the strength to create, entertain, and give back. In his death, he leaves us with his own voice and his own story to edify and inspire. He also leaves us perhaps his most important legacy, the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up and Shout" Cancer Fund, a non-profit founded by Dio's widow and manager, Wendy Dio, to fund and advocate for cancer research and screenings for society's underprivileged.
On May 16, 2010, the day Dio finally succumbed after a lengthy battle with cancer, the music stopped and the curtains were drawn. "Rainbow In The Dark" will open those curtains and reignite the band.
In a recent interview with "The Blairing Out With Eric Blair Show", Wendy Dio revealed that Ronnie James Dio's memoir was three-quarters written before the singer's death and that she has until June 2011 to finish it so that it could be released in the spring of 2012.
Shawna Morey is a literary agent specializing in music and pop culture. She has spent the first part of her professional career working in the music industry in New York and Los Angeles and has a background in business and personal management, public relations, new media marketing and promotions.
JUDAS PRIEST/HALFORD singer Rob Halford will guest on WVOX's "Metal Mayhem" radio show on Friday, November 26 at 8:10 p.m.
The program can be on 1460AM in the New York area and worldwide on WVOX.com.
HALFORD will support OZZY OSBOURNE on a North American arena tour which is scheduled to kick off on November 12 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and wrap on December 12 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. HALFORD will also play the following headlining shows during and immediately following the OZZY trek:
Dec. 04 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
Dec. 09 - Chicago, IL - House Of Blues
Dec. 13 - Dallas, TX - House Of Blues
Dec. 15 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theater
Dec. 17 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern Theater
Dec. 18 - San Diego, CA - 4th & B
Dec. 19 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove of Anaheim
"Halford IV - Made Of Metal", the new album from HALFORD, sold around 3,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 160 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 5 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
HALFORD's previous CD, "Halford III - Winter Songs", opened with 1,400 units to debut at No. 26 on the Top New Artist Albums chart.
"Halford IV - Made Of Metal" was released on September 27 in Europe and September 28 in North America. Produced by Roy Z. and recorded during 2009 and 2010, the CD features 14 new songs penned exclusively by Rob Halford.
HALFORD played its first show in more than seven years on July 17 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California.
Prior to the San Francisco show, HALFORD's last gig took place on June 6, 2003 in Anaheim, California.
Starting 2011, guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak, most commonly known as the guitarist in Rob Halford's solo band HALFORD will begin a monthly guitar column in Guitar World magazine.
A new feature called "Metal For Life" will have Mike break down, explain and demonstrate many aspects of metal guitar playing. Each lesson will additionally be broken down in a video demonstration found on a DVD enclosed with each issue.
In the current year-end issue of the magazine — on newsstands this week — check out the Andy Aledort's special feature with Mike called "10 Essential Metal Riffs / The Big 10."
Metal Mike's own metal guitar school called Metal Heroes Music Academy is located in Sayreville, New Jersey. Metal Heroes caters to players of all levels with popular workshops held throughout the year. Mike has additionally written two guitar instructional books — "Ridiculous Riffs For The Terrifying Guitarist" and "Monster Coordination – Guitar Boot Camp". Mike is currently on tour with Halford.
BMI just presented Paul Rodgers, singer songwriter and founding member of FREE with a new "Million Air" award to recognize four million performances of FREE's hit song "All Right Now". Million Air awards are presented to songwriters in recognition of songs that receive two million or more U.S. radio and television performances. A radio staple for 40 years, the song has also surpassed a massive 2,000,000 radio plays in the U.K. (as of 2000). "All Right Now" appeared on the band's "Fire and Water" album in mid-1970. The single was an international #1 hit in over 20 territories and landed at #2 on the U.K. chart and #4 on Billboard Hot 100.
"When I started writing 'All Right Now', the lyrics and the melody flowed easily. It felt special and it's still special to me and the fans. It's a 'must-play' in my solo set," said Paul Rodgers.
Recently, "All Right Now" topped the U.K.'s Planet Rock radio fan poll as the "Greatest Rock Single," in "one of the most decisive polls" they've ever run beating out 39 international chart-topping hit songs from artists such as LED ZEPPELIN, NIRVANA, AC/DC, THE EAGLES, QUEEN and GUNS N' ROSES. Previous Planet Rock polls placed "All Right Now" on the "Best Summer Rock Song," "Greatest Rock Riff of All Time" and "Ultimate Driving Songs" charts.
After a five-year skyrocketing run of success, FREE would disband in 1973 and Paul Rodgers would go on to form and front another legendary rock band, BAD COMPANY. Earlier this year, "The Very Best of Free and Bad Company featuring Paul Rodgers" greatest-hits collection, featuring Rodgers' greatest works during the legendary '68-'73 era of FREE and '73-'82 era of BAD COMPANY, became BAD COMPANY's first top 10 chart appearance since 1979, FREE's first since 1991 and was Rodgers' return to the charts following his 2007 gold-certified debut solo DVD "Live in Glasgow" which charted at #1 in Canada, #2 in Japan, #3 in the U.S. and #4 in the U.K.
Following a U.S. summer tour run, Paul Rodgers and BAD COMPANY recently wrapped their first concert tour of Japan in over 30 years culminating with three nights in Tokyo.
Paul Rodgers (BAD COMPANY, FREE, QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS), Michael Anthony (CHICKENFOOT, VAN HALEN), Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN) and Peter Frampton are among the musicians who will perform as the M&B ALL STAR BAND at the Mark And Brian Christmas Show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California on December 16. Billy Idol will headline the event, proceeds from which will go to the Eisner Pediatric & Family.
As top-rated syndicated morning show personalities, Mark Thompson and Brian Phelps of the Los Angeles-based "Mark And Brian Show" entertain audiences live with their dauntless comedy weekday mornings from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Last year's Mark And Brian Christmas Show featured performances by Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST), Slash (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER), Jason Bonham, Steve Lukather (TOTO), HEART, FOREIGNER and Richie Sambora (BON JOVI).
Jim Wilkie of ESPN.com recently conducted an interview with Duff McKagan (DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES). An excerpt from the chat follow below.
ESPN.com: I wasn't going to ask any GUNS 'N' ROSES questions, but then I read where you played that show in London. Did you just play the encore?
McKagan: I played a few songs in the encore. It was really fun for me. It just happened out of nowhere. Literally, I was in the elevator going up to my room and the manager of the hotel — it's a hotel I stay at all the time — said, "Hey, you're playing tonight, right?" "No, I'm not playing at all this trip." Usually I played when I go there. It's an honest mistake. "You're not playing tonight?" Oh, will there be an issue? You're in a room next to Axl's [Rose, GUNS N' ROSES singer]."
ESPN.com: Right next to his room? Not just same hotel, but right next door?
McKagan: Right next, the chance of all the hotels in London, all the days of the year, all the years, all the floors in the hotel, you know. Yeah, but it was a great serendipitous thing because I was being thrown into "OK, how's it going?" You didn't have like three days to prepare. … And I don't have any resentments. It was a huge, great, amazing thing that happened in all of our lives. Killer. My life's totally enhanced in a whole different way because of that thing, for sure. So I just don't carry it around. I've gone through a lot of things to work through some of this shit. It happened. So it was great. I had no resentment. It was really great to see him. I don't think he had any resentment and we had a good time. We laughed. That's what you want to do with an old friend.
ESPN.com: What was it like to end up on stage playing GUNS 'N' ROSES. What was that feeling?
McKagan: I played a lot of GUNS 'N' ROSES songs with VELVET REVOLVER. It's part of my makeup. We wrote the songs [together], so they're like my songs. I don't compartmentalize what songs are what, so it was easy. Great, he's got a really good band. Nice guys, it's all good. I had to get right back after the gig, I had a meeting at 8 a.m. the next morning. "I gotta go."
MANOWAR bassist and producer Joey DeMaio has released a new video message in which he offers an update on the status of the songwriting and recording sessions for the band's next album, "Hammer Of The Gods". You can watch it below.
Stated DeMaio: "A couple of people were wanting to know what's going on with the new album, 'Hammer Of The Gods'. Well, the truth is this: [original MANOWAR drummer] Donnie Hamzik is officially back in the band, and that changed everything for us. So all the songs that were written have been completely fucking thrown out, completely ditched — gone, never to be heard from again. The writing has changed because Donnie's back in the band and he's burning like a mad motherfucking demon on drums. So this album is gonna basically sound like I told you before — like somebody put gasoline on your fucking balls and lit it. So it'll be worth the fucking wait, 'cause when it comes, it's coming back."
"Hammer Of The Gods" was previously described as the first installment of "The Asgard Saga", the band's unique multimedia fantasy adventure with best-selling author Wolfgang Hohlbein.
MANOWAR recently decided that its fans deserved to hear the songs from its debut album, 1982's "Battle Hymns", with the massive sound and production that has become the group's signature over recent years and records.
Due for release at the end of November 2010, "Battle Hymns" will soon be available with the unbridled power of today's technology: "Battle Hymns 2011".
With the decision to reinterpret the music came the need to revisit the famed narration of the legendary Orson Welles. There was only one obvious choice and that was Sir Christopher Lee. Recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios in London, his own inspired interpretation of the late, great Orson Welles on "Dark Avenger" will be another jewel in the crown of the Kings Of Metal.
"Battle Hymns 2011" will feature two never-before-released live versions of "Death Tone" and "Fast Taker" recorded during the band's very first concerts in 1982. These are the rarest bonus materials ever released to date in MANOWAR's career.
MANOWAR's latest DVD in the "Hell On Earth" series was released on November 27, 2009. "Hell On Earth V" covers MANOWAR's recent world tours, including Germany, Norway, Spain, Finland, Russia, Romania, Turkey, USA and Canada. It features live performances of old and new classics such as "Gloves Of Metal", "The Crown And The Ring", "Hand Of Doom", "Hymn Of The Immortal Warrior", "Father", "God Or Man" and many others.
MANOWAR has decided that its fans deserved to hear the songs from its debut album, 1982's "Battle Hymns", with the massive sound and production that has become the group's signature over recent years and records.
With the decision to reinterpret the music came the need to revisit the famed narration of the legendary Orson Welles. There was only one obvious choice and that was Sir Christopher Lee. Recorded at the famed Abbey Road Studios in London, his own inspired interpretation of the late, great Orson Welles on "Dark Avenger" will be another jewel in the crown of the Kings Of Metal.
"Battle Hymns 2011" release dates:
MP3 (from The Kingdom Of Steel): November 26
CD - Europe: November 26
CD - Kingdom Of Steel: December 13
CD - U.S./Canada: February 2011
"Battle Hymns 2011" will feature two never-before-released live versions of "Death Tone" and "Fast Taker" recorded during the band's very first concerts in 1982. These are the rarest bonus materials ever released to date in MANOWAR's career.
"Our fans can be sure that we have squeezed every drop of power into 'Battle Hymns 2011' that today's technology allows," said vocalist Eric Adams.
"Battle Hymns 2011" track listing:
01. Death Tone
02. Metal Daze
03. Fast Taker
04. Shell Shock
05. Manowar
06. Dark Avenger
07. William's Tale
08. Battle Hymn
Bonus Tracks:
09. Death Tone (live)
10. Fast Taker (live)
"Remains", the 1996 album from Canadian melodic thrash metal pioneers ANNIHILATOR, has been reissued and is out now in Europe.
Following the recent release of ANNIHILATOR's critically acclaimed, self-titled new album, Earache Records announced the "Total Annihilation" campaign, reissuing six albums from the band's illustrious back-catalogue. "Remains" is the sixth and final release in the series, following "Carnival Diablos", "Criteria For A Black Widow", "Waking The Fury", "King Of The Kill" and "Refresh The Demon".
"Remains" is available now on CD in a custom slipcase and includes three bonus tracks plus a guitar workshop video with ANNIHILATOR guitarist and mainman Jeff Waters.
The full track listing for "Remains" is as follows:
01. Tricks And Traps
02. Murder
03. Never Forget
04. Reaction
05. Human Remains
06. I Want
07. Dead Wrong
08. No Love
09. Sexecution
10. Wind
11. Bastiage
12. Words From Jeff Waters*
13. Back To The Palace (1999 Demo)*
14. Annihilator (1985 Radio Ottawa Demo)*
* bonus tracks
Guitarist Ed Mundell has commented on his departure from MONSTER MAGNET. He said, "Firstly, I want to thank all of the MONSTER MAGNET fans for 18 years of friendship and support.
"I remember when I had to fill John McBain's shoes in 1992; I remember playing along with 'Spine Of God' and 'Medicine', and how thrilled I was to play those songs live. Jump forward 18 years and I am now looking forward to new musical collaborations with new producers, songwriters and musicians.
"While I am very proud of the immense volume of MONSTER MAGNET work we have achieved, I am excited to explore new musical ventures.
I look forward to you hearing my new work in the coming months.
"I love Dave [Wyndorf, MONSTER MAGNET mainman] and the guys like brothers and have no doubt we will collaborate in the future.
"I think the new album rocks; give it a listen."
MONSTER MAGNET mainman Dave Wyndorf last week stated about Mundell's decision to leave the band, "What can I say? [Ed] told me this two months ago and I gave him some time for him to perhaps reconsider but no go. It's a bummer, yeah but we've been through this kind of thing before. Make no mistake, MAGNET goes on. We start[ed] the 'Mastermind' tour [on Wednesday, November 3] in Cologne, Germany with Phil Caivano and Garrett Sweeny [RIOTGOD] handling dual guitar chores."
About guitarist Garrett Sweeny, Wyndorf stated, "[He's] a maniac! He learned a fuckload of MONSTER MAGNET songs in less than two months and is shredding the shit out of 'em! See for yourself."
"Mastermind", the long-awaited new album from MONSTER MAGNET, sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 165 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous effort, "4-Way Diablo", opened with 1,800 units back in November 2007.
Available on Austria's Napalm Records, "Mastermind" was released as a regular CD with poster, limited digibook with two bonus tracks with poster and limited-edition box containing the digibook CD, USB stick with MONSTER MAGNET logo and exclusive video material (including a Dave Wyndorf interview from August 2010), wallpapers, ringtones, 17-track Napalm sampler and much more.
The "Mastermind" cover artwork was designed by Invisible Creature (WOLFMOTHER, CHRIS CORNELL, FOO FIGHTERS).
Mickey Finn, original vocalist for JETBOY, has officially announced his departure from the band. The split took place mid-September when Finn revealed he would not be able to take part in a planned European tour. JETBOY has chosen to continue without Finn and the European tour will take place November 12 through mid-December.
Commented Finn: "I wish the guys the best but from here on out they should start fresh and change there name because it's just not JETBOY anymore." He added, "I apologize to all the JETBOY fans who will be disappointed by this news and thank you for your support over the years."
Finn formed JETBOY with longtime friends Billy Rowe and Fernie Rod in 1983.
Twenty years after the release of the highly acclaimed "Damnednation", JETBOY's latest EP, "Off Your Rocker", was made available on March 2 via iTunes and Amazon.com.
JETBOY's last CD/DVD release, "The Glam Years", came out on Cleopatra/Deadline Records. It contained a DVD of a 1986 concert at Los Angeles' legendary Whisky a Go-Go (featuring a chock-full of extra interviews and photos) as well as a 21-track CD of the group's greatest hits.
As previously reported, Mickey's new band COLD BLUE REBELS — which also features Joe Normal (guitar) and Danny Dangerous (bass) of ZEROS plus former GLAMOUR PUNKS skins basher Spazz Draztik on the drums — has completed work on its debut album, "Blood, Guts, n' Rock & Roll", for a January 11, 2011 release via Horror High, LLC. The CD artwork is being created by D.A. Frizell who has worked on such projects as AVENGED SEVENFOLD (illustrator on "Nightmare" and "Book Of Nightmares" and litho), Michale Graves (cover art for "Punk Rock Is Dead"), SEVENDUST (cover and interiors on "Cold Day Memory") and DISTURBED ("Decade Of Disturbed" movie poster).
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/coldbluerebels.
The remaining members of the veteran glam rock act JETBOY have released the following statement regarding the departure of their original vocalist, Mickey Finn, and their future plans:
"Parting ways with a family member is never easy, and believe us, it was a bitter
pill to swallow.
"When Mickey made his plans known that he would not be participating in the European tour or the future of JETBOY, the rest of the band were forced into action. As a group, JETBOY did not want to let fans down and back out of their first European tour. That being said, we immediately began the search.
"We're all still friends, and we wish Mickey nothing but the best going forward.
"We are incredibly happy to have someone as professional as D.K Revelle to step in on a months notice and front the European tour.
"D.K. Revelle has a long pedigree, having worked coast to coast honing his craft. Most recently, D.K. fronted the band BEGGARS BALL in Hollywood, California (2005-2008) recording two albums. D.K. was also the vocalist in the New York-based act FEELS LIKE FICTION, under the management of the famous Bill Aucoin (KISS, BILLY IDOL).
"D.K. Revelle is the consummate front man, bringing not only professionalism and talent to the table, but a filthy-dirty rock and roll style that JETBOY fans have come to expect from the band.
"From the moment we began to jam, the chemistry was undeniable. When something works, it's effortless and it just makes sense.
"We're excited to bring JETBOY to our European fans for the first time in the band's history, and to tell you the truth, you are getting us at what feels like the best moment in JETBOY's storied career. This band is primed and ready to bring rock and roll from the gutters of California to the other side of the pond.
"Get ready Europe, we're gonna rock your ass off!"
Finn formed JETBOY with longtime friends Billy Rowe and Fernie Rod in 1983.
Twenty years after the release of the highly acclaimed "Damnednation", JETBOY's latest EP, "Off Your Rocker", was made available on March 2 via iTunes and Amazon.com.
JETBOY's last CD/DVD release, "The Glam Years", came out on Cleopatra/Deadline Records. It contained a DVD of a 1986 concert at Los Angeles' legendary Whisky a Go-Go (featuring a chock-full of extra interviews and photos) as well as a 21-track CD of the group's greatest hits.
As previously reported, Mickey's new band COLD BLUE REBELS — which also features Joe Normal (guitar) and Danny Dangerous (bass) of ZEROS plus former GLAMOUR PUNKS skins basher Spazz Draztik on the drums — has completed work on its debut album, "Blood, Guts, n' Rock & Roll", for a January 11, 2011 release via Horror High, LLC.
Frontiers Records has announced that Derek Shulman and 2Plus Music Entertainment have agreed to oversee the label development and marketing over the North American market.
After an internationally acknowledged career as singer for the progressive music band GENTLE GIANT, Derek Shulman became involved in the recording business in the early '80s. Starting as an A&R representative at PolyGram Records, where he rose to the ranks of Senior Vice President, he signed BON JOVI, DAN REED NETWORK, CINDERELLA, and KINGDOM COME, among many others. In 1988 he became President and CEO of Atco Records (where he signed the progressive metal band DREAM THEATER, as well as PANTERA). He also re-established the careers of AC/DC and BAD COMPANY, both of whom sold multi-platinum albums under his watch. He then went on to become President of Roadrunner Records, overseeing signings like SLIPKNOT and NICKELBACK.
2Plus directors, internationally renowned music impresario Leonardo Pavkovic and CFO Lawrence Offsey, join him in this endeavour.
2Plus will coordinate artist acquisition and marketing for Frontiers in North America and will represent the label in the relationship with the local distributors and promoters.
Frontiers Records label President Serafino Perugino stated, "Working with 'the professor' Derek Shulman has been nothing but a joy so far. His experience and wisdom are going to guide Frontiers Records growth to the next level and we are absolutely excited to share with him and 2Plus a vision for the future growth of Frontiers in the North American market."
Derek Shulman stated: "I am extremely excited about being involved with Serafino and Frontiers Records. It is very gratifying to work with people who are music fans and yet understand the dynamics of the ever-changing music business model. Frontiers Records is committed to making the leap to become the premiere independent rock music company worldwide. I am very happy to lend my experience to my friends at Frontiers to realize this goal."
Pictured left to right in photo below: Larry Offsey, Derek Shulman, Serafino Perugino, Leonardo Pavkovic, Mario de Riso
Texas natives FAIR TO MIDLAND have signed a worldwide deal with eOne Music. The band's new album will be produced by Joe Barresi (TOOL, QUEENS OF THE STONEAGE, COHEED AND CAMBRIA) and is is scheduled for a spring 2011 release.
"I've been looking forward to working with these guys for quite sometime. They're a great band whose music is intricate and yet very melodic," says Barresi.
The new album will be the band's follow-up to "Fables from a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True" which included the popular singles "Dance of the Manatee" and "Tall Tales Taste Like Sour Grapes".
"We're all huge fans of what Barresi did with QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. We wanted a stellar rock producer and were lucky enough to find one who has managed to find the happy medium between polish and performance," says FAIR TO MIDLAND frontman Darroh Sudderth.
Founded in 1998 in the quiet farm town of Sulphur Springs, Texas, FAIR TO MIDLAND quickly became one of the Lone Star State's fastest-rising bands, earning critical acclaim for their first two independent releases, 2001's "The Carbon Copy Silver Lining" and 2004's "inter.funda.stifle".
Since the release of "Fables From a Mayfly", they have shared the stage with bands such as THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, FLYLEAF, CHEVELLE, DIR EN GREY, ALICE IN CHAINS, and SERJ TANKIAN throughout the U.S. and Europe. The band has made appearances at festivals such as Coachella, Bamboozle, Download, Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park.
FAIR TO MIDLAND is Darroh Sudderth (vocals), Cliff Campbell (guitar), Brett Stowers (drums), Matt Langley (keyboards) and Jon Dicken (bass).
Quebec City, Canada-based folk metal band NORDHEIM has released its debut album, "Lost In The North". The CD was produced at MGL Studio by Maxime and contains "10 tracks of pure energy and melodic riffs," according to a press release. The mastering was handled Jean-Francois Dagenais (KATAKLYSM). The album cover was designed by Nicolas Francoeur (KÄLTER, FARSIGHT) and can be viewed below.
"Lost In The North" track listing:
01. Lost In The North
02. Nightborn
03. Far Away
04. Beer, Metal, Trolls And Vomit
05. Promise To The Gods
06. Glorious March
07. Sailing The Drakkar
08. Old Crazy Man
09. Beyond The Howling North
10. Blessing From The Stars
NORDHEIM is:
Warraxe - Vocals and Guitar
Fred - Guitar
Benfok - Bass
Phil Poul - Drums
Thom - Keyboards
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/nordheimband.
New York hardcore legends AGNOSTIC FRONT will enter Mana Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida tomorrow (Tuesday, November 9) to begin recording their highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's "Warriors". 15 new powerful and anthemic songs will be laid down by Erik Rutan (MADBALL, GOATWHORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, etc.) under the watchful guide of producer Freddy Cricien of MADBALL. This will be AGNOSTIC FRONT's third release for Nuclear Blast and second produced by Cricien. An early 2011 release is expected.
AGNOSTIC FRONT changed the face of music throughout its 25-year-long career and the "Victim In Pain" and "United Blood" records started it all.
On November 17, 2009, Bridge Nine released a CD version with "United Blood" and "Victim in Pain" combined, and additionally re-released "United Blood" on 7" and "Victim in Pain" on 12" LP. "Victim In Pain" has been given extra special treatment, with a gatefold LP cover, complete with a dirty gold metallic ink and embossed logo and title. The gatefold opens up to the original handwritten layout of the first pressing, and the original cover — which was subsequently censored — is printed full size on the front and back of the dust sleeve. "United Blood" has a similar metallic ink and embossed logo front cover, and also has the original cover design printed in black and white on the enclosed dust jacket. Gold vinyl is the limited color, and comes first-come-first-served with each package deal. Packages include a 12"x18" poster and a limited edition "Victim In Pain" t-shirt.
Originally released in 1983, "United Blood" was AGNOSTIC FRONT's first release and was followed shortly thereafter by "Victim In Pain" in 1984. These albums were a blast of pure New York hardcore that confirmed AF's status as leaders of the New York hardcore movement alongside precursors the CRO-MAGS and MURPHY'S LAW.
WITCHBREED, the Portuguese metal band formed by bassist Ares (ex-MOONSPELL, DEEPSKIN) and guitarist Dikk (ex-DEEPSKIN), has parted ways with singer Ruby Roque (who is also a member of Sweden's THE PROJECT HATE).
Commented Roque: "As some of you might know, I left WITCHBREED due to my health that doesn't allow me to jump or bang my head until the other half of 2011. It wasn't fair for me to delay WITCHBREED's work so, they are now looking for a new singer. I am not leaving THE PROJECT HATE. I am with them as they are with me. As you know, THE PROJECT HATE don't tour, so it doesn't affect my life with them and even if they did tour, after May, I will be ready to rock the stages again! So be prepared because Ruby and THE PROJECT HATE are forever! So in the first half of 2011 the album of THE PROJECT HATE will be out and you can still hear me make some serious damage!!"
The remaining members of WITCHBREED have released the following statement regarding Ruby's departure from the band:
"We are sorry to announce that due a very risky pregnancy Ruby was medical advised to stop all music activities that include physical effort of any kind; obviously that health comes first and we made the decision to put a break on WITCHBREED. Ruby let us knew about her serious health issues sometime ago when she was diagnosed with tumor/cancer which by the time was not prohibitive of any music activity. So we all carried on hoping everything would work fine for her. Unfortunately, now with her early pregnancy being at risk, she informed us that she really needed a healing break from music. For the rest of us (Ares, Dikk, Filipe and Hollow) the four guys behind the music of WITCHBREED, this is not a easy decision but it's probably the best and most human (!) decision we could make at this point, we wish Ruby all the best for her health and upcoming child. Having said that, we were eager to play all the live dates we had booked for the upcoming year as
well as the most immediate gigs, including the show next Friday at the Hard Club in Oporto. We had high expectations for this show, being the first time we would play in Oporto for an apparent growing crowd and everything was ready for a very special night. The recordings for our sophomore would be next, the second WITCHBREED album is half way finished and will have to be put on hold a well.
"As for the future, this is not meant to be a 'Ba(n)d Ending' statement of any kind. The four of us (Ares, Dikk, Filipe and Hollow) are already working on new material and are now looking for a vocalist (male or female) to complete this new cycle. So anyone interested in fronting an heavy, dark and mystic unit please get in touch!! We are ready to go in studio and blast on recordings and live shows, we are interested in hearing from devoted artists with an ambitious spirit who feel have something to say through lyrics and stage presence."
An e-card for "Heretic Rapture", the debut album from WITCHBREED, is available at this location.
"Heretic Rapture" was released in June 2009 via Ascendance Records. The CD was produced, mixed and mastered by Waldemar Sorychta, who has previously worked with LACUNA COIL, THE GATHERING, SAMAEL, TIAMAT and MOONSPELL, among many others.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/witchbreed.
Dutch/Norwegian goth metal band IMPERIA — which is fronted by Norwegian singer Helena Iren Michaelsen (the original vocalist of the Holland-based band SAHARA DUST, which later changed its name to EPICA) — has entered Spacelab studio in Germany to begin recording its new album for a February 25, 2011 release via Massacre Records.
IMPERIA's sophomore album, "Queen of Light", was released in March 2007 via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2004's "The Ancient Dance of Qetesh" contains 13 tracks and was described in a a press release as "heavier and more varied" than its predecessor. "There are fast and powerful metal songs, slow ballads, heavy songs as well as a lot of serious guitar leads and oriental keyboards. It is a diverse album with crystal clear sound!"
"Origami", the fifth album from Portuguese avant-garde maniacs THANATOSCHIZO, has had its release date pushed back to January via Major Label Industries. The CD was produced by Guilhermino Martins (THANATOSCHIZO guitarist) and was mastered by Mike Jussila (RAM-ZET, NIGHTWISH) at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland.
"Origami" was recorded at Teatro de Vila Real (in the band's hometown, Vila Real) and the group's own Blind & Lost Studios in Santa Marta de Penaguião, Portugal. The record features guest appearances by FADOMORSE (a Portuguese group that mixes national folk music with Frank Zappa's delirious moments), BANDA DE MÚSICA DE MATEUS (a local brass and woodwind ensemble) and Ricardo Frade, a young promising percussionist. According to a press release, the CD contains "songs from previous records but with a different touch, approach and edge to them. The more harsh and heavy melodies are going to give place to a more acoustic, experimental and ethnic side of the band's enterprise."
Nicci DeSoto, lead vocalist of the Livermore, California thrash/metalcore act FALLING TO PIECES, was killed early yesterday morning (Saturday, November 6) in a motorcycle accident. She was only 25 years old.
FALLING TO PIECES features in its ranks Scott Danough, co-founder and longtime guitarist for Orange County, California's BLEEDING THROUGH. The quintet independently released an EP in 2009 entitled "Awaken The Weak".
According to the band's official bio, "Awaken the Weak" "combines Nicci's wicked screams and beautiful clean singing (both of which can compete with any of today's leading ladies of metal) with the band's unique blend of thrash-oriented, melodic, and brutally groove-driven songwriting. With tracks like 'Population One' and 'A Beautiful Demise', the music of FALLING TO PIECES appeals to metal fans of any genre, as well as maintaining the ability to capture non-metal fans alike."
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/fallingtopieces.
Germany's DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER will release its new album, "Moral & Wahnsinn" (English translation: Morality & Insanity) on February 25, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Commented the band: "Now that we are finished in the studio, we have the fantastic feeling that we have created something very unique, something that has never been done before. The album unifies all of our musical extremes and strengths with a brutal lyrical intensity that reflects all the highs and lows of human insanity. But the album also speaks to the morality that hides in each and everyone of us. Insanity is a fantasy, morality is hard, dry reality."
"Moral & Wahnsinn" track listing:
01. Die Boten
02. Gib Dich Hin
03. Hammer Oder Amboß
04. Dir Gehört Nichts
05. Dr. Pest
06. Moral & Wahnsinn
07. Erwache
08. Heimkehr
09. Wir Reiten
10. Hört Auf
11. Ein Liebes Lied
Hungarian extreme metallers EKTOMORF will release their new album, "Redemption", on December 17 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Århus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen, who has previously worked with DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE HAUNTED and HEAVEN SHALL BURN, among others.
"Redemption" track listing:
01. Last Fight
02. Redemption
03. I'm In Hate
04. God Will Cut You Down
05. Stay Away
06. Never Should
07. Sea Of My Misery
08. The One (feat. Danko Jones)
09. Revolution
10. Cigany
11. Stigmatized
12. Anger
13. Kill Me Now (limited-edition digipak bonus)
EKTOMORF will play a very special acoustic show in front of an invited audience of members of the press on November 18 in Berlin, Germany. In addition, the band will premiere two new video clips taken from the upcoming CD, which will also be presented in full at this exclusive event.
On June 25, EKTOMORF released a special "festival edition" of the band's last album, "What Doesn't Kill Me...", via AFM Records. in addition to the 13 songs on the regular LP, the festival edition includes the three-track CD single "The Gipsy Way" and a poster, all packed in a nice hard cover box. "The Gipsy Way" single is also available as a separate product.
The original version of "What Doesn't Kill Me…" was released in March 2009 via AFM Records. The CD was also recorded at Antfarm with Madsen.
North American extreme metal act SAETITH has inked a worldwide deal with the U.K. record label Rising Records for the release of its next full-length album. The band said, "Preparations for the new record have already begun and we will officially enter the studio to begin recording the new album shortly after returning from our tours in mid-2011."
SAETITH was founded in January 2006 by brothers Scott (guitar, vocals) and Jered Eames (bass, symphonic orchestrations, grand piano). The band's current lineup is rounded out by drummer Duane Timlin (DYING FETUS, DIVINE EMPIRE, BROKEN HOPE) and session/touring guitarist Gian Pyres (CRADLE OF FILTH, DRAGONLORD).
SAETITH's second EP, "Revive The Blasphemy", was released earlier this year.
MISERY SIGNALS — the post-hardcore act which recently parted ways with two of its founding members, guitarist Stu Ross and bassist Kyle Johnson — has vowed to regroup and carry on. "Those are two really talented guys, and they will be hard to replace," the remaining members of the band — Ryan Morgan (guitar), Branden Morgan (drums) and Karl Schubach (vocals) — said in a statement. "But it was time for them to move on, which will be the best thing for them individually and the best thing for the band. It went down really amicably, and we remain best friends. In the next few months, we'll group back up and return."
MISERY SIGNALS blends math rock tropes like tricky time signature shifts and twiddy guitar parts with strained aggression and sore throat vocals of screamo, creating a sound with more emotional heft than the former yet that is also less monochromatic than the latter.
In January 2009 MISERY SIGNALS began a year-long world tour. Kicking off in Austrailia, this trek covered Southeast Asia, Europe, United States and Canada. As the tour wrapped up, the bandmembers decided to spend some time on their various side projects.
"We've toured for seven years straight, but 2009 was especially intense," said Ryan. "We let up quite a bit to allow time for aspects outside of MISERY SIGNALS — but none of us have let up as musicians. We're all making music every day."
Ryan has begun working on a project with Stu Ross and Kyle Johnson that has developed into a hardcore/punk band known as BURNING EMPIRES. Other members of this band include FALL OUT BOY's Andy Hurley (drums) and 7 ANGELS 7 PLAGUES' Matt Mixon (guitar). Ryan's brother, MISERY SIGNALS drummer Branden Morgan, and Ross teamed up with COMEBACK KID's Casey Hjelmburg and Matt Keil to form the pop hardcore/punk band LOWTALKER. In the meantime, Karl Schubach has been working on his solo project SOLACE, which he is both writing and producing. In addition to these projects, Ryan recently became a father and Branden has begun teaching drums.
"Controller", the third full-length album from MISERY SIGNALS, sold around 2,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was recorded with producer Devin Townsend (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARKEST HOUR, SOILWORK) and was the group's second to feature vocalist Karl Schubach.
MISERY SIGNALS' "A Certain Death" video was directed by David Brodsky, who has previously worked with THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, ALL THAT REMAINS and HELMET, among others.
Norway's TRAIL OF TEARS has commenced the songwriting process for its new album, tentatively due next year. The band states, "We have to say that it has been a good experience and some of the ideas which have surfaced so far sound pretty damn exciting to our ears!
"We are continuing to write material for the next album and will spend a few more months creating something that will live up to our own expectations and goals and hopefully raise a few eyebrows as well!"
According to a posting on the Polish-language version of BEHEMOTH's official web site, the band's 33-year-old leukemia-stricken guitarist/vocalist, Adam "Nergal" Darski, has found a bone marrow donor that is a genetic match. He will soon undergo radiation to destroy his old bone marrow — where blood is made but which also contains the leukemia cells — and replace it with healthy donor bone marrow, which will then — hopefully — go on to produce healthy blood.
Every year, more than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma, and a bone-marrow transplant from an unrelated person is their best or only hope for survival. There is no data available on how many people die waiting for a match, but only four out of 10 patients receive the needed transplant.
Darski's fiancée, 26-year-old Polish pop singer Doda (real name: Dorota Rabczewska), was one of the people who donated her bone marrow but her tissue type was not a close enough match.
BEHEMOTH's "Evangelia Heretika" DVD will be released in the U.S. on November 9 via Metal Blade Records, in Poland via Mystic Records, and in the rest of Europe through Nuclear Blast. It contains three discs featuring two full shows ("Live In Paris 2008" and "Live In Warsaw 2009"); every BEHEMOTH music video ever made; "Evangelion" tour documentary featuring band interviews plus tons of backstage footage; and a bonus "Live in Warsaw" audio CD.
Albany, New York's THE CLAY PEOPLE has entered the studio to begin recording its eighth album.
The band has changed its lineup since the release of its 2007 CD, "Waking The Dead". Mainstays in the group Daniel Neet (vocals) and Dan Dinsmore (drums) have reunited with guitarist Mike Guzzardi, who appeared on THE CLAY PEOPLE's 1998 self-titled album and 2002's "Headhunter Demos".
Regarding the new music, Neet said, "Danny, Mike and I have been hard at work.... This album is going to take off right after the 'Headhunter Demos'. We are even working on songs that had gotten shelved around 2002." He added, "I know eight years is a long time to keep everyone waiting on the three of us to start working together again."
THE CLAY PEOPLE's new LP is set to release sometime in 2011 through Overit Records.
Drummer Matthias Voigt of German death metal and hardcore fusionists HEAVEN SHALL BURN has been forced to sit out the band's European tour with AS I LAY DYING, SUICIDE SILENCE and DEW-SCENTED due to a "back injury."
He says in a statement, "I'm feeling well at the very moment, but there is too much responsibility towards my own health, my bandmates and, of course, also towards [the fans] who pay to see a good show. I guess everyone understands I'm disappointed, but at the same time I'm glad and thankful that, once again, our friend Christian Bass [DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT, WHITE EYES] will step in. It won't be his first time with
HEAVEN SHALL BURN and he really knows how to do it. I will be back as soon as possible."
"Combat", the new video from HEAVEN SHALL BURN, can be viewed below. The fully animated clip was created by Animaatiokopla from Finland and was premiered by Amnesty International Germany.
"Combat" comes off HEAVEN SHALL BURN's new album, "Invictus", which landed on the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 9. This marked HEAVEN SHALL BURN's and Century Media Records' first-ever Top 10 release in Germany. The CD also charted in Austria (#15), Switzerland (#38) and Greece (#14).
"Invictus" was recorded at Tue Madsen's Antfarm Studio in Aarhus, Denmark with the band's the two guitarists, Maik Weichert and Alexander Dietz, handling production duties.
As on HEAVEN SHALL BURN's previous albums, Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds was responsible for creating the atmospheric intro as well as the album's outro. However, the highly emotional duet "Given In Death", which features guest appearances by Sabine Weniger from DEADLOCK on vocals and Sebastian Reichl on guitar, certainly comes as a slight surprise.
According to a press release, "Invictus" "is the third part of the 'Iconoclast' story after 'Iconoclast' and [HEAVEN SHALL BURN's] DVD 'Bildersturm'. Again stories about unconventional heroes are being told, a different light is cast upon well known idols and legends."
DEMONICAL, the Swedish death metal band featuring past and present members from CENTINEX, GRAVE, REGURGITATE, INTERMENT, AMARAN, WORLD BELOW and DELLAMORTE, has set "Death Infernal" as the title of its third album, due in April 2011 via Germany's Cyclone Empire Records. The CD is currently being recorded, mixed and mastered at Necromorbus Studio (WATAIN, UNANIMATED, DESTRÖYER 666) in Alvik, Sweden under the watchful eye of DEMONICAL frontman Sverker Widgren. Other individuals taking part in the creation of "Death Infernal" are Costin Chioreanu of Twilight 13 Media and photographer Soile Siirtola.
"Death Infernal" will feature the following songs, among others:
* "The Arrival of Armageddon"
* "All will Perish (The Final Liberation)"
* "March for Victory"
* "Darkness Awaits"
* "Return Flesh"
* "From Northern Shores"
* "Ravenous"
According to a press release, "Death Infernal" will be "a lethal dose of fast Stockholm-style old-school death metal mixed with more epic and cold elements, hence creating the most deadly and victorious soundtrack for the upcoming downfall of Mother Earth."
The album will be supported by a headlining tour across European soil during May 2011.
DEMONICAL's second full-length album, "Hellsworn", was released in May 2009. The follow-up to 2007's "Servants of the Unlight" was recorded at Necromorbus Studios (WATAIN, SETHERIAL) and was mastered at Black Lounge Studios.
DEMONICAL in 2008 announced the addition of Sverker "Widda" Widgren — also known for his guitar work with DIABOLICAL and as the co-owner of Necromorbus Studios — as the group's new full-time vocalist.
The band's debut album, "Servants of the Unlight", was released in April 2007 via Cyclone Empire.
Dutch death/thrash metal pioneers THANATOS have finished recording a cover version of the song "Reanimation" by Canadian thrash metal legends SACRIFICE. The THANATOS track will be released on a seven-inch vinyl split EP with Dutch doom/deathsters ASPHYX (who will be featured with a cover version of the MAJESTY classic "Bestial Vomit"). And early 2011 release via Cyclone Empire Records is expected.
THANATOS last year parted ways with drummer Yuri Rinkel (MELECHESH) and replaced him with Marco de Groot (HOUWITSER, ALTAR, BLIND JUSTICE, ORDO DRACONIS).
THANATOS' fifth full-length album, "Justified Genocide", was released in March 2009 through Deity Down Records. The CD was recorded at Excess studios in Rotterdam, Netherlands and was mixed by Dan Swanö (NIGHTINGALE, EDGE OF SANITY and BLOODBATH fame) at Unisound in Sweden.
In 2009 THANATOS celebrated its 25th anniversary since the band first emerged from the Netherworlds.
Currently the quartet is comprised of founding member Stephan Gebédi (guitar/vocals; also guitarist in HAIL OF BULLETS), Paul Baayens (guitar; HAIL OF BULLETS, ASPHYX), Marco de Bruin (bass) and Marco de Groot.
For more information, visit the band's MySpace page.
Greek occult black metal band ACHERONTAS has inked a deal with Agonia Records. The band's fifth album will be released as a CD and limited LP in the fall of 2011.
ACHERONTAS' latest CD, "Theosis", was released in March 2010 via Dark Side Records.
ACHERONTAS is:
Acherontass - Vocals, Guitar
Enkwld - Guitar
Akhkhar - Bass
Kwazar - Drums
V. Adept Kadmos - Spells And Hermetic Philosophy
Florida-based extreme metallers HATE ETERNAL have entered frontman Erik Rutan's own Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida to begin recording their fifth studio album) for an early 2011 release via Metal Blade Records.
J.J. Hrubovcak has been added as the band's bassist and the devastating combo of Erik Rutan on guitar and Jade Simonetto on drums is at work once again.
Commented Rutan: "The band has been locked up in Mana Recording Studios doing pre-production for the past two months, finishing up songs that we have been writing over the last year in between tours and albums that I've produced, and we feel we have come up with one of HATE ETERNAL's heaviest, most twisted, evil, melodic, and insane albums yet.
"It was my goal to expand upon what the band has done in the past, and add new dynamics and twists to the traditional, dissonant HATE ETERNAL style, yet keep it in the same vein. It took the three of us really pushing ourselves, and digging deep into the essence of who we are as musicians and writers and players to create something very unique and special. We cannot wait for everyone to hear what we have in store."
HATE ETERNAL is:
Erik Rutan - Guitar and Vocals
Jade Simonetto - Drums
J.J. Hrubovcak – Bass
Welsh melodic death metallers ANTERIOR have entered the studio to record the long-anticipated follow-up to their 2007 debut album, "This Age Of Silence".
Comments the band: "That's right! We have entered the studio to start drum tracking for the second ANTERIOR album! We started production at Grindstone Studios with Scott Atkins (STAMPIN' GROUND, SYLOSIS, GAMA BOMB, MAN MUST DIE) at the helm.
"The fact that we have finally entered the studio to record our second album is an achievement in itself! After so many problems and having multiple things stacked against us, we came through it all, finished an album, got a new drummer, and now it's time to get things right!
"We are currently recording our second, as-yet-untitled album due for an early 2011 release and to say that we are as excited about it as kids are at Xmas would be a gross understatement. We feel that the songs are so much stronger and that we have matured as a band since 'This Age Of Silence' and we are bursting for you to hear it! We feel that this album will definitely show that we have our strongest line-up ever and will mark a great return for us.
"We plan to make 2011 the busiest time we have ever had. We expect to be touring relentlessly and hitting some new places so be afraid, be very afraid!"
ANTERIOR is:
Luke Davies - vocals
Steve Nixon - guitars
Leon Kemp - guitars
James Britton - bass
James Cook – drums
Chicago-based symphonic black metal band VENEFICUM will release its third album, "In Tranquil Absurd", on November 30 as a digipack CD directly through the band. The follow-up to 2003's critically acclaimed "Enigma Prognosis" can currently be downloaded on iTunes and includes former/current members of NACHTMYSTIUM and CENTAURUS. Featured among the 11 tracks are "The Absolute Surrender", "Trauma Vortex" and "Paradox Breed".
Despite many changes in the band's lineup over the last few years, VENEFICUM "still retains the remarkable balance of precision, aggression and atmosphere for which they are known," according to a press release. "In fact, this latest addition to the band's repertoire builds upon the success of their last two albums with a more diverse approach to songwriting and faster, tighter execution."
The CD's cover artwork and layout were conceived by Matt Lombard of CRADLE OF FILTH and SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA fame.
For more information, visit www.veneficum.com.
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