26.05.2008: Former ICED EARTH/DEATH Drummer To Appear At FANGORIA Convention

Richard Christy — the former drummer of ICED EARTH, DEATH, LEASH LAW, CONTROL DENIED and BURNING INSIDE, who currently works for "The Howard Stern Show" — has issued the following update:

"I'm appearing at the Fangoria convention in Secaucus, New Jersey on Friday, June 20th as part of an 'Albino Farm' panel which is an awesome new horror movie that I have a role in! Also on the panel with me will be fellow 'Albino Farm' actors WWE champ Chris Jericho, Kevin Spirtas ('Friday The 13th VII', 'Subspecies II') and co-directors/co-writers Sean McEwen and Joe Anderson! There will also be a screening of the film 'Albino Farm' on Saturday, June 21st! I'm so psyched for this movie because I'm a HUGE horror fan and I'm also psyched to be a part of the Fangoria convention because I've been reading Fangoria since I was 10 years old! One of my all-time horror heroes George Romero will also be at the convention which I'm SOOOO excited about!"

13.05.2008: Heavy Metal In Baghdad' DVD Due Next Month 

"Heavy Metal in Baghdad", a feature film documentary that follows the Iraqi heavy metal band ACRASSICAUDA from the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 to the present day, will be released on DVD on June 10.

Playing heavy metal in a Muslim country has always been a difficult (if not impossible) proposition but after Saddam’s regime was toppled, there was a brief moment for the band in which real freedom seemed possible. That hope was quickly dashed as their country fell into a bloody insurgency. From 2003 to 2006, Iraq disintegrated around them while ACRASSICAUDA struggled to stay together and stay alive, always refusing to let their heavy metal dreams die. Their story echoes the unspoken hopes of an entire generation of young Iraqis.

"Heavy Metal in Baghdad" will have a limited theatrical run in New York and Los Angeles beginning May 23.

The "collector's edition" of the "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" DVD will feature over 90 minutes of bonus material, including the following:

* 45-minute featurette: "Heavy Metal In Istanbul" — the documentary that picks up where "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" left off
* Seven additional and deleted scenes: 30 minutes of extra content including extended interviews with the band plus a meeting with the "Iraqi Godfather" in Syria; three live performances: "Acrassicauda Live!" – Original ACRASSICAUDA songs "Underworld", "King Without A Throne" and "Message From Baghdad" performed in 2006 and 2008.
* Eight-page booklet: including the original Vice magazine article "No War For Heavy Metal"
* Movie trailer

Watch the "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" trailer below

News Source :  Blabbermouth

10.05.2008 : Despotism has won maghreb music awards as the best moroccan metal band :

After their first price band in the boulevard  DESPOTISM  returned again to show us that they deserved it , DESPOTISM has won thier first price in Maghreb music awards as the best moroccan metal band .

www.myspace.com/despotismwar

04.05.2008 :CASABLANCA FESTIVAL "B.J.M" 10th edition , JUNE 19/20/21/22, 2007 Stage of the C.O.C :

Boulevard started really as a small competition among local musiciens, a kind of a casablanca "Battle of the Bands". Spanning over the weekend,  the first day is usually a RAp competition, the Second gathered Rock and Metal fans and the Last day included Gnawa bands and finally distribution of Prices. 10 years later,  BJM grew to be a huge 4 day gathering, free to the public. This festival's name is now carved  in the youth's minds and among the most appealing festivals here in Morocco. International bands also contribute to its reputation. After kreator (2005) and Moonspell (2006) and Paradise Lost (2007),and more this year will also be almost  euphoric for the Moroccan Metalhead :

- Stage of "Theatre Mohammed  5" , 10 June :

Among the competing bands are:

Silent Scream
Analgesia
Negative.1
Chemical Bliss
Portic mistery
Anarchytect
Sakadoya
Anomaly
Xenophilya

22.04.2008: AC/DC Completes Recording New Album:

AC/DC has finished recording its new album and is currently mixing the effort for a late 2008 release, the group's vocalist Brian Johnson revealed this morning (Tuesday, April 22) during an interview with Washigton D.C.'s DC 101 radio station. Johnson has apparently left the studio in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada where AC/DC guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young have remained with producers Mike Fraser and Brendan O'Brien in order to complete work on the CD. Brian also stated that the band will next work on getting the artwork done and take care of the promotional activities in connection with the release, to be followed by a tour.

According to Reuters, the new album will be AC/DC's first for Sony BMG's Epic Records label, which reissued the band's back catalog a few years ago.
O'Brien is also known for his work with STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, PEARL JAM, AUDIOSLAVE and VELVET REVOLVER, among others.
VH1 Classic host Eddie Trunk recently revealed on his New York radio show that AC/DC was rumored to be planning a "farewell" tour for later in the year.

In other news, "Totally Baked", a "stoner comedy" on which Brian Johnson is listed as an executive producer, will debut on DVD today, April 22. Johnson also wrote three new songs for the movie's soundtrack.

News Source :  Blabbermouth

18.04.2008 : Casa Gateways Festival :

Behemoth and Graveworm and more are among the confirmed bands for the first edition of CASA Gateways Festival. 1st 100% Metal fest in Africa, two days of full headbanging, ste to be held 21st & 22nd of June @ Casablanca Morocco The complete list of artists currently confirmed to appear at the festival is as follows:

Behemoth (Poland)
Graveworm (Italy)
Nightmare (France)
Emeth (Belgium)
Syrach (Norway)
Fleshdoll (France)
Requiem Laus (Portugal)
Nervecell (UAE)
Ajdath (Jordan/Poland)
Kimaera (Lebanon)
Redeemers (Egypt)
Tchi Hi Dis (Tunisia)
Rahdj (Algeria)
Tormentor of Souls (Morocco)
Wanted (Morocco)
Anarchytect (Morocco)
 

16.04.08: Washburn Guitars and Eden Electronics Teams Up with W:O:A Metal Battle

Chicago, IL, April 2008. Washburn Guitars and Eden Electronics have recently signed a strategic partnership with Metal Battle that will take place worldwide. The Metal Battle started in 2005 and is a talent contest for unsigned heavy metal and rock bands. This year a total of 17 countries will participate and includes Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Finland, Brazil, ex-Yugoslavia, Poland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Austria, Italy, Israel, Greece, Lithuania and China. There will be at least one live heat in each country with 57 live heats in 2008 altogether.

The competition will culminate at the international finale which will take place at the Wacken Open Air Festival from July 31st to August 2nd, 2008. As in previous years, the 2008 Metal Battle promises to be one of the premier music competitions specifically geared towards heavy metal bands around the globe. “Metal Battle is an amazing platform for upcoming metal bands aiming at international attention and coverage,” says Greg Heritier Director of European Sales from U.S. Music Corp.  " Read more "

15.04.2008: Maghreb Music Awards 2007 :

Maghreb Music Awards or MMA, the 2nd edition of an event where young talents are trying to R-I-S-E!In a competiton for a deserved win, they'll try to blow your mind !

VOTE FOR THE BEST MOROCCAN METAL BAND !! \m/

DESPOTISM : http://myspace.com/despotismwar

IMPERIUM: http://myspace.com/imperiummeknes

Vote at : MMA

08.04.2008: Former NEVERMORE/TESTAMENT Guitarist To Guest On New CHAOSWAVE Album:

Italian/Danish power-thrash metal act CHAOSWAVE has tapped former NEVERMORE/TESTAMENT guitarist Steve Smyth to make a guest appearance on three songs on its forthcoming sophomore album, entitled "Dead Eye Dreaming".

Commented Smyth: "I first heard CHAOSWAVE a few years ago while on tour with NEVERMORE, and absolutely loved that they had a heavy, progressive metal sound, combined with a male-female vocal duo that sound huge, and very unique together. Everyone in this band is a top-notch musician! I am very pleased to have been asked and contributed solos to the band's new album, which I believe is sure to snap many ears in their direction this year!" " Read more "

07.04.2005: DEATH - SYMBOLIC REMASTER!

Death’s career-defining album, Symbolic, has been remastered and re-released as part of Roadrunner’s Remaster Series. The new version comes packaged in an O-card featuring the original album art. The CD contains the original, remastered album plus 5 previously unreleased bonus tracks. Pick it up at your local FYE store or www.fye.com   today!
 

05.04.2008: HALLOWS EVE: New Album Details Revealed :

Reunited Atlanta-based thrashers HALLOWS EVE have set "The Never-Ending Sleep" as the title of their new album, tentatively due in July. The CD — which features original HALLOWS EVE members Stacy Andersen (vocals) and Tommy Stewart (bass) alongside Doyle Bright (guitar), Jim Gorman (drums) and Chris Abbamonte (guitar), was produced by Doyle Bright of RIGOR MORTIS and is said to be "a conscious effort to achieve the feel and sound of 'Tales of Terror' (1985) and 'Death and Insanity' (1986)," according to bassist Tommy Stewart.

"The Never-Ending Sleep" track listing:

01. Night Of The Never-Ending Sleep
02. Dominion Resurrected
03. Army Of One
04. Dance Of The Dead
05. 72 Virgins
06. Bed Of Nails
07. Interface
08. Doors Of Misery
09. Through Dark And Dawn
10. The Sun Must Die

A demo version of the "Dominion Resurrected" track has been posted on the band's MySpace page. " Read more "

04.04.2008: ICED EARTH: 'I Walk Among You' Single Samples Available :

Audio samples from ICED EARTH's forthcoming single, "I Walk Among You", have been posted on the group's MySpace page.

With the framework for the Armageddon of Man firmly laid with the band’s
2007 full-length release, "Framing Armageddon - Something Wicked Part I", ICED EARTH is set to launch the next installment of Jon Schaffer's "Something Wicked" saga with the release of "I Walk Among You" on the following dates:

Germany - June 6
Rest of Europe - June 9
USA/Canada - June 10   " Read more "

News Source :  Blabbermouth

27.03.2007: JEFF LOOMIS: Solo Album!!

NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis is currently recording his solo album at the famous Robert Lang Studios in Richmond Beach, Washington with Grammy Award-winning producer/engineer Neil Kernon (NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEICIDE). They have been in the studio since Saturday, March 22 and have just completed the drum tracks with Mark Arrington (ex-NEVERMORE).

NEVERMORE is currently working on material for the follow-up to 2005's "This Godless Endeavor", tentatively late 2008/early 2009 via Century Media Records.

26.03.2008: FIREWIND Releases New Album, Posts New Video Lesson Online and Launches New Website :

The wait is finally over, as the Greek metal phenomenon FIREWIND’s much anticipated new album, The Premonition, is now available in North America. The band’s new offering, led by the young guitar sensation Gus G. (ex-Dream Evil, Nightrage, Mystic Prophecy, Arch Enemy), will quickly prove to be their defining moment. Gus just posted the first installment of his new instructional guitar series online at http://www.youtube.com/firetv  and in this episode Gus runs through some of his daily warm-up techniques. Stay tuned for new episodes featuring how to play many of the songs featured on the new album.

The captivating new tracks, “Mercenary Man” and “Head Up High,” are currently streaming on the band’s MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/firewind , so head over now to check it out. A stunning new video for “Mercenary Man” was recently shot by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, In Flames) and look for that to make its debut in the coming weeks.

The group have also just launched a newly designed website http://www.firewind.gr , so head on over to check it out.

FIREWIND will make their much anticipated return to North America in May on the Tyranny and Bloodshred Tour '08, which could be hailed as one of the best guitar-shredder packages of the year. This crushing headlining trek kicks off on May 10th and also features labelmates Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity and Divine Heresy. See below for the tour’s complete routing.
 

26.03.2008: Aghora has found the new Drummer!!!!!!

Aghora has found the new drummer to record Aghora III. Please welcome MATT THOMPSON (King Diamond) on drums. Matt is a drummer with a great history and skills and chops galore.

www.mattthompsondrums.com 

He is a perfect match for aghora. We are all excited to hear what he does on this record. So far the demos he has done are fantastic.
The new album is currently in pre production. Actual tracking will start with in a few months.
We want to thank everyone who sent in a submission. Best wishes to you all.

Stay tuned for more info.

Santiago Dobles

www.aghora.org 
www.myspace.com/aghora

03.03.2008: Heavy Metal In The Middle East: CNN Report Profiles Jordanian, Saudi Metal Bands.

The March 2008 edition of CNN's "Inside the Middle East" program focuses on the heavy metal scene in the Middle East, featuring interviews with the Jordanian "brutal death metal" band TYRANT THRONE and the Saudi metal act WASTED LAND. Both groups were also filmed in their respective rehearsal rooms blasting out what the members of TYRANT THRONE say is often considered to be "Devil's music" in some third-world countries.

Watch the eight-and-a-half-minute report at CNN.com.

Writing on the "Inside the Middle East" blog, CNN's Schams Elwazer stated about TYRANT THRONE, "The music was fast-paced and violent and the lyrics full of gruesome imagery (symbolic metaphors of the anger and angst that this genre of music expresses). These metalheads in their early 20s made our whole crew feel a little… old, I guess.

"Maybe Hala [Gorani, CNN reporter] and I don't particularly 'get' this kind of music… but according to a well-known online metal magazine JorZine, TYRANT THRONE seems to be the best-known Jordanian death metal band and has a small but respectable fan-base spanning a couple of continents."

"Inside the Middle East" airs first full weekend of every month and the following Thursday at the following times (all times GMT):

Saturday: 07.30, 13.30, 18.30
Sunday: 11.30, 17.30
Thursday: 13.30, 17.30
 

12.02.2008 : GENGHIS TRON: New Album Available For Streaming

Philadelphia's progressive noise-metal shredders GENGHIS TRON are streaming their new full-length album, "Board Up The House", via MySpace. The CD is scheduled for release on February 19 in North America (February 25 internationally).

GENGHIS TRON will be touring heavily in support of "Board Up The House", starting with a string of record release shows beginning February 21 in Philadelphia, PA. These dates will also include the AUSTERITY PROGRAM and Steve Moore (of ZOMBI). Additional guests include AA, PONYTAIL, and more on various dates. The band will then tour through much of March, around and including the annual South By Southwest Festival in Austin, TX.

20.01.2008: In Memory of DAve Lepard (1980-2006)...

Today, 20 January 2008 it’s the second anniversary of one of the worst days for rock music during this century. Two years ago, the late and never enough missed Dave Lepard was found dead in his house. A shining star like few, he was a man from another era, a true rock icon, an earthquake, that shook the world of music like few others since the golden era of glam.

Singer and founder of Crashdïet, he left an impressing heritage with his only release, the Crashdïet debut album “Rest In Sleaze”. Lepard voice and stage presence were one of a kind, rarely in the new generation of rockers such was a sparkling and magnetic personality born. Like a shooting star, Dave Lepard crossed the sky of rock, leaving a trace that won’t fade for a long time. Like a true icon he lived hard and died young, leaving behind a huge empty spot, that no one else will be able to fill.

Today we want to remember this amazing creature, gone too soon, fragile and hard as stone at the same time. Rest In Sleaze, Dave, and keep you hair combed!

11.01.2008: Moroccan Metal FESTIVAL "SIDI ROCK" 2nd edition, February 23, 2008 :

In 2005, « Sidi Kacem » knew an exclusive event on Metal/Rock music, an edition organized by the initiative of BERBER Badr and the collaboration with bands: Anaconda, Black Wolves, Imperium, Metal Inc. and Mercy Killing. Having experienced a modest success, this did not prevent the association « Maison d’Art animé » by Badr himself and CHBIHI Amine to organize a second edition of the festival Sidi Rock to host young talent and a public thirsty for creativity and originality. Despite the many obstacles and drawbacks that represents such a consecration, organizers have taken action to advance the moroccan Rock/Metal scene offering a chance for young people to develop this kind of music.  Read more

05.01.2008: PHARAOH: New Album Complete; Guest Guitarists Revealed

American heavy metal band PHARAOH has completed the mixing of its third album, entitled "Be Gone". Like its critically-acclaimed predecessor, "The Longest Night", the new album was recorded with Matt Crooks at MCR Studios in Manassas, Virginia. "Be Gone" will now be mastered by Colin Davis of Imperial Mastering for a worldwide March release via the leading traditional heavy metal label Cruz del Sur Music.

"Be Gone" track listing:

01. Speak to Me
02. Dark New Life
03. No Remains
04. Red Honor
05. Buried at Sea
06. Rats and Rope
07. Cover Your Eyes and Pray
08. Telepath
09. Be Gone

Read More
 

04.01.2008 : Message from Shannon Ham : Auditioning Vocalists!

Jonathan Lee (Drums), Scott Clendenin (Bass), Bobby Koelble (Guitar), and myself (Guitar) have begun the writing process for a new metal project which is sure to be revolutionary! At this point we've not yet decided on a name, however, we are currently accepting demos, recordings, promos, or whatever from anyone who may be interested in auditioning for the vocalist position. This way we will already have an idea of who we want by the time the record is complete. Unfortunately, we really aren't sure yet what direction the vocals will take, so send anything you have. We are wide open, male or female, no particular preference. However, we all really like the vocals of Killswitch Engage if it is any help in the elimination game. Someone with versatility, powerful, melodic, clean, nasty, aggressive, all in one. Feel free to contact me via Myspace with any questions reguarding submissions. 2008 is going to KICK ASS!!!

Shannon's Myspace
 

31.12.2007 : Soldered Poon New Promotion is Available :

Soldered Poon started as a one man Porno/GoreGrind project band of Jash K. (Abosranie Bogom, Sewaged, Ex-Fekalizator) later 2003.

More recently, after a slew of SP releases, Jash teamed up with Wadie aka Rad who is embarking on the underground hardcore rave scene with his project ( Rad And GLaYn ), since that time the duo have gone on to release the first Soldered Poon full-lenght which will be out next year.

We are happy to inform you that the spectrogram of Gilles De Fruyt's voice will reveal its rich harmonic content to do Vox for the project

Gilles De Fruyt (Sperm Overdose, Parkinson Wankfist Pleasures).

TRACKLIST

1. Gory Illusions
2. Copropsy
3. Amputating the hemorrhoids
4. Suffocated in flatulence
5. Masturbating in Front of old Ladies on Wheelchairs
 

Download Promo 2008

Soldered poon are :

Jash.k on Guitars/Bass (Abosranie bogom), (Sewaged)
Wadie Elmajdi on Drums/Auditory effects/Intricate programming (Rad And GLaYn)
Gilles on Vocals (Sperm Overdose)

http://Myspace.com/SolderedPoon

17.12.2007: SAXON: New Video Podcast Available :

SAXON's video for the track "Let Me Feel Your Power" can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's new album, "The Inner Sanctum", which was released by SPV in early March.
 

10.12.2007: LED ZEPPELIN: More Video Footage From Reunion Concert Posted Online

More video footage is beginning to surface from LED ZEPPELIN's reunion concert which took place earlier tonight (December 10) at London's O2 arena. (Note: If you are wondering why more YouTube clips haven't been uploaded, it is because they are apparently being systematically removed.) Check out the footage below.

BBC report (fans' reactions): Video
CBC report (3 minutes): Video (Quicktime file)
BBC report: Video
"In My Time Of Dying": Video
"The Song Remains the Same": Video
Q107.com: Various Clips

01.12.2007 : FIREWIND - finishing new album & announcing exclusive live premier show!

FIREWIND’s mastermind Gus G. has posted the following update regarding the recording process of their new yet untitled album, out on Century Media Records in March 2008 as well as its exclusive live premier:

“Well, most of the recordings for the new album are done by now! We’ve been locked @ Sweden’s Studio Fredman for about a month now and I’m super excited with the way things are shaping up! Killer sounds on the drums, guitars and bass. We’ve recorded 12 original songs and a few covers which will be revealed in time.

I also want to set something straight since some people seem to be confused: Apollo is still in the band! Yes, he is singing on the new album (currently finishing up his vocal tracks - which in my opinion are his best performances ever!) and yes, he is going back on the road with us in 2008. "" Read more""

30.12.2007 : BLACK SABBATH Drummer: KEVIN DUBROW's Voice Was 'Like No Other' .

BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has issued the following statement regarding the death of QUIET RIOT singer Kevin DuBrow:

"On Monday, November 26th, I was saddened and shocked to hear the CNN news report announcing the death of Kevin DuBrow.

"Sincere condolences to Kevin's family and friends. We shall make an announcement of his passing on our Christmas radio show on December 8th, and also dedicate the show, in part (as we sadly do far too often these days,) to Kevin's family. In January, during our metal show, we'll play two QUIET RIOT songs as an acknowledgement to Kevin's work.

"His voice was like no other — an original artist aligned to passion, mayhem and verse."

Ward's monthly radio show, "Rock 50", airs on WPMD, a college radio station at Cerritos College in California.

News Source :  Blabbermouth



17.11.2007: Former DEATH Members To Perform At CHUCK SCHULDINER Tribute Concert

DEATH tribute band SYMBOLIC will perform with special guest musicians Bobby Koelble (guitarist on DEATH's "Symbolic" album), Shannon Hamm (guitarist on DEATH's "The Sound of Perseverance" album), Scott Clendenin (bass on DEATH's "The Sound of Perseverance" album) and Daniel Mongrain (MARTYR) at a benefit concert to honor late DEATH/CONTROL DENIED mastermind Chuck Schuldiner on December 12, 2007 at the Theatre Imperial in Quebec City, QC, Canada.... "" Read more""

15.11.2007 : Maiden's Live After Death Coming to DVD Feb. 5

Finally available on DVD for the first time, New Door Records/UMe are proud to announce the eagerly awaited release of the two-disc DVD of Live After Death, the legendary recording of Maiden's four-night stand at Long Beach Arena, California, in 1984. In the stores February 5, 2008, the release will coincide with the start of the band's Somewhere Back in Time World Tour, during which they will recreate many of the aspects of this original and spectacular show. " Read more "

05.11.2007 : DECAPITATED Raising Money For VITEK and COVAN's Families :

DECAPITATED's official Myspace page has been update with the following message:

"We are getting ready to organize a special sale with original DECAPITATED gear (some of which was actually used in the recording studio) limited/never before printed T-shirts and merch, other one-of-a-kind memorabilia, and gifts from our friends in other bands to help raise money for Vitek's and Covan's families. For those who would like to make donations directly, there will be more information posted in a few days, so please keep checking back with us. Every effort, big or small, counts for something!"...  " Read more "

31.10.2007 : MEGADETH's DAVE MUSTAINE: 'Taekwondo Changed My Life'

MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine (photo) says that his life has changed for the better mainly thanks to taekwondo.

"Taekwondo is a great discipline. For me, it was one of the things that changed my life," Mustaine said in a recent interview. "It (taekwondo) helped me to eliminate a bad lifestyle of drug and alcoholism. It helped me to believe inside of myself and find the strength inside of myself that I never knew that I possessed."" Read more"