FaST Metal news

Just a week to go now until POWER QUEST return to the studio to record new album BLOOD ALLIANCE, the follow up to 2008's Master of Illusion.
All songs have been selected and a couple of the titles are Rising Anew and Time to Burn. There will be 9 songs on the album proper with 1 bonus track as well. The band plan to have recording wrapped up during the first week of October.
POWER QUEST main man Steve Williams commented, "I don't actually ever recall being so excited about an album as I am about Blood Alliance. I just can't wait for everyone to hear it!"
Recording will take place at Foel Studios in Wales which has seen many famous artists work there over the years including Paul Rodgers, Napalm Death and The Wildhearts.

Modern Power metallers SYMPHORCE have just unveiled further details about their upcoming new studio album. It will be titled Unrestricted, the release is scheduled for October 15th.

The drumtracks are ready and next week Fireforce will start with the recordings of the guitars. On this moment Eric Phillippe, who is known for his work with various artists (Gamma Ray, Virgin Steele, Rhapsody, Riot, The Rods, Sonata Arctica, Iron Mask, Feinstein, TNT, Ring Of Fire, King Kobra and many, many more) is now working on a cover for this project - it will rock!

Here's the name of the new and official Eldritch keyboard player: his name is GABRIELE CASELLI. He's already working on the new album (working title GAIA'S LEGACY). Gabriele comes from the well known Italian band Domine. He's officially the 6th element of the band and he's giving his wide progressive experience to the band's new 'back to the roots' sound, so stay tuned!

Martin has quit Paragon. After all these years it was a really hard decision for him. Still, for personal reasons he was not able to give 100% for the band anymore.
Of course his decision has hit the band hard but they still feel the fire of Heavy Metal burning in their hearts. To be honest, it was not easy to find two suitable shredders. However, the search is finally over. New Paragon brothers are David Wieczorek (Ex-Stormwarrior) and Wolfgang Tewes (also Black Hawk and Wheels Of Steel).
After countless rehearsals over the last month Paragon are sure that this choice represents the strongest lineup the band ever had. They truly feel like a real band again and they are looking forward to play some shows and start writing the next album together.
The first show is the mighty Swordbrothers festival where Paragon will play a 'best of' set with songs from most of band's albums.

Thy Symphony debut album Harmonizing the World has been released by Sleaszy Rider Records and available in Europe.

Amorphis bassist Niclas Etelavuori has provided an ear shattering bass track for a song on the new Hexfire album! The recording session took place in Finland.
Jacob Liszko says: "Having a guest bass track on our album from such a legendary bassist is a real honor for us! We're so proud. I do like Niclas style and what he has done with the song. The bass track is amazing. It's so powerful, melodic and sounds very Metal! That is what we needed exactly. I must say a big THANK YOU to you, Niclas! You're a legend!"
As previously reported, the other session & guest musicians on the new Hexfire album are Jonno Lodge (Biomechanical, ex-Paul Di'Anno), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire, Avantasia), Diego 'Grom' Meraviglia (formerly Ancient, Doomsword), Kasper Gram (Manticora), Martin Arendal (Manticora, Wuthering Heights), Kristian Larsen (Manticora) and Kel'Thuz (Spiritual Demise, Kelthuzzar, Sorcerer).

Brazilian Power metallers Shaman, formed in 2000 by drummer Ricardo Confessori (Angra), are ready to release their studio offering, Origins, an outstanding collection of songs which was developed during the last 2 years and which will bring to the table some of Shaman's most memorable riffs and vocal melodies so far, with a special mention for singer Thiago Bianchi's extraordinary vocal performance. The album, produced by Shaman and mastered by Vlado Meller (Metallica, Slayer, Muse) at Universal Studios (New York) will be released in October 2010 on Scarlet Records. Cover artwork was handled by renowned Brazilian artist Carlos Fides (Almah, Narnia).

Secret Sphere, one of the best known European symphonic/Power Metal bands, have signed a deal with Scarlet Records for the release of their new album Archetype, the sixth in their career. The band's first release, Mistress Of The Shadowlight, came out in 1999 and since then Secret Sphere have accomplished many important goals, including two albums released on powerful German label Nuclear Blast and countless tours and festivals around the world, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in metal such as Megadeth, Judas Priest, King Diamond and many others. Last but not least, in early 2010 they were chosen to open the European tour of German Heavy Metal veterans Gamma Ray. But the best has yet to come... Archetype, due to be released in September 2010, has already been described as the band's most instinctive, mature and energetic album, an overwhelming mixture of classy arrangements, beautiful melodies and powerful rhythms. Be ready for one of the Heavy Metal highlights of 2010.

DGM are going to celebrate their 15 year long career with a stunning live DVD, Synthesis, recorded in April 2010 in Rome, Italy, which will be released in September 2010 on Scarlet Records. The DVD will come out in a special package containing various bonus material plus a bonus CD featuring the band's greatest hits, re-recorded specifically for this release. Also 2 previously unreleased tracks, Just Like Before and The Only One will be included in the CD. Synthesis is a real 'must' for all the band's fanatics but also for those who have never experienced one of the greatest power-progressive acts in today's Metal scene. DGM are also ready to hit the American soil, having been invited to take part in the premier US Prog/Power Metal festival ProgPower USA in Atlanta, Georgia, where they will share the stage with celebrated acts such as Kamelot, Hammerfall, Nocturnal Rites and many more on September 11th 2010.

Composer and multi-instrumentalist ARJEN LUCASSEN has firmly established himself worldwide as driving force in Progressive Rock. While best known for his rock opera project AYREON, the multi-talented Dutchman also regularly embarks on musical side projects, which explore different aspects of Lucassen's musical personality. As his previous project (GUILT MACHINE's On This Perfect Day 2009) was a relatively relaxed and subtle affair, LUCASSEN's muses responded by urging him to record something loud, heavy and anything but subtle for this new release. Thus it was a perfect opportunity to launch his musical spacecraft towards the galaxy of bombastic sci-fi rock by revisiting his STAR ONE project.
The result is the album Victims of the Modern Age, the follow-up to the STAR ONE debut album, Space Metal (2002). Compared to Space Metal, the overall sound of Victims Of The Modern Age is darker, heavier, more guitar-oriented, and slightly less 'spacey'. ARJEN has also raised the bar significantly when it comes to the album's sound: "I think it's my best sounding album to date; it's a huge difference compared to the first STAR ONE. For the guitars I spent weeks experimenting with different amps and settings in every combination imaginable - and it was worth it. The drums sound fantastic, and the vocalists all outdid themselves, putting in even stronger performances than they did the first time around."

Y.O.C. myspace page was updated.

Steel Attack is in the songwriting process, new album in the classic old original Steel Attack sound and with the original members from the two first album Where mankind fails and Fall into madness. The album will be out be out early next year!

Gateways, the first single from the new album ABRAHADABRA by Norwegian symphonic Black Metal band DIMMU BORGIR, will be available for purchase in Europe on iTunes from Friday, August 20th on and in North America on Tuesday, August 24th.
ABRAHADABRA will be released in Germany on September 24th, in the rest of Europe on September 27th, and in North America on October 12th. Fellow countrymen Enslaved and Sahg will be the opening acts on DIMMU BORGIR's headlining 'Darkness Reborn World Tour' in Europe, which launches on September 21st in London.

The band TORTURE SQUAD will debut their new website: http://www.torturesquad.net.
With a new layout created the talented web designer João Duarte this new website has all official material of the band such as biography, albums, photos, videos, and bringing infos about the new Aequilibrium CD, as well as news of TORTURE SQUAD and its members.
The band's new website will debut March 18, Wednesday at midnight.

Ilium are slowly getting to the final stages of the 5th Ilium album Genetic Memory. 6 of the 11 songs now have vocals and the rest should be finished within the next week or two (hopefully). All of the artwork is done, as as usual the band has a painting not only for the album cover but also one for each song, which look great! Adam and Jason also have several songs written for the Enviro-Metal project and Jason guesses soon they'll be deciding which musicians they want to perform on it - they hope it'll be huge and there will be future volumes to raise money for wildlife projects!

Intense's new album will have it's final mix this Tuesday at Thin Ice Studios in Surrey with Mr Karl Groom looking after production. The band's already done the photos for the new album and has enlisted a great artist to do the artwork too.
Intense were hoping to get the album out this year but realistically it may be next year.

As previously reported, English drummer Jonno Lodge (Biomechanical, ex- Paul Di'Anno) has been in the studio to record blistering drums for the remaining eight songs from Hexfire's new album. The recording session took place at the Staffordshire Phoenixx Studios with engineer Stephen Parkinson.
Hexfire is pleased to show you the video footage from Jonno's recording session. To watch the video, please go to: www.myspace.com/hexfireofficial

Brainstorm have been very busy writing songs for the next album. Well, they have been and still are busy writing songs for the next album and are now preparing for some summer holidays.
The new songs sound incredible, last weeks rehearsals left them sitting afterwards with some beers and some good shots of Four Roses and a bright smile on band's faces. There's some real heavy stuff coming your way.
Besides this, Brainstorm have two new shows to announce at the end of November, and the band is really looking forward to seeing some of you there.

• 26.11.2010 - Düsseldorf - Stahlwerk
• 27.11.2010 - Albstadt/Laufen - Marder Festival

INMORIA are very proud to announce that the new leadsinger is Danish vocalist SÖREN NICO ADAMSEN (Artillery).
INMORIA will finish the recordings of the new album between the 13th and 17th of September.

Portuguese dark rockers HEAVENWOOD entered Ultrasound Studios in Braga, Portugal on August 6th with Daniel Cardoso and Pedro Mendes, to start an intense period of recordings of the new album.
The name and it's release date are still to be unveiled as well as the bands inked deal for this new record. Mixing and mastering of this work will happen in Germany during next September/October with a producer soon to be announced.
The new artwork will be handled by Brazilian designer Jobert Mello (SABATON, DESERT) who previously worked with the band for the Redemption releases.

The Greek Metal phenomenon FIREWIND, led by the young guitar sensation Gus G. has returned with the scathing new album effort Days Of Defiance, which is easily their defining moment. The much anticipated disc is set for an Oct. 25th European release (Oct. 26th in North America) and it's a truly ambitious and dynamic opus featuring some of the most brilliant guitar playing the genre has seen in many years.
The World On Fire single will be available for purchase on digital platforms starting on August 20th, 2010 in Europe. Here are the exact release dates per country:
GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND: Friday, August 20, 2010.
UK / BENELUX / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / PORTUGAL / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, August 23, 2010.
SPAIN / ITALY: Tuesday, August 24, 2010.
SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, August 25, 2010.
Gus G. further states: "Usually when we write an album we let the music come to us and go with the flow. Maybe that's why our albums have variety and you can hear everything from super heavy songs, to Speed Metal shredding, to rock anthems and ballads. Days of Defiance wasn't much different in the making, but this time we recorded almost all of it in our home studios, which allowed us to be more relaxed. That's why I feel the new album features the best performances by all of us. One of our main goals though was to get a bit more of an 'unpolished' sound and be more raw. I think we achieved it and that gives an extra heaviness to the overall sound. We mixed the album in Helsinki, Finland at Sonic Pump Studios. Nino Laurenne (Thunderstone) and Tapio Pennanen mixed it and they did a killer job. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do."

David DeFeis reveals: "The album is called: THE BLACK LIGHT BACCHANALIA, and the following tracks will most likely end up on there: BY THE HAMMER OF ZEUS, PAGAN HEART,THE BREAD OF WICKEDNESS, THE ORPHEUS TABOO, IN A DREAM OF FIRE NEPENTHE, NECROPOLIS (He Answers Them With Death), TO CROWN THEM WITH HALOS Parts 1 & 2, THE TORTURE'S OF THE DAMNED, THE BLACK LIGHT BACCHANALIA (The Age That Is To Come) and ETERNAL REGRET.
It will be a long album... close to 80 minutes... The album (to be really brief), concerns the reversal of all things... Once conquered by invading cultures, older Pagan deities become the demons of the new religion. The Black Light Bacchanalia is a reversal of the sacred sexual customs, and the final desecration of the 'Goddess Principle', switching from matrilineal descent to patrilineal descent, with the rise of the idea of the Mountain-Fire God... And it also has to do with ancient fears such as the fear of the sun not rising... Lyrically it is a kind of continuation of the story I told on the last album... Musically it is quite something else..."
New album The Black Light Bacchanalia will be released in Germany / Austria / Switzerland: October 22nd, 2010; Europe: October 25th, 2010; USA / Canada: November 9th, 2010.
Available as limited edition digipak, standard CD, double gatefold vinyl and download.

After the outstanding response to Spiritual Emotions, the first single being taken from their debut album and which within one week had over 3000 downloads online, Portuguese Prog Rock / Metal band DARK WINGS SYNDROME will release Arcane on the next 16th August via Ethereal Sound Works for the Portuguese market.
Arcane was mixed and mastered by David Castillo (KATATONIA, BLOODBATH, KLIMT 1918, DRACONIAN) at Ghostward Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. The initial recording sessions for the CD took place at Teatro Construção (ATC), DWS Studio and 213 Studios (Portugal) between August and December 2009/ January 2010 under the guidance of Rui Ferreira (Caps) (DARK WINGS SYNDROME).

Inner Terror is a new name for old well-known Axemaster. We present our review for their album Behold the Inner Terror.

Just a month to go now until Power Quest return to the studio to record Blood Alliance, the follow up to 2008's Master of Illusion. All songs have been selected and a couple of the titles are Rising Anew and Time to Burn. There will be 9 songs on the album proper with 1 bonus track as well. The band plan to have recording wrapped up during the first week of October.
Power Quest mainman Steve Williams commented, "I don't actually ever recall being so excited about an album as I am about Blood Alliance. I just can't wait for everyone to hear it!"
Recording will take place at Foel Studios in Wales which has seen many famous artists work there over the years including Paul Rodgers, Napalm Death and the Wildhearts.
The album photoshoot has already been completed, as has a set of pictures for press and promotional use. Dijana Caplan was the photographer and she has delivered a look that is different to any Power Quest photos in the past!

Secret Sphere are happy to announce their deal with the well know Italian Label Scarlet Records (Royal Hunt, Labyrinth, Sadist, Killing Touch, etc.). The new album Archetype with 2 bonus tracks will be released in September.

POWERWORLD is the brainchild of Ex-Freedom Call/Ex-Moondoc bass player Ilker Ersin. Together with his band mates singer Andrew McDermott - Vocals - (ex-Sargant Fury/ex-Threshold), Barish Kepic - Guitars - (ex-Jaded Heart), Nils Neumann - Keyboards - (ex-Freedom Call) and Achim Keller - Drums - (Victory) he created a steaming mixture of traditional Power Metal with solid Hard Rock.
The new album Human Parasite will be released in Europe on October 22nd and in North America on November 9th. The band will embark on a European tour in early 2011.

Martin Arendal and Kristian Larsen of the Danish Power Metal band Manticora have recently recorded storming guest guitar solos that will appear on the debut album from Hexfire.
As previously reported, also Kasper Gram of Manticora laid down a guest bass solo for one of the tracks from Hexfire forthcoming album last week.
Jacob Liszko says: "First we got an excellent bass solo from Kasper of Manticora, now we have storming guitar solos from Martin and Kristian! If I were to describe them as guitarists, I would call them real shredders! They're so fast that it's even hard to hear all the notes they play, ha ha. Moreover, all the harmonic guitar tracks they record are amazing. I'm really impressed."
For more info visit: www.myspace.com/hexfireofficial

Finnish Spinefarm-signed Power Metal extravaganza Celesty is parting ways with guitarist Tapani Kangas. There's no friction or drama behind the scenes, the decision was deliberate and mutual. Celesty is not looking for a replacement and continues as a five-piece. During the forthcoming live shows the rhythm guitar will be handled by Tuomas Laasanen. Celesty would like to thank Tapani for the past twelve years and wishes him successful career!
"12 awesome years, 4 albums, people, fans, shows and great memories. Unfortunately after a long consideration I have decided to separate ways with Celesty. I cant give the full concentration that the band deserves because of my personal schedules with work/music. Celesty and guys will always be in my heart, and these memories, years and friendship for life will never be taken away from me! Thank you and STAY METAL!" said Tapani.

Last Friday Shadows Past began setting up and soundchecking drums at Scarecrow studios in Stockholm. This week they began recording, and most of the drums are already done. Today the band will get on with some rough editing and touch-up recording, hopefully having a nice sounding set of tracks by the end of this week! All in all, work is progressing smoothly with few distractions. Since it's been raining outside most of the time Shadows Past haven't missed the beach too much either.

The DVD with the show from Wacken Open Air 2009 will be released in fall, because a part of the audio data was lost by the company in charge. The sound of the DVD is now based solely on a recorded stereo track. But that does not diminish the power of the band on stage. This is definitely worth the wait!

UK Thrashers Onslaught announce that Danish Producer Jacob Hansen will be handling the production and mixing duties on the upcoming studio album due for release later this year. The album will be recorded and mixed at Hansen Studio in Ribe, Denmark starting on August 16th.

Right now SODOM is at the studio, recording the new album. The famous producer Waldemar Sorychta (Tiamat, Moonspell, Lacuna Coil, Sentenced) could be tapped for the recordings. According to the band, the album will be entitled In War And Pieces and will be released worldwide on November 22nd, 2010 by SPV / Steamhammer.

Symphorce's album recordings have been finished, the whole thing is mixed and mastered. There's no doubt that the small break the band had turned out to be good for them, and they'll be back with the best Symphorce record for sure.