FaST Metal news

Europe can proudly announce the title of the new band's album, produced by Kevin Shirley! Watch out this April/May for our 9th studio album Bag of Bones!

As you can see on the latest album pix, the blonde haired guitarist must remind something to the long time fans of Eternal Flight. It's quite normal because that guy on the guitar is none other than Christophe Offredi who played on the 2st albums! The band had the pleasure of having him onstage with them on December the 9th because Julien Bouvier couldn't play this concert.
This leading to the other important news: Due to work and family commitments, Julien Bouvier can't play with Eternal Flight anymore. They both agreed that it would be too complicated for him and for the band. Anyway, a big thank Julien for his great work on the album Diminished Reality, Elegies And MysterieS (D.r.e.a.m.s) and for the time they spent together including a few concerts, best wishes!
So it's Christophe Offredi who comes back in the band and that will be with Eternal Flight onstage this Friday the 27 at the Base Bar in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Visions of Atlantis is proud to present you ETHERA as the title of the upcoming 5th album for which the band is in the studio at the moment. For the meaning of this the band states: "Ethera is a word mix out of ETHER as the quintessence of this band, the energy between the 5 ban dmembers, the fifth album and ERA, leading Visions of Atlantis to some new and interesting musical and lyrical shores while still remaining typically Visions of Atlantis!"

The latest update from Steve Kachinsky regarding the new Steel Prophet album: "We finished all drum tracks for 13 songs. Rhythm guitars are done on 8 songs. 7 songs have bass guitar. Leads and orchestrations are being worked on for all. Lyrics are complete for 10 songs. Vocal melody lines have been constructed for 6 songs (includes new version of Oleander and Bohemian Rhapsody). We are continuing to make constant progress! It's coming out very well so far. We are certainly trying to make it the best album of our careers, and we won't rush it. We know as fans what it's like to get a sub par album from a group after much anticipation. Def want to avoid that!"
Steel Prophet are also confirmed to play at famous German Metal Festival Keep it True in April 2013!!!

Check out new Y.O.C. amateur fan videos on YOUTUBE!

The Brazillian metallers Torture Squad will play with Misfits and Anthrax concert to be held in Sao Paulo / Brazil, on April 27, 2012 at HSBC.
"We're very honoured to receive this invitation from Top Link Music to make part of this great event sharing the stage with the legendary Misfits and Anthrax who are definitely one of our major influences from Thrash Metal!", says the bass player Castor.
For more information visit the websites www.torturesquad.net - www.toplinkmusic.com
Torture Squad is taking part on Metal Open air festival that happens between April 20th to 22nd.

After it has been very quiet around Edenbridge in the past year, here is a statement from Lanvall to the current situation.
"The past year brought a big challenge and many changes for nearly all in the band, personally and professionally, so Edenbridge had to step back into the second row temporarily. Furthermore I was struck by a family tragedy through the suicide of my father, which I had to come to terms with and still have to. Moments, where nothing is as it was before.
These events of course will have a strong impact on our forthcoming album which is scheduled for 2012. I believe that this is going to be the most intensive album of our history. 55 minutes of music and 6 lyrics are already written and I often have goosebumps listening to the songs. Furthermore I am working on the longest epic track so far, which will be between 15 to 20 minutes. So stay tuned for the album!"
Edenbridge are confirmed for the Castle Rock Festival on July 7, 2012 in Mühlheim an der Ruhr, Germany!

Shadowmaker will be released in Germany on April 20th, in Europe on April 23rd and in the US/Canada on April 24th 2012 on SPV / Steamhammer.
The album will be released as a limited first edition in a black jewel case with silver printing and slipcase plus a 40 min bonus DVD with a making-of and a track-by-track commentary by Rock'n'Rolf. The double gatefold LP will come with printed innersleeves and clear vinyl. There also will be a boxset limited to 1.000 copies worldwide. It contains 2 LPs, the black jewel case with the DVD, a poster, a sticker, a postcard and a 30 page book in LP size about the history of the band.
The cover of Shadowmaker is the most unusual in the history of the band, but when you listen to the title track and read the lyrics, you will understand the meaning of it. It was created by Rock'n'Rolf and Jens Reinhold (EVERGREY, KINGDOM COME, TANK), who also will do the complete artwork.

Mistheria's proud to announce the official lineup for new instrumental Metal album Hands of Fire which will be released later this year. With Mistheria on keyboards, piano, keytar, organ, and bass-pedal, He's truly honored to have on board three amazing musicians and friends.

Fire Make Thunder marks the fourth undertaking for the collaborative duo known as OSI. Formed in 2002 by Jim Matheos (Fates Warning, Arch/Matheos) and Kevin Moore (Chroma Key, former Dream Theater keyboardist), OSI is a long distance partnership, both musicians typically writing and recording alone and sending song ideas back and forth for further elaboration. Written and recorded throughout most of 2011, this latest release once again reflects the eclectic influences of both Matheos and Moore.
Fire Make Thunder is slated for a March 27th release via Metal Blade Records.

Inmoria are really proud to announce that Ronny Hemlin has joined the band.

Visions of Atlantis is proud and excited to notify all of you: they entered the ARTESONIKA Studios in Pordenone/near Venice (ITA) yesterday to start the recordings for the next album! The main producer for this most ambitious Visions of Atlantis-output so far will be a good friend and his name is FABIO D'AMORE from the dear label-mates of Serenity! For this reason the band can also announce that two of the leading Austrian metalbands join their forces as Fabio will also be the guest bass player for this record!

The WildFire, featured by former CELESTY singer Antti Railio, is a new Finnish Metal band that combines influences of Heavy Metal and Rock music to create their own unique sound.
Railio has spent the last three years touring Finland extensively under his own name. Railio was also a member of Timo Kotipelto's (Stratovarius) winning team in the Finnish Clash of The Choirs in 2009.
Railio also has one of the main roles in the cult musical Dance Of The Vampires, running at the Seinäjoki City Theatre.
The WildFire:

• Antti Railio - vocals
• Arto Pitkänen - drums
• Iiro Juntunen - bass
• Kimmo Perämäki - guitars
• Satu Huhtala - keyboards
• Teem Koskela - guitars

The yet unnamed debut album is set to be released in 2012.
To find more check out The WildFire on Facebook.

AXEMASTER is making good steady progress on the final writing and the recording/production of their new CD. Guitarist Joe Sims is producing the album and has done early mixes of the guitar and drums for 5 songs which so far sound 100% better than any of the band's previous releases. The response from the few people who have listened to them has been outstanding. A contact of the band who writes for several European metal publications (including a major magazine) listened to a couple of the advance mixes and said this about one of the songs: "The riffing is so supreme! The main riff in the song is almost killing me. Fuck yes! And killer lead-fills too. The song has a mean drive to it and makes the listener headbang automatically. What a great song! I love it!!! I am so curious how it will sound with lyrics (although I could also live with a pure instrumental)."
Joe Sims said about the recording "this is the first release I have produced on my own and the result so far is much better than even I expected. I have been taking my time and paying attention to every small detail and it's DEFINITELY paying off. This material is by far the best stuff I have ever done and the CD has to have the sound quality to match. So far so good, the sound's there and the performances have been top notch!!!". Vocalist Tony Webster said "it's been a crazy last few months. I spent a lot of time getting ready for 2012 with The Metal Command Radio Show which has taken a lot of time away from writing. However... so far the recordings are going well. Every week Joe comes up with better and better sounding mixes and recordings of the guitars and drums. I have now written parts for 5 songs and recorded my parts for 3 songs. I can tell you that this album is taking Axemaster and even my songwriting down a much darker lyrical path than ever before. So far the vocal parts are sounding killer. I am in full force writing mode for this new album".
There is still a lot of work to be done in writing, recording, and production, so it will be a while before all the material is completed. But the progress thus far is proving that the high expectations that everyone associated with the band has had for the upcoming CD are slowly becoming reality!!!!

What are their scouting parties still doing out there? These guys in Germany: Pack up all that beer and get to the next port for embarkation! And what about the ones last heard from when they were in California? They better make their way to Florida, because there will be a big MASSACRE on a cruise ship!
70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival, is now counting 39 out of 40... you will know the last one... soon!
On other news: 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival, is SOLD OUT! They only have a very few Single Tickets in Shared Cabins left. Don't wait! Grab them now! If you still hope for a Private Cabin, please join the Waiting List.

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the Worldwide release of FURYON's debut album Gravitas on March 23rd in Europe and March 27th in North America.
FURYON is a new band from the UK who like nothing more than to challenge expectations. Raised on a diet of Heavy Metal, Prog, and classic Rock, FURYON mix all these components for a truly unique and contemporary sound. Delivering huge rock radio friendly songs, with technically challenging, yet infectiously catchy musicianship. Dedicated to one sole purpose, making hard hitting songs that will stand the test of time. "Our music is good songs with touches of intelligence" says singer Matt Mitchell, "There are a many different moods that come out from this album and all the songs have meaning and substance. Heavy and Melodic! That is what FURYON and this album Gravitas is about".
What separates FURYON from the crowd is the sheer quality of their musicianship. Boasting two truly world class guitarists in the form of Chris Green and Pat 'The Shred' Heath, FURYON have few peers when it comes to the quality of their iconic riffs, and jaw dropping solos. Backing them up is one of the tightest rhythm sections the rock world has to offer with the awesome combination of Lee Farmery, and Alex (Nickel) Bowen. Leading from the front is the outstanding vocal versatility of Matt Mitchell, whose emotion drenched voice effortlessly moves between melodic and crunchingly Heavy. "We really have been inspired by many bands over the time (as all musicians and writers are)" continues Matt, "but for this album inspirations from bands like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Tool, Mastodon, Alter Bridge and Iron Maiden spring to mind".
In 2009, after a sell out tour, and accompanying EP, FURYON set about the serious business of writing their debut album. The early demo's reached the ears of US producer Rick Beato (SHINEDOWN, FOZZY), and a powerful and symbiotic relationship was formed. "Our hook up with Rick Beato was through Kip Winger" recalls Matt. "We toured with Winger on their Karma tour and we had spoken with Kip about the band Shinedown and how we liked there productions. Kip hooked us up with Rick and to our delight he was interested in doing the album. Rick is a truly great Producer and writer".

While altering course North-East, heading for The Channel, they heard more rumors about their American scouting party not going directly to Florida, but rather going the other way first, all the way to California. Rumors, rumors, all these rumors... are they all VICIOUS RUMORS?
38 out of 40 means 2 more, right? Any more rumors? This is not a rumor: 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival, is SOLD OUT! They only have a very few Single Tickets in Shared Cabins left. Don't wait! Grab them now! If you still hope for a Private Cabin, please join the Waiting List.
Make no mistake, 70000TONS OF METAL is not your grandma's cruise. It's also not one of the cruises that share the ship with normal cruise guests. This is an all heavy metal cruise! Can you imagine that? A whole luxury cruise ship full of metalheads? And since there is no backstage area you will have the opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. It's like everyone has a backstage pass!

Despite late-blooming fame, Canadian Heavy Metal band Anvil has lost bass player Glenn Five over creative differences.
Steve 'Lips' Kudlow and Robb Reiner launched Anvil in 1973, enjoyed 1980s success, before Five, AKA Glenn Gyorffy, joined up in 1996 when Anvil had settled back into near obscurity.
But the Canadian band was restored to cult fame when Sacha Gervasi, a one-time Anvil fan-roadie who wrote the script for Steven Spielberg's The Terminal, made the 2008 award-winning documentary Anvil: The Story of Anvil.
The indie film, which screened at Hot Docs in Toronto, Cannes and Sundance, grossed more than $550,000 at the U.S. box office alone.
That got the never-surrender Canadian band touring global Metal festivals, being cheered on by supporters like Chris Martin of Coldplay and Tilda Swinton, who coined the phrase 'The Anvil Factor,' and backing up AC/DC and Alice Cooper.
Now Five is calling it quits after 16 years and six albums with Anvil, including the band's latest album, Juggernaut of Justice, to perform new musical styles.
"Although Anvil has been a great band to play in, I have been limited creatively. I have a wide taste in music and I feel that it's time to broaden my horizons," Five said Monday in a statement.

Drakkar's album When Lightning Strikes is OUT NOW!

Celesty official statement:
"We are sorry to announce that Celesty will go to indefinite hiatus. During the time, when 5th album songs have been in progress, there has been mixed feelings in the air for a longer period of time now. Situation in the band has come to the point, where only solution is to take a break. Will that break be a year or ten, we don't know, but this is the only way to take the time that we need.
This decision is mutual by all members of the band."

Due to the delay in completing their new album, DragonForce have unfortunately been forced to cancel their scheduled appearance at the upcoming 2012 Soundwave Festival.
DragonForce guitarist Sam Totman comments:
"It's bitterly disappointing for us not to be able to play our debut Soundwave in 2012 because we were so looking forward to it and were going to kick off the World Tour there. The problem is we've only just finished the actual recording of the new album and now have the mastering, videos and a ton of worldwide promo to do. The album recording was already running late when Marc (Hudson, new singer) contracted laryngitis a couple of months back which meant he couldn't finish his vocals in the studio on time and pushed the album release date back even further. Australia has always been great to us and we can 100% assure our Aussie fans that we will be touring there at some point in 2012, we just have to move our touring plans around a little to accommodate the delay. The good news is the album is sounding awesome and we are all eager for our fans to hear it and we hope everyone has a great Soundwave!"
The new DragonForce album will be released in Australia through 3Wise Records spring 2012.

ELVENKING will enter Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki - Finland on February 24th to start recording the new album with producer Nino Laurenne (who already worked with the band on The winter Wake and The scythe albums, and known for his work with Amorphis, Lordi, Sonata Arctica, Apocalyptica, and many others). New drummer Symohn will be immediately put in the middle of the battlefield against Nino to lay down the drum tracks at the highest level.

Having burrowed their way into the skulls of Metal fans worldwide with their 2009 debut album Black Future, the tetrastructural ensemble known as VEKTOR returned in December to deliver an interstellar 1-2 punch in the form of their genre-transcending sophomore album Outer Isolation. Arriving just in time to seal its rightful position atop many a top-ten album list for 2011, Outer Isolation did what few thought was possible when it met and exceeded the high expectations set by its predecessor. Those yet initiated can stream the entire album for free here.
Bolstered by the overwhelming response to their latest offering, VEKTOR now prepare to hit the road for a string of dates down the West Coast. Dates are as follows:

• 2/8 Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad w/ Torture Victim
• 2/9 Denver, CO @ Blastomat (all ages) w/ Speedwolf
• 2/10 Grand Junction, CO @ Tenacious Brothers w/ Existance, Exussum
• 2/11 Salt Lake City, UT @ Burt's Tiki Lounge w/ Dethblo, Castle Axe
• 2/12 Boise, ID @ The Shredder w/ Latimer, Krystos
• 2/13 Portland, OR @ East End w/ Wizard Rifle, Order of the Gash, DJ Nate C
• 2/14 Seattle, WA @ Funhouse w/ Breag, Naofa, Theories, Addura
• 2/15 Portland, OR @ Backspace (all ages) w/ Spellcaster, Transient, Theories, Night Nurse
• 2/16 Eugene, OR @ The Lazarus Pit (house show - all ages) w/ Elohim, Arkhum
• 2/17 Arcata, CA @ Alibi
• 2/18 San Francisco, CA @ Rockit Room w/ Absu, Battlemaster, Brainoil, Infernal Stronghold
• 2/19 Los Angeles, CA @ Echo (all ages - 5pm) w/ Exmortus, Witchaven

The futuristic force known as VEKTOR sent shockwaves throughout the metal world with their 2009 debut album Black Future, establishing themselves as pioneers in a genre thought by many to be exhausted of new ideas. What started as a quiet buzz quickly grew to a deafening roar; rave reviews from the press and scores of comments from fans in hundreds of blogs, news sites and message boards around the world tell the story of a band who had seemingly come out of nowhere to challenge the self-imposed limitations of the metal genre. Conceived in 2004 by front man / guitarist David DiSanto and lead shredder Erik Nelson, VEKTOR quickly forged a formidable name for themselves amongst the Arizona Metal contingent for their unique mix of technical, Speed, Thrash and Progressive influences. Having set such a high standard for themselves with Black Future, VEKTOR pulled up their sleeves to meet the challenge and begin recording their sophomore album Outer Isolation in June 2011. The album hit store shelves in the US on December 6th to much fanfare. With their sights set at galactic conquest, VEKTOR employs an arsenal with an array of intricacy, virtuosity and a wholly unique sound which few of their peers can claim.

While 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival is steaming at full speed course West through the Mediterranean Sea, they received news from their European Scouting Party. After passing through Frankfurt am Main, where they made friends with some new hopefuls that go by the name of SAPIENCY, they continued further East to the city of Fulda to meet the EDGUY! Having a feeling that there is still more in store for them, the Scouting Party continues moving East...
Make no mistake, 70000TONS OF METAL is not your grandma's cruise. It's also not one of the cruises that share the ship with normal cruise guests. This is an all heavy metal cruise! Can you imagine that? A whole luxury cruise ship full of metalheads? And since there is no backstage area you will have the opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. It's like everyone has a backstage pass! So far 37 out of a total of 40 bands on board are known:

• ALESTORM
• AMORPHIS
• ANNIHILATOR
• ATHEIST
• CANNIBAL CORPSE
• CHANNEL ZERO
• CHILDREN OF BODOM
• CORONER
• CROWBAR
• DARK FUNERAL
• EDGUY
• ELUVEITIE
• EXCITER
• GOD DETHRONED
• GRAVE DIGGER
• HAMMERFALL
• IN EXTREMO
• KAMELOT
• KATAKLYSM
• MOONSORROW
• MY DYING BRIDE
• NIGHTWISH
• ORPHANED LAND
• OVERKILL
• PESTILENCE
• PRETTY MAIDS
• RIOT
• SAMAEL
• SAPIENCY
• STRATOVARIUS
• SUFFOCATION
• TANKARD
• THERION
• TRISTANIA
• VENOM
• VIRGIN STEELE
• WHIPLASH

70000TONS OF METAL will sail Monday, January 23, 2012 aboard the Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas from Miami FL to George Town, Cayman Islands and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, January 27, 2012.
Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$289 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 room service!
What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done! Check out http://www.70000tons.com/ for more information and book your cabin NOW!

3 Inches of Blood new album LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL will be released in March via Century Media!

HEAVENWOOD INTERNATIONAL Street Team in cooperation with Avantegarde MNGT are pleased to present: The brand new official HEAVENWOOD Mobile App for ANDROID! With this app, HEAVENWOOD fans will have the chance to listen to the band's music, see exclusive pictures and other goodies, check out their bio and latest news updates, and share it all with their friends everywhere on their ANDROID mobile device with this free Wood Mobile App which is available for download here.
To celebrate the release of the Android app HEAVENWOOD are offering for free download exclusively through their Official REVERBNATION page an orchestral version of Sudden Scars, song taken from Abyss Masterpiece and orchestrated by Russian Orchestrator Dominic G. Joutsen.

Kreator has entered the Studiomega studios in Varberg (Sweden) to finally start the recordings for the new record coming mid 2012. As for now, the drums are set up and the first tracks are already recorded.

All the recordings are finished now and the final touches regarding mixing and mastering will be made this week.
Circle Of The Oath will be released through SPV/Steamhammer on March 23rd in Germany, March 26th in Europe and on March 27th in the USA/Canada, followed by the first European leg of the tour.

Metalholic Cyprus presents Fireforce along with Mystic Prophecy, 21.04.12.

New Mistheria promo photos are available on this project's page as well as new piano album Keys of Eternity was released recently.

Hot on the heels of their self-titled EP released last August, Adrenaline Mob returns with their debut full length album, Omertá. The album is slated for release on March 13th and will be released by the newly formed Elm City Music in conjunction with EMI Label Services. Elm City Music is the brainchild of music industry veteran Michael Caplan. Adrenaline Mob is the powerhouse vocals of Russell Allen, the shredding guitar attack of Mike Orlando and the drumming virtuosity of Mike Portnoy. The album builds upon the sound developed on the EP with 11 crushing tracks including the already fan favorites Psychosane, Believe Me and Down To The Floor. Ultimate-guitar.com raved about the band stating "if you like Hard Rock or traditional Metal, you should definitely give Adrenaline Mob a listen. Your ears will be happy." New tracks such as Indifferent, All On The Line and Angel Sky showcase the evolution of Adrenaline Mob in their sound and songwriting. Omertá also features a blistering reinterpretation of Duran Duran's classic Come Undone featuring guest vocals by Izzy Hale of Halestorm. The album was produced by Adrenaline Mob and mixed by Jay Ruston known for his work on Anthrax's Worship Music and Steel Panther's Balls Out.
The first track on the album, Undaunted, is already getting some spins across the country at Metal radio. The official release date for the song isn't until mid-January but early response has been favorable and proves the time is right for Adrenaline Mob to make its return. From the opening guitar riff, the track hooks you in and doesn't let go until the very last note.
The band also developed a reputation as an amazing live band. Adrenaline Mob set out on their first-ever tour during August and September of 2011 after being handpicked by Godsmack to be their opening act. The tour consisted of select headline dates interspersed with Godsmack shows. Adrenaline Mob will be heading out on tour in the Spring to continue the trend in support of Omertá.
Adrenaline Mob formed in 2011 when Orlando, who had been working on a collection of songs, approached Allen with a concept and idea for the band. Together they joined forces and refined those ideas. Allen then reached out to long-time friend Portnoy to see if he had any interest in playing with them. Portnoy jumped on-board and from the very first note, the chemistry and sound was apparent and the beast that is known as Adrenaline Mob was born.

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS will start the recordings for the upcoming 5th album in 2 weeks and the band is excited and full of energy about all the things coming up the next months! Expect a major update with informations about the studio, producers, official studio diary and more on January 20th just in time before the band starts working on the new album!

To celebrate the extreme success of the bands debut EP Bound At Birth released on the 1st December 2011, who reached over 8000 downloads in only 7 days and provoked an amazing buzz worldwide, Azorean metallers TRIGGER MADE SOLUTION now launch a brand new HOTSITE developed by Brazilian designer Jobert Mello from Sledgehammer Graphix (SABATON, PRIMAL FEAR, among others).
There you can read the latest band news, download photos as well as the complete promotional digital pack which includes: Press-Release, Band Photo, Exclusive Band Postcard, Bound At Birth HQ Mp4 Video, and full EP with 3 HQ Mp3s with TMS songs.
TRIGGER MADE SOLUTION is engaged on promoting their new EP by spreading it all around the globe, but the band is also creating new material for a full length release while still looking for a label contract.

Amberian Dawn're glad to introduce you two more male vocalists, who are guesting on band's next album, CIRCUS BLACK. Great Finnish singers, Tuomas Nieminen (ex-Adamantra, Throne of Chaos etc.) and Nils Nordling (ex-Dreamtale, Animal House etc.) are singing vocal parts on one song, I Share With You This Dream. As announced before, also Timo Kotipelto is making a guest appearance on CIRCUS BLACK album. Release date is February 29th.

Luca Marini is the new band's drummer. Welcome to Kaledon family!

Sabaton can now confirm the rumors, the new band's album will be called CAROLUS REX and in a few days they will start recording it.
At the moment Sabaton cannot reveal any information about it, other than that it will be available at the end of May this year.
The band felt it was time for America to get something of a special show and this time the release-party will be in Los Angeles, California. This show will be the only US West Coast show and it will be the world premiere of new songs.

2011 has been a very busy year mostly out on the road and the band would like to thank everyone who came out to see them! If you're impatient to know what's up next and in brief the big news are that the first couple of months of 2012 will see them hard at work on the recording of Katatonia 9th album and if everything goes according to plan the album will be out before summer. The band's also busy on a double duty finishing up the Last Fair Day Gone Night anniversary DVD.

ELMSFIRE from Dusseldorf, Germany exist since 1999 and have hit the stage for the first time in 2002.
Fritz, the band's bassist, describes their music as Melodic Heavy Metal, which is influenced by Thrash and Power Metal. The songs are mostly about situations and emotions they've experienced.
The band's name is based on the St. Elmo's Fire, which is a weather phenomenon. The name ELMSFIRE represents the band, which is also full of energy.
Playing countless gigs and dealing with several lineup changes, ELMSFIRE have already recorded two demos and an EP.
Thieves Of The Sun, the first full-length album of ELMSFIRE, is going to be released on February 24, 2012!

Joe Stump has finished my new instructional DVD entitled Shred Guitar 101., it'll be very useful learning tool for players on many levels and it'll be released by the Shred Academy early next year.
Hi's also finished new solo record (also to be released next year). It's all recorded, mixed, and Joe Stump'll be sending it off to be mastered within a week or so. It came out killer - his the best sounding record, both sonically and playing-wise. He'll release the title and track listing, as well as some small audio samples of a few of the tracks, after Joe get back the finished master. Over the next few months, he'll start recording guitars for the new HolyHell record. So next year will be a very busy year touring-wise with both HolyHell and his solo bit.

There can be no doubt that Freedom Call, in addition to their many other irrefutable fortes, are also a first-rate live act. Their concerts see the melodic Metal outfit from Southern Germany deliver a veritable a riot of musical zest, positive energy and personal optimism. So it's not surprising that vocalist/guitarist Chris Bay and his team have been wanting to add this dynamic flair to one of their studio productions without neglecting their familiar love of detail - which the band from Nuremberg have skilfully accomplished on Land Of The Crimson Dawn.
"The new tracks simply have more of that rock'n'roll feel," says Bay, "everything sounds much rawer, there's more focus on the guitars than before, and the musicians had more freedom during the recordings than they used to have." This added independence has paid off for Freedom Call: Land Of The Crimson Dawn is definitely one of the band's most dynamic productions since their 1999 debut Stairway To Fairyland, combining the passion of their live shows with carefully intricate arrangements and technical finesse.
The new album will be available from Steamhammer/SPV on 27 February 2012 (Germany: 24 February 2012; USA: 28 February 2012) in three versions: as a jewel case featuring 14 songs, as a limited double CD digipak including six additional bonus tracks - which have chums such as Powerworld, Secret Sphere, Downspirit, Manimal, Neonfly and Hannes Braun (Kissin' Dynamite) deliver their versions of popular Freedom Call numbers - and on double coloured vinyl LP.

Piet Sielck statement:
"After long and intensive thinking I came to the conclusion that I cannot uphold any further engagement for Savage Circus any more and hereby officially quit.
I am proud of what has been achieved, but I just cannot imagine myself doing songwriting and production more or less completely alone for a third time. This has drained too much energy in the past already, which was needed in more important spots. I am not willing to make such a sacrifice again.
Therefore I put the fate of Savage Circus in the hands of Emil and Jens, who's decision it may also be to correct the band's completely fictional founding legend or not.
Savage Circus has been absolutely challenging... but my heart beats for IRON SAVIOR. And music simply is a matter of the heart!"

Mau, Adramelch valiant bassist, left the band, due to job issues that took him thousands miles away from home!
Finally the band can announce the new bassman: SarMax, he really kicks ass!!! He could learn Zephirus or Decay in just one day! We are more than happy to have him as a new member in the Adrams family!
His real name is Massimiliano, which is usually abbreviated as 'Max' here in Italy. Sartori is his family name, so he composed the nick SarMax.
Adramelch are extremely happy with the new born in Adrams' house! They've been definitely lucky: a well prepared musician, but also rich in creativity and willing to contribute their music with his very personal approach and taste. He's with the band since a few weeks but he is already playing the whole KIT stuff! The band couldn't hope to find better.
A short bio of Sarmax:
He was born in 1967 and is into music since 1981 when he started as a drummer before moving to bass guitar. Among his main influences: Chris Glen, Geddy Lee, Billy Sheehan and Les Claypool.
He was the co-founder and former bassist for the Italian bands: Machine Head in the 80s, and then Mr. Bread and His Crumbs (later just Mr. Bread) in the 90/00s.
He is interested in arts, mainly photography and music. This brought him to co-own a fanzine (Baphomet), a record label (Better Than Them), a pioneering e-zine (Ace), and to collaborate with music and photography magazines (Dynamo, Witness Journal).
He also participate in in various photography exhibitions.
His new adventure with Adramelch has just begun, and the band hope it will be for a long time to come.

Stream the track or join the DOFKA Reverbnation page and download it for FREE!

Thursday, January 12th 2012, exactly one year since the release of ALLTHENIKO third album Millennium Re-Burn. The band will make available on www.alltheniko.it, www.youtube.com/alltheniko and www.facebook.com/alltheniko the new song DANCE OF MUTANT KNIGHT, the first extract from our fourth album, still in progress, BACK IN MMLXVI (2066). The common thread running through the new tracks is a setting in the near future, theme which always fascinated the band.

JOE LYNN TURNER's NEW SUNSTORM album pays tribute to his 80's vocal sessions Emotional Fire out on Frontiers on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America.
Born after Turner met with Frontiers Records' President Serafino Perugino, the SUNSTORM project was a way to dig up some old gems, written by the former Rainbow, Deep Purple and Yngwie Malmsteen singer during the mid 80's. The task was to create an ultimate Joe Lynn Turner Melodic Rock 'dream collection'. This brought on the release of the first SUNSTORM album in 2006 - which met with much critic and fan approval - and the follow up House of Dreams three years later.
While the first two albums' basic inspiration came from the Melodic Rock catalogue of songs that Turner penned for himself or other artists of the genre, for this third album, Frontiers and JOE LYNN TURNER decided to look at Turner's numerous vocal sessions he did in the 80's as a background vocalist for other artists. This brought on a resurrection of some of Michael Bolton's Melodic Rock gems such as Gina, (originally included on The Hunger album, where Turner contributed with background vocals), You Wouldn't Know Love and Emotional Fire, which Bolton penned for the Heart of Stone album by Cher (in which Turner also appeared as background vocalist). "I sang background on the original Gina," says Joe, "Michael and I did all of the parts but I tried to rock it up a bit more than the original... not so pop! Good song though! It's funny... I heard Emotional Fire from Desmond Child during a writing session and then he asked me to sing background vocals on it! Crazy! It's like one big circle!"
With production and mixing once again under the expert hands of Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome, Angra etc.) and a tracklisting rounded out by some amazing songs written by the likes of Soren Kronkvist (Crash the System, Issa), Tom and James Martin (Vega, Sunstorm, Khymera) and Daniel Palmqvist (Xorigin, The Murder of My Sweet), the third Sunstorm album, Emotional Fire, is destined to reignite the Melodic Rock passion in every fan. "I think this record has a good mix of songs," concludes Joe, "Just what Sunstorm is supposed to be! Dennis Ward is a great producer and the players are amazing. I have to say I am pleased with the work we did and hope that everyone else will be pleased as well... enjoy!"

Did they forget about their scouting party that was in The Netherlands some time ago? What happened to them? They went South to Belgium and straight to the capital city of Brussels. Sailors, please welcome Belgium's premier Heavy Metal Band: CHANNEL ZERO on board 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival!

MOONSPELL signed a worldwide recording deal with Napalm Records! A new album by the Dark Metal band revolving around the charismatic frontman Fernando Ribeiro will be released in spring 2012:
"With Moonspell nothing really ends, but always ever begins. Signing with Napalm is a firm step into cutting all bullshit and work with people who truly believe in us and respect our longevity, while helping us to embrace those who have been arriving in the last years to start with us yet another kingdom of darkness under the moon. Our new album is a statement. Our blood is the ink. Your skin, the scrolls upon we will write. Napalm Records, our messenger. Be ready."

Halloween's new release TERRORTORY will go on sale February 25th 2012!

Y.O.C. launched new page on FACEBOOK.

New Epica's work is done! Recordings, mixes and mastering are finished. Although you have to wait some more to know how it sounds, the band can already show you how it looks! So here it is: the official coverart and tracklisting of Epica's new album Requiem for the Indifferent revealed.
Nuclear Blast has set the release date of Requiem for the Indifferent on the 9th of March, 2012. (13th of March in the US). The album will be presented to the public on the 16th of March in 013, Tilburg (NL).

The Canadian Scouting Party Has Been Attacked! While on their way back across the Atlantic they received word from the scouting party in Canada: Before it had a chance to leave the capital city, it was attacked by an ANNIHILATOR! Sailors, please welcome another Canadian Metal Legend on board 70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival!
But that's not all... as a special treat, Jeff Waters will be holding an exclusive Guitar Clinic on board!
Make no mistake, 70000TONS OF METAL is not your grandma's cruise. It's also not one of the cruises that share the ship with normal cruise guests. This is an all heavy metal cruise! Can you imagine that? A whole luxury cruise ship full of metalheads? And since there is no backstage area you will have the opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. It's like everyone has a backstage pass!

Belgian thrashers After All have inked a deal with Roadrunner Records. The new album is set for release in the spring of 2012. After All are currently in the studio recording new songs.
For After All, the collaboration with Roadrunner Records is the ultimate highlight of a year that already was very successful. Although the band remained unsigned for some time following the bankruptcy of their previous label, slowing down never was an option. In 2011, After All toured Europe as part of Killfest with Overkill, Destruction and Heathen. After All's self-released EP Becoming The Martyr was named demo of the year in Aardschok and demo of the month in Rock Hard.
"As Heavy Metal kids, we basically grew up on Roadrunner releases", commented After All guitarist Dries Van Damme. "'From 'Master of puppets' and 'Melissa', to 'Hell awaits' and 'Skeptics apocalypse': they all came to us through Roadrunner."
Over the years, After All have been fortunate enough to tour Europe with great Roadrunner bands like King Diamond, Fear Factory, Sepultura, Life Of Agony and Stone Sour.
"To become part of a record label with such a rich history is more than we ever dared to dream of when we started this band", added Van Damme. "We will wear the Roadrunner logo with pride."

Sound Storm is glad to announce all the drums, bass, guitar, orchestral and vocals parts have been recorded in the past weeks. The new stuff is something impressive, and also the producer Ettore Rigotti (Disarmonia Mundi) is definitely satisfied with that. He says: "I'm very pleased with the pre-production, the album will be very original and involving". Production is taking place at Ettore's The Metal House studios.
In the next weeks the choir parts will be recorded: this time a much larger choir than in Twilight Opera recordings has been employed.
The title of the album is a SINGLE word, and the first letter is 'i'.
More news about the production and much more very soon. Stay tuned!

70000TONS OF METAL, The World's Biggest Floating Heavy Metal Festival has reached the Canadian East Coast. Before turning the ship around, they dropped off a scouting party to explore this vast country. Given secret orders, they headed West to the nation's capital of Ottawa where they received a raving welcome. Are you all getting a little EXCITER yet?

Lanfear are pleased to inform you that they signed a world wide deal with Pure Steel / Pure Legend Records. The band's sixth album This Harmonic Consonance will be released world wide on Feb. 24th, 2012!

British Progressive metallers THRESHOLD have announced that their new album will be called March of Progress and is due for release through Nuclear Blast Records in 2012.
The provisional song titles on the new album are 'Ashes', 'Return of the Thought Police', 'Colophon', 'Staring at the Sun', 'Liberty Complacency Dependency', 'Divinity', 'The Hours', 'Don't Look Down', 'That's Why we Came', 'The Rubicon' & 'Coda'.
March of Progress sees the return of original THRESHOLD vocalist Damian Wilson (HEADSPACE, STAR ONE) who rejoined the band in 2007 following the departure of Andrew 'Mac' McDermott, who sadly passed away earlier this year. The album is being produced at Thin Ice Studios and Eightspace Studio in the UK by Karl Groom and Richard West. THRESHOLD will perform a handful of pre-release shows in April 2012 to promote the album.

Injected With Deadly Toxin: Please Welcome VENOM On Board!
To travel from the North Sea into the Atlantic Ocean, they must sail around the British Isles. Before doing so they decided to visit a town in North East England that they are familiar with from last year: Newcastle, and what a welcome they got!

New Orleans-based Hard Rock/Metal legend LILLIAN AXE has signed with AFM Records. On January 27th, the cult band's new album, XI: The Days Before Tomorrow, will be released.

Warm Up With Some PRETTY MAIDS!
It's getting to be winter up there in the Baltics. The days are getting shorter and you have to wait long periods to see the sun. Tired of waiting in Finland, they sailed over to Denmark. After they passed through the Great Belt they made a short stop in the city of Horsens. They should have gone there earlier, because you know what they found? Some really PRETTY MAIDS! Full steam ahead through the Skagerrak!
Make no mistake, 70000TONS OF METAL is not your grandma's cruise. It's also not one of the cruises that share the ship with normal cruise guests. This is an all heavy metal cruise! Can you imagine that? A whole luxury cruise ship full of metalheads? And since there is no backstage area you will have the opportunity to mingle side-by-side with the artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. It's like everyone has a backstage pass!
So far 29 out of a total of 40 bands on board are known:

• ALESTORM
• AMORPHIS
• ATHEIST
• CANNIBAL CORPSE
• CHILDREN OF BODOM
• CORONER
• DARK FUNERAL
• ELUVEITIE
• GOD DETHRONED
• GRAVE DIGGER
• HAMMERFALL
• IN EXTREMO
• KAMELOT
• MOONSORROW
• MY DYING BRIDE
• NIGHTWISH
• OVERKILL
• PENTAGRAM
• PESTILENCE
• PRETTY MAIDS
• RIOT
• SAMAEL
• STRATOVARIUS
• SUFFOCATION
• TANKARD
• THERION
• TRISTANIA
• VIRGIN STEELE
• WHIPLASH

70000TONS OF METAL will sail Monday, January 23, 2012 aboard the Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas from Miami FL to George Town, Cayman Islands and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, January 27, 2012.
Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$289 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 room service!
What are you waiting for? You might even need a vacation from this vacation when all is said and done! Check out http://www.70000tons.com/ for more information and book your cabin NOW!

Alias Eye new album In-Between is finished! The album will be release worldwide in March 2012 (labels: Quixote Records/Progrock Records USA) and will feature nine original songs and one cover: a new version of Beggars Opera's 'Time Machine' featuring Martin Griffiths and Philip Griffiths on the vocals! The songs are more in tune with our first album, Field of Names when it comes to a strong focus on melody and diversity.

Circle II Circle announces the return of guitarist Andy Lee to the FT lineup after taking a break from touring last year.
Circle II Circle also announces the lineup addition of drummer Jayson Moore from Columbia, SC.

Paradox statement: "We would like to announce you that after 2 years of working together with Gus Drax, we decided to go separate ways due to personal reasons.
We wish Gus all the best...
PARADOX still working on their next album which will be out in Summer 2012..."

The deal is done! Legendary German Thrashers EXUMER have signed a worldwide recording deal with Metal Blade Records! Fire & Damnation announced as title for brand new album to be released in spring 2012!
Comments singer Mem V. Stein: "We are extremely happy and proud to have found a home with Metal Blade Records, a label that has the 'know-how', integrity and appreciation for what EXUMER is about and stands for. We tried to do everything 'right', with this album, from writing the new material to working with Waldemar Sorychta as our producer. Hence, Metal Blade Records as a label is the most logical choice for the band, in order to be represented globally and reach every fan that is interested in what EXUMER has to offer in 2012, and beyond."
EXUMER just completed recording their first new album in 24 years with renowned producer Waldemar Sorychta (Grip Inc., Therion, Sodom, Moonspell, etc.) at the helm. The 10-track strong, hard-hitting CD Fire & Damnation combines a punishing production with aggressive song writing. EXUMER manages to capture the intensity and feel of the 1980s Thrash Metal gems and yet sound up to date on their latest output.
Fire & Damnation will catapult EXUMER back in the forefront of the international music markets and the following live assaults in 2012; will only further cement the band's cult status among the ranks of classic Thrash Metal acts in the world!

Epica's 5th full-length album which will be released on the 9th of March 2012 (13th of March for US) by Nuclear Blast will be called REQUIEM FOR THE INDIFFERENT.
This title refers to the end of an era. Mankind can no longer stick their head in the sand for the things that are happening around us. We are facing many challenges. There is an enormous tension between different religions and cultures, wars, natural disasters and a huge financial crisis, which is getting out of control. More than ever we will need each other to overcome these problems. As we are all connected; the universe, earth, nature, animals and human beings, this period in time will be the prelude to the end for those who still don't want to, or simply won't see it. A REQUIEM FOR THE INDIFFERENT but also a possibility for a new beginning with great new chances!

In the ongoing effort to scour the ends of the earth for the best new talent that traditional Metal has to offer, Heavy Artillery Records are very proud to introduce METALIAN. Since the band's inception in 2004 the trio from Montreal have recorded two demos and one full-length album, earning themselves a huge buzz throughout the underground but still residing far below the radar of most of the Metal world. Now teamed up with New York's Heavy Artillery Records, METALIAN will be bringing their own unique brand of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal to the masses with the release of Rock Solid, to be released in December 2011 as the fourth installment in the label's Wax Maniax demo series.
Through triumphant duelling guitars, thundering drums, pounding bass, and true falsetto vocals, METALIAN are the living embodiment of the old spirit of Metal. Frontman and lead guitarist Ian Wilson's vocal range brings to mind legends such as Geoff Tate (QUEENSRYCHE), David Wayne (METAL CHURCH) and John Arch (FATE'S WARNING) in their prime. Backed with a powerful rhythm section in the form of drummer Dru Donovan and bassist Andreas Arango, Wilson and co. deliver raw, honest, Heavy Metal, regularly packing small venues up and down the Eastern US and Canada with the lucky few who have heard tales of the band's live prowess. Pretenders to the throne beware, the rightful heir has arrived ready for battle!
The WAX MANIAX DEMO SERIES is a 'hand made' series of EPs showcasing today's up and coming Metal masters with raw demo and live recordings in extremely limited vinyl and CD pressings. Available exclusively from the Heavy Artillery web store.

It's heavy, fast, extreme - but at the same time virtuosic and melodic: the new RAGE album 21 (OUT: 24th of February 2012). Once again the CD was produced in the Twilight Hall Studios in Krefeld, Germany by Victor Smolski and Charlie Bauerfeind.
Peavy, vocalist and founder of the band, explains: "It may have already got about that our new album will come off pretty heavy. We've been bubbling over with creativity and it was huge fun to work on the songs - as always, it was real teamwork. Working with such fantastic musicians like Victor and André is great."
At the past weekend, the CD was presented to an international group of journalists which were gobsmacked and delighted at the same time.
"21 sounds harsher and more virtuosic. The waiting time will be darn hard", states Tobias Blum of Rock Hard Germany. Andrea Vignati of Italian Metal Hammer is even more enthusiastic: "This is a milestone for Rage's future".
The artwork of 21 was created by Felipe Machado (BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE u.a.) and represents the power RAGE are radiating in the year 2012.

After the amazing worldwide response to their Bound At Birth video released last October, Azorean Metal Stars TRIGGER MADE SOLUTION are now offering for free download their first promo EP which is available with a full package including EP Cover by Andrea Palmieri of Sledgehammer Graphix, Press-Release, Band Photo, Exclusive Band Postcard, Bound At Birth HQ MP4 Video, and full EP with 3 HQ MP3s with TRIGGER MADE SOLUTION songs.
Commented vocalist Honório Aguiar: "We want that all the fans download our EP and help us to spread the band's name all around like a virus and encourage their own friends to do the same. TRIGGER MADE SOLUTION music is for the masses and that's what the band is all about".
Fans can download the Bound At Birth EP for free at TRIGGER MADE SOLUTION's Official Facebook.
Bound At Birth, I Am Ghost and Cracks In The Hourglass, are the 3 songs included on TRIGGER MADE SOLUTION's debut Promo EP and they were recorded, mixed and mastered by Carlos Cabral, the band's guitar-player on his own studios in Azores, except the voices that were recorded by Jose Miranda.
TRIGGER MADE SOLUTION is formed by ex-members from famous regional (Azorean) musical projects such as Hangover/ Tolerance 0, Hatin' Wheeler, Oppressive and Spinal Trip, and their music is an unique mix between power, melody and attitude that shall please the fans of TEXTURES, DEVILDRIVER, PANTERA and LAMB OF GOD!