Diamond Productions signed with GOLEM to release their latest demo "Death Never Dies" on CD, remastered by Dario Mollo. It will be out in May 2003. GOLEM is a melodic Death Metal band from Italy in the vein of CHILDREN OF BODOM.

Diamond Productions also signed Germany's brutal Death Metal act DISINFECT. The band will record their second album for the label soon. The release is scheduled for September 2003. For more info check out: www.diamond-prod.com 

The first bands for this year's FUCK THE COMMERCE festival are confirmed. Check out our tourdates section for further details.

The long awaited INGURGITATING OBLIVION / SENESCENCE concept split CD “Harvest“ is finally released. It contains the INGURGITATING MCD “Cadence And Perspective In Desolation” which already received rave reviews as well as previously unreleased material by the sick Death Doomsters SENESCENCE (R.I.P.). Contact: thought-cathedral@gmx.de and http://www.ingurgitating-oblivion.de

VADER will only play 4 shows on the band's forthcoming tour through France. The other (earlier announced) shows have been postponed until VADER's next tour through Europe with ARKHON INFAUSTUS and ARISE in April and May. The promoter of the tour apologizes for these changes and invites all French maniacs to Calais, Grenoble, Avignon & Bordeaux.

The new Swedish music award show “Manifest” have revealed the nominees for 2002. In the Hardrock / Punk category, VOMITORY are nominated with their “Blood Rapture” album. Other nominees in this category are In Flames - “Reroute To Remain”, Thåström - “Mannen Som Blev En Gris”, Spiritual Beggars - "On Fire" and Totalt Jävla Mörker - “Det Ofrivilliga Lidandets Maskineri”. The award show, which will be hosted by Miss Universe, will take place at Kulturhuset in Stockholm, Sweden on the 31st of January. On April 19th, VOMITORY will play at the Motala Metal Festival in Motala / Sweden. The other bands are Vader, Tankard, Stormwarrior, Finntroll, Evergrey, Paragon and Autopsy Torment. Website: http://www.tpl.se/misc/metalfest.htm, www.vomitory.net

The new IN AETERNUM album is entitled "Nuclear Armageddon" and will be out this spring on Regain Records. The band is going on a two week tour in Europe between the 9th and 25th of May together with GOSPEL OF THE HORNS and RAZOR OF OCCAM. IN AETERNUM also have a new web address at the end of this week, so update your links: www.inaeternum.net   

"Caught On Tape", the first DVD from THE HAUNTED, is out now. It contains two complete live shows
from the "Made Me Do It" World Tour, including incendiary shows from Tokyo where they performed in front of 2000 fans, and the more intense setting of the 200 capacity Malmo. Bonus features include a 25 minute documentary of the behind the scenes action during the recording session for the new album, "One Kill Wonder", with exclusive interviews with the band members and producer. Two advance audio
tracks from the upcoming album are also featured. A PAL version is available now for $20 post paid from the Earache webstore http://66.240.178.168/store/page10.html

Florida's Hate Eternal, will embark on their historic, first-ever headlining tour, kicking off in New Orleans on Valentine's Day. This coast-to-coast tour features support acts DYING FETUS, KATAKLYSM and INTO ETERNITY.

Cleveland, Ohio's DESTRUCTOR will be making their European debut at this year's Bang Your Head 2003 festival. The band will be performing twice at the festival - the 'Warm-up Show' on Thursday, June 26th and opening up the main stage on Friday, June 27th. Destructor's newest addition to the band is bass player Jamie Walters from Cleveland band Boulder. Jamie joins the original three members - Dave Overkill (guitar / vocals), Pat Rabid (guitar) and Matt Flammable (drums). Since bass player Dave Iannicca's murder in 1988, Destructor have struggled through a revolving door of bass players. The band had been working on their second album "Decibel Casualties" at the time of Dave's death, which was to help launch a joint major label venture between Auburn and Island Records. Unfortunately, the album never saw the light of day and the incident forced the band into hiatus in the early 90s. With Jamie, who had been a long time fan of the band since his younger years, the band now feels they have the right chemistry in place to properly move forward once again. Destructor will be entering Breaker guitarist Don Depew's 609 Recording Studios in Cleveland to record brand new material in March. An EP, "Sonic Bullet", will be released by Auburn in May. It will include new studio tracks along with 'live' tracks Auburn recorded this past August when Destructor opened for Slayer in Cleveland. A full length will follow in the summer. Auburn also plans to reissue "Maximum Destruction" later this year with the original vinyl mix, cover art and previously unreleased bonus tracks (a reissue was released in 1999 on the Listenable label out of France). Plans are in the works to put out some unreleased recordings from a 1999 session as well. In addition, Destructor will contribute a track to the forthcoming Auburn compilation "Heavy Artillery-Volume 2". www.auburnrecords.com

DISMEMBER is currently working in the Stockholm-based Sami studio on their new album. The album will be titled "Where Ironcrosses Grow" and the release is scheduled for September through Dutch recordlabel Hammerheart Records. The recordings will be produced by drummer Fred Estby, assisted by studio-engineer Olle Sandqvist. Some of the songtitles on the new album are 'Tragedy Of The Faithful', 'Sword Of Light' and the title-track 'Where Ironcrosses Grow'. According to Fred Estby the new material will be darker, a little less melodic and more aggressive than ever. Lyrically vocalist Matti Karkki headed even more in the direction of describing war at its ugliest, stories about sick minds creating sick situations and loads of religious criticism. 

Japan's DEFILED will release their new album "Divination" on Season Of Mist on May 12 (May 20 in the US).

Italy's Ephel Duath have finally recorded, mixed and mastered their second album "The Painter's
Palette". Davide Tiso has assembled a whole new line-up, with each new member bringing their own individual style and influence into the melting pot.

Finland's Death Metal prodigies Farmakon are set for the studio on February 1st to record their debut album. You can follow the band's progress with the online diary here: http://farmakon.suddenlaunch.com/index.cgi?board=studio

Norway's progressive Death / Black Metal act Lunaris have stated that the work on their forthcoming album is now to take priority over the band's possible live work in the immediate future. This means the planned UK tour and the appearance at the Inferno Festival will now no longer take place. A few big-named producers are in the frame for the band's next recording session, likely to be around May / June. There's no title yet, but keyboard player Ray is very satisfied with the rehearsals, proclaiming the new material to be far more aggressive than before, without losing that technical edge.

The new KRIEG album is recorded and will again be issued by Red Stream in early 2003.

Blood, Fire, Death Records will release the following albums within the next months: Lugrubrum (“De Totem”), Pest (“Hail The Black Metal Wolves Of Belial”) and DEBAUCHERY (“Dead Silent Scream”). 

Bethlehem will issue their "Suicide Radio" interactive CD-rom shortly which includes video clips, remixed songs, photo gallery, flash animation, discography and more. The band is also writing an entirely new album that will be released on Red Stream. It is said to be a combination of all known Bethlehem styles.

Dark Fortress will have a release party for their next album "Profane Genocidal Creations" with Sear Bliss and Cirith Gorgor on February 15th, in Landshut, Germany.

Baphomet Records are about to release CDs by Eternal Silence, Svartpest (feat. two NECROPHAGIA members) and Soul Forsaken's "Tales of the Macabre".

Red Stream will release the debut CD of Mirrorthrone from Switzerland. 

MORBID ANGEL are currently writing tracks for their next album. The band hope to release the new set in September through Earache and follow it up with a World tour. The band are expected to announce the names of their new bassist / vocalist and second guitarist shortly.

VITAL REMAINS forthcoming record, "Dechristianize", is out in the spring and features the vocals of DEICIDE's Glenn Benton.

MASTIC SCUM will tour Europe with MASTER in March. The Scars Over Europe tour runs from March 7th to 23rd. For full info go to: http://www.bruchstein-tours.de

VADER have posted MP3's for rare demo tracks 'Decapitated Saints' and 'Vicious Circle' at their website, www.vader.pl

Although nearly a year off, organizers of the X-Mass Fest 2003 European Tour have announced that NILE, MISERY INDEX, HYPOCRISY, VADER, DISBELIEF and DEW-SCENTED are all confirmed to take part in the tour. The dates will run from December 7th - 21st, 2003. Info on dates and venues will be made available as they are announced.

CHILDREN OF BODOM's new album, "Hate Crew Deathroll", has entered Finland's album chart at #1. The album is out in Japan through Universal on February 5th, in Sweden through Universal's Stockholm Records on March 10th and in Germany through Universal's Motor Music on March 17th.

VEHEMENCE are replacing ORIGIN on all the NUCLEAR ASSAULT / ALL THAT REMAINS dates in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Vehemence are nearing the completion of a new demo for 2003, featuring songs that were recorded at the Conservatory in Tempe, AZ. The demo tracks include: 'Kill For God', 'Kill For God' (acoustic version), 'You Don't Have To Be Afraid Anymore', 'We Are All Dying' and 'Darkness Is Comfort'.

CALLENISH CIRCLE are officially off the No Mercy Easter Festivals. They were dropped off the tour from Metallysee Agency because "there are too many bands on the bill and the distances between the venues are too far." The release date of their new album, "My Passion // Your Pain", is May 5th through Metal Blade.

IN FLAMES are nominated in two categories (best album and best group) for Rockbjörnen (Sweden's biggest newspaper Aftonbladets' people choice awards. No Metal band has been nominated for the award since Europe in 1986.

SOILWORK and CHILDREN OF BODOM are scheduled to hit the road in Europe on April 18th. Dates begin on April 18 in Stockholm, Sweden and run until May 19th in Osnabrück, Germany.

Columbia's SAPROFFAGO has signed with Brutalized Records. The band's debut full length CD, "Beasty Horrible Thoughts", will be out this Spring.

World Management have revealed on their website that KREATOR will return to North America this year for some live dates. Producer Andy Sneap has mixed the band's forthcoming live album, "Live Kreation (Revisioned Glory)", due out soon through SPV. The release will come with a 36 page booklet including pictures from Kreator's last tour, as well as artwork from Andreas Marshall.

Germany's With Full Force Festival takes place July 4th - 6th at the Roitzschjora Airport in Lobnitz. Confirmed acts performing at the festival include NAPALM DEATH, DESTRUCTION, SIX FEET UNDER, RYKER'S and MESSIAH.

CRYPTOPSY have begun the writing process for their next studio record, tentatively due late 2003. To tide fans over, they will release a live record, appropriately titled "None So Live", this spring. Recorded at the Medley in Montreal last June, "None So Live", is the first official release to feature new vocalist Martin Lecroix.

EXODUS are looking for a replacement for the recently ousted frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza. Those interested can send their demos to the following address: EXODUS, 10026 San Pablo, El Cerrito, CA 94530, USA.

CORPORATION 187 will support ARCH ENEMY on their upcoming Scandinavian tour that begins on January 26th in Stockholm and runs to Helsingborg.

KHOLD will join SATYRICON on the road as opening act on the upcoming Black Lava Down Europe 2003. In other news, the readers of Panorama voted 'Fuel For Hatred' Video Of The Year and the same song as runnerup Song Of The Year.

The first annual Barbarian Wrath / Witches Brew Festival is on Saturday, January 25 at Hagalaz Club in Annaberg (near Buchholz, Germany). Acts on the bill feature: ANAEL, HATEFUL AGONY, MORRIGAN and THARGOS.

SAMAEL have inked a deal World Management (home of MORBID ANGEL, NILE, UNLEASHED).

FINNTROLL will begin recording an acoustic EP on February 11th. Details are yet to be announced but rumors are flying that the EP will feature the band's original vocalist Katla.

WITHERING SURFACE will be playing live at "The Underground" in Istanbul, Turkey, supporting IN FLAMES on Saturday the 29th of March. For more details about the show, please contact: axmeth@mynet.com In connection with this concert, WITHERING SURFACE will be doing an instore signing session in the most popular Heavy Metal store of Istanbul, Hammer Muzik, either on Friday the 28th of March or Saturday the 29th of March. In related news keyboardist Morten Lybecker has left the band due to family priorities. Lybecker and WITHERING SURFACE depart in a spirit of friendship and understanding towards each others wishes. There's no plans of a replacement, and in the future the other guys will take care of keyboard-parts themselves. The band is currently busy writing new material for the sequel to last year’s "Walking On Phantom Ice" album. 8 - 9 new songs have already been written. Some new titles include 'This View', 'Exit Sculpture', 'State Of Emergency' and 'Inhale The Hyper Pulse'. A cover of Pretty Maids' 'Future World' is also planned to be recorded. The band promises that it will be absolutely killer-material and will enter the Berno Studio in Malmö, Sweden in July and August to record the album with an expected release on Copro Records in Oct. / Nov. 2003. www.witheringsurface.dk. 

Even though the band currently only consists of drummer Herb and guitarist / vocalist Mike, Germany's ANASARCA are still around and will be entering the studio in April / May to record their third full length album, which once again will be released by Danish Mighty Music.  

Here's the (99%) final tracklist of the new album "Maximize The Misery" from DIVINE DECAY: 'Weave A Web Of Vanity', 'Silence Of Decades', 'Killing Innocence', 'The Discomfort Of Articial Euphoria', 'Maximize The Misery', 'Without A Soul', 'The Dead In Me', 'Scars', 'Less Than Nothing', 'Filth' and 'Remorse'.

DRILLER KILLER will record a video for the song 'Breaking Traditions' for the upcoming Swedish TV - monsters series Mutant in February 2003. This video will be a "teaser" for the series and not a proper DRILLER KILLER video. So there will be some stuff connected to the Mutant story. Expect some blood... The very same month DRILLER KILLER are going to Spain / Portugal to play some shows.

SIX FEET UNDER is confirmed to play this year's Graspop (Belgium) and With Full Force (Germany) festivals. "More European dates surrounding the festival dates will be added soon," Chris Barnes says. "We will also be filming the With Full Force show for an upcoming live DVD due to the killer response we've had with 'Double Dead'! More on that later." SFU is currently beginning to write their next CD. “We've got some great ideas for this next release and are really gonna concentrate on making this the best CD we've put out - for real! Other than that, I don't wanna give too much away - you'll have to wait for the final product!” Recording is slated for March 2003. The band will be heading into Morrisound Studio in Tampa, Florida to begin tracking the drums and guitar. Vocals will be tracked in Miami as well as the mix. “Right now, we're going over our options as far as producers. Metal Blade is looking at a summer release date for the CD. We'll let you know more as we get things movin'.”

RAVAGER's new album will be called "Naxzgul Rising". The recording sessions are planned to start during the third week of January.

ARKHON INFAUSTUS will tour Europe with Vader at the end of April.

The vinyl version of CENTINEX' "Diabolical Desolation" is out now. It was released through Finnish Northern Sound Records (limited to 1000 gatefold copies) and features exclusive artwork by Scott Stearns. Visit the band's website for more info. For wholesale matters, please contact Northern Sound. www.northernsound.cjb.net To celebrate this release CENTINEX launched a competition at their website. The lucky winner will receive a Centinex giftbox including a "Diabolical Desolation" LP, a "Hellbrigade" CD, a T-shirt, a badge, a patch and a signed tourposter. www.centinex.org 

PA / USA - based Death / Grinders Circle of Dead Children got signed by Displeased Records. The band's music evolved into a highly original mix of Death / Grind, Crust / Core, Jazz, old school Death Metal and harsh noise. Their upcoming full length "Human Harvest" (CD and LP) will be recorded shortly for a late April 2003 release.

Perished are now completely finished with recording, mixing and mastering their upcoming new full length "Seid" (still a working title), their first album for Displeased Records. It's said to be "a perfect hybrid of recent Dimmu Borgir and 1996-era Mayhem. " Expect a late March 2003 release.

Norway's Enthral will record their first album for Displeased Records in January / February with a scheduled June 2003 release. Guest vocals got performed by Martin Walkyier (Sabbat, Skyclad).

Swedish Manegarm have completed their new full length "Dödsfärd" at Underground Studios. On this release there will be even more emphasis on Viking themes and lyrics. The title is referring to the ancient burials of the Vikings, and the music has shown to be a fine, yet very recognizable elaboration of the band's first two releases. Belgian artist Kris Verwimp will again take care of the cover art.

Displeased Records will re-issue the debut full lengths of Ninnghizhidda ("Blasphemy" + 1 bonus track – out February 2003) and Internal Suffering ("Supreme Knowledge Domain" + 3 bonus tracks – out March 2003).

Expect LP versions of Ulver ("Nattens Madrigal"), Borknagar ("Olden Domain") and Cryptopsy ("Whisper Supremacy") in late January 2003.

From Beyond Productions just released the European CD version of the "Wet Slit And A Bottle Of Whiskey" album by US asshole rockers Eat My Fuk. Consisting of prominent and legendary members of the US Black and Death Metal scene, the band is not to be compared to the related acts, but rather to the sickest works of the likes of GG Allin, Motörhead and a very early Venom. The LP version will follow in late January 2003, since the original pressing plant was too offended by the front cover / backside cover artwork of the release.

Back in 1985 Paul Speckmann / Master got signed by US label Combat, and recorded a thunderous to-be debut album the same year. Due to insuperable differences the contract got torn up and Paul went on with his new band Deathstrike. After the re-union, Master got signed with Nuclear Blast and recorded many stunning albums in the 1990's. Now, almost 20 years later, the original 1985 album recordings are dug up from the vaults to be immortalized on CD and vinyl. The release will come with early 1990's demo tracks as a bonus. To be released in May 2003.

California based brutal Death / Grinders Sepsism have signed to From Beyond Productions. The band is still around, performed at last years Ohio Death Fest and just released an early material / live CD themselves. Moreover, at the moment they are completing "To Prevail In Disgust", the follow-up to their much-anticipated 1999 debut "Purulent Decomposition". Release in late April 2003.

From Beyond Productions will release the first full length of Colombian hyper-blasters Goretrade. Containing members of the Internal Suffering clan, Goretrade is even more grinding and severe. Expect nothing less than the most extreme Death / Grind ever heard. To be recorded in the USA in February 2003, to be released in late May 2003.

Siksakubur, Indonesia's answer to Cryptopsy, will release both their "The Carnage" (2000) and "Back To Vengeance" (2001) sessions (previously only locally released on cassette) re-mastered on one CD, with improved artwork. Release date: late February 2003.

Grim barbaric raw war warriors Maniac Butcher are not back together (RIP 2000), though to salute the German fans especially a new release will be done (CD and LP) posthumously, containing raw live recordings from four different Maniac Butcher gigs done in Germany during 1997-2000. Guest bass by Akhenaten (a.k.a. Judas Iscariot). Release date: late March 2003. Since 2000 ex-Maniac Butcher members have been working with the likes of Agmen, Iron Fist, Avenger, Judas Iscariot and Nargaroth.

Barbatos is no other than Abigail's mainman Yasuyuki. While concentrating on old school Black Metal in Abigail, Barbatos is Yasuyuki's outlet for a nostalgic mix of early / mid eighties Thrash, NWOBHM and catchy raw Punk / Rock. His previous full length showed references of the likes of Bulldozer, Carnivore, Warfare and early Venom. His upcoming full length album "Rocking Metal Motherfucker" will be out in June 2003 on From Beyond Productions.

KRISIUN perform the final concert of their "Ageless Venomous" World Tour at Vale do Paraíba in Tremembé, São Paulo, Brazil on February 8. Support includes ANCESTRAL MALEDICTION and OPHIOLATRY.

INFLICTION singer Idris has left the band for personal reasons. They have replaced him with Björn Goosses (NIGHT IN GALES) who has played a few shows with the band already. INFLICTION are currently writing new songs for their second full length which will be entitled "Earshot". Expect a early 2003 release.

IN FLAMES plan to return to North America for a string of dates to run from March to May. Confirmed details and dates will be available soon.

PUNGENT STENCH will play a few West Coast dates this February. Several East Coast dates are also being planned. 

Former VOIVOD bassist / vocalist Eric Forrest is to release the first album from new band PROJECT FAILING FLESH in February. It's called "A Beautiful Sickness" and includes a cover of VEMOM's 'Warhead'. Forrest recently contacted BW&BK with the following update: "I am involved in a side project called PROJECT FAILING FLESH and I start the vocal tracks at the end of the month. EFORCE is still happening and we are going to sign with a French label in a matter of a few days. I am still working with Borislav Mitic.

ANATA will be in StudioMega in February recording their third full-length album. It will feature ten tracks and will be issued through Earache / Wicked World.

DEATH ANGEL have been added to the February 2nd lineup featuring headliners HALFORD at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, CA. Others on the bill include TESTAMENT, VIO-LENCE and EXHUMED.

The Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, Holland will feature a headlining gig from CRADLE OF FILTH on April 18th. COF will release their new "Damnation And A Day" album in Europe on March 10th.

SATHANAS' "Hex Nefarious" CD / LP will be out through Drakkar soon. Meanwhile, the band's "Warlords Of Death" 7" EP will be out at the end of January and features a cover of BATHORY's 'Raise The Dead'.

HYPOCRISY's "Abducted" album is available in Europe in the Classic Series. It now features new cover artwork and four bonus tracks.

The Classic Series edtion of KATAKLYSM's "Temple Of Knowledge" album comes in digipak format with a bonus clip.

According to reliable sources, drummer Aantar Lee Coates was just fired from Florida's Death Metal masters DIABOLIC.

ABHORRENCE are currently working on the follow-up to their "Evoking The Abomination" debut album. The delay is explained by the long distance between their bass player / vocalist Marcello and the rest of the band‘s homes which makes rehearsals harder to do. The new record should be done in June 2003.

Cold Blood Industries have signed MONOLITH, a brutal Dutch Death Metal band that consists of ex-members from ALTAR and DEAD HEAD. Their debut "The Apotheosis" will be released on March 21st, accompanied by a European tour together with THE CROWN and SKINLESS. For more info check out www.monolith-deathcult.com

N.Y. Death Metal masters IMMOLATION have made a lot of new fans all over Europe during the very successful Xmas fests. Although the band played a short set of 30 minutes due to the numerous amount of bands every night, they pulled a crazy crowd and played new songs from their current album "Unholy Cult", like the epic title track and the insane ‘Rival The Eminent’ along with new classics like ‘Of Martyrs And Men’ and the moody ‘Bring Them Down’ and old classic tunes like ‘Into Everlasting Fire’ as well. For those who haven’t been lucky enough to catch them live, a DVD is being prepared for an Autumn 2003 release. IMMOLATION’s new album has also been in the Dutch indie charts for the past 7 weeks along with other Metal bands like SYMPHONY X, OPETH... Without a doubt, the cult is growing.

Israel's NAIL WITHIN are finally releasing their much talked about debut album in early February. It features the following tracks: ‘Dirty-Colored-Knife’ (with Mille Petrozza (KREATOR), Tomas Lindberg (THE GREAT DECEIVER) and Zeev from SALEM on backing vocals. ‘Bleed Forever’ (with Robert Gonnella from legendary German Thrash band ASSASSIN on backing vocals). There will also be a sick video of ‘Dirty-Colored-Knife’ as a bonus. The album was recorded at Spiderhouse Studio in Germany ( Sodom , Krisiun, Night In Gales) and produced by Harris Johns (Kreator, Sodom , Helloween) and Zeev Tananboim. An mp3 is posted in the sound section on the Listenable Records website www.listenable.net

VILE are to re-release their much sought after debut album "Stench Of The Deceased" with 3 live tracks and an unreleased song on February 17, 2003. In the same month, the band will also embark on a full European tour with MANGLED, INHUME, DISAVOWED and SPAWN OF POSSESSION. 

After an amazing U.K. tour with KREATOR, the mad Swedes from DERANGED have returned home totally chuffed. They unfortunately had to cancel their 3 dates on the Xmas fest but DERANGED will be back on track next February with another bunch of U.K. dates with NO RETURN and SCARVE. They will also do a long awaited 8 date treck in France in March 2003 in support of the new album "Plainfield Cemetery ".

The release of the ABORTED / EXHUMED live split 10inch was postponed to Spring 2003. It will feature 3 songs from each band. The ABORTED side was recorded in Europe and the EXHUMED side was recorded in Japan . It will be limited to 500 copies, so everyone interested should save their copy as soon as the release date is confirmed. ABORTED's new album "Goremageddon - The Saw And The Carnage Is Done" is currently being mastered at Aabenra studios in Denmark.

SCARVE are back from a very impressive European tour with NILE and are already working on a new album to be recorded with Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, SYL) in Sweden. The album should be out in October 2003.

Finnland's MORS PRINCIPIUM EST are putting the final touches to their debut album "Inhumanity" at Tico Tico studios. It will feature the following tracks: ‘Another Creation’, ‘Eternity's Child’,  ‘In My Words’, ‘Inhumanity’, ‘D.I.B’,  ‘The Lust Called Knowledge’, ‘Oblivion’, ‘Life In Black’, ‘Last Apprentice’, and ‘Into Illusion’. The album will be issued in March. An older demo track is available in the sound section on the Listenable Records website www.listenable.net

Following their worldwide well-acclaimed debut album "A World Depraved", AMARAN is set to record the follow-up in April 2003 in Studio Underground ­ Västerås , Sweden . This young band has grown a lot musically since their debut and the new material is both heavier and more dynamic, to further accentuate the contrast between the instruments and vocals. The album, yet unnamed, is set to be released after the summer of 2003 through Listenable Records.

THRASH ZONE is the name of a really cool new website, dedicated to the Thrash Metal scene from past to present (with discographies, pics, bios, links to fan- and webzines etc.) - you will find it here: http://get-me.to/thrashzone

RED HARVEST have been nominated best Metal act at the Norwegian Grammy Awards. Other nominees in the Metal category are Satyricon and Immortal. The Grammy Awards will be broadcasted on national TV on the 22nd of February. RED HARVEST have also been nominated for "Alarmprisen", the Norwegian "alternative Grammy". To help RED HARVEST win this award vote for them at www.alarmweb.org The band will be performing at the Alarm Awards in Trondheim on the 15th of February (in connection with By:Larm) and will also most likely be performing their first Asian (!) show in March. More dates to follow. Their latest CD, "Sick Transit Gloria Mundi", was voted Norwegian album # 5 of the year by one of the country's biggest daily newspapers, Aftenposten. The writing team of UK's extreme music magazine Terrorizer voted the album # 13 of the top 40 albums of 2002. Nocturnal Art Productions will soon release a special limited edition split 7" EP of ZYKLON and RED HARVEST. It will feature remixes of both bands done by VOID mastermind OCD. Releases dates on VOID "Posthuman" and AETERNUS "A Darker Monument" will be issued soon. 

New Dutch Thrash act CYPHER have just finished their first promo called "Forward Devolution" and are working hard at getting their name and music spread. The band is currently in the process of writing the music for their debut album. The 3-track promo is available for download at their website: www.cyphercore.com.

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Florida's CONTORTED has booked the studio for February to record their debut for Still Dead Productions. Musically the band is being described as "very fast brutal death fucking Metal in the Floridian style." Their line-up consists of Ed Webb (ex - Brutality, Diabolic and Eulogy), Pete Sykes (ex - Brutality and Execration) and Jim Coker (ex - Brutality). Here is a statement from Ed Webb: "We are so excited about this CD and we are dying to tour Europe and we will blow the faces off DIABOLIC that's for sure. Music isn't only about speed but heaviness and great riffs and they miss the boat on that lately, but we will dominate this planet"

The new GOD DETHRONED album "Into The Lungs Of Hell" will be released as a double-CD. The package will include a fat booklet and a bonus-CD. Here's the track listing of the bonus-CD: 'God Dethroned' (re-recorded version), 'Satan's Curse' (Possessed Cover), 'The Execution Protocol', 'The Grand Grimoire', 'Nocturnal', 'Under A Silver Moon', 'The Somberness Of Winter', 'Serpent King'. (tracks 3 - 8 were recorded live at the "Whiskey A GoGo" in Los Angeles , February 2000 on the Death Metal Massacre Tour with Cannibal Corpse, Hate Eternal and Diabolic), 'Villa Vampiria' (video-clip) and 'Under The Golden Wings Of Death' (video-clip). The album will also be released on vinyl.

Sound Recording Advice is the title of a new book, which simplifies the process of establishing a home recording studio. There's also a website connected to it, which gives plenty of free advice on how to configure a home recording studio. The website and the book are all about education. Check out www.soundrecordingadvice.com for all further info.

The new album by THE CROWN won't be out before summer of 2003. Here's a little update from Magnus Olsfelt himself: "Alright, we are right now in the process of rehearsing new material for the next album. This time we are heading for the ultimate and so far it sounds very promising. The new material is pretty diverse but in general the songs have more power. Hard-hitting and straight forward, with more natural flow. So that the energy and force comes straight back to you. Some song titles are: 'No Tomorrow', 'Face Of Destruction' / 'Deep Hit Of Death', 'Are You Morbid?', 'Cold Is The Grave', 'Kill 'Em All', 'Natashead Overdrive', 'Dawn Of Emptiness', 'Crown Of Thorns'... and there's more coming up of that wild-style mix of true deathmetalthrashpunkblackhardrockhorrormelody - shit going on! So it seems like you will have to deal with the ultimate THE CROWN album ever next year! Be forewarned!" Magnus www.thecrownonline.com

The heralded and heavily anticipated return of the most gifted Thrash Metal giants thrusts into high gear in early 2003, when the original line up of New York's NUCLEAR ASSAULT initiates a world tour throughout the New Year 2003 to support the upcoming "Alive Again" live album for Screaming Ferret Wreckords. Confirmed dates will take the band through the US during the Winter (with openers Origin and All That Remains) and in Europe through the Spring on the No Mercy / Easter Festivals 2003 package tour with stalwarts Testament, Death Angel, Marduk and Pro-Pain. The band's line up, consisting of vocalist / guitarist John Connelly, bassist Danny Lilker, guitarist Anthony Bramante and drummer Glenn Evans made their presence known throughout 2002 on select performances and festival dates around the world in an effort to 'test the waters' - if the world was ready for their unique, dexterous yet uncompromising Metal. The result set the wheels in motion for the upcoming all-out assault! In August, Bramante bowed out due to the commitments of his job and was replaced by the more than capable Erik Burke. Lilker comments on the upcoming tour: "It's gonna be great to finally tour again! People seem totally psyched that they will get to see us in the flesh again. We hope to see all diehard Metalheads banging and moshing in the front..." Formed in 1984 by Danny Lilker (who has also been a founding member of Anthrax, S.O.D., Brutal Truth, among others), NUCLEAR ASSAULT enjoyed a ten-year career that spawned 6 studio albums and EPs and a host of world tours. While emitting a dark sense of humor, the band's catalogue acknowledged the gamut of social concerns, from political tyranny and environmental devastation to capitalistic excess and basic human apathy. Their 1989 opus "Handle With Care" garnered much critical-acclaim, while its singles 'Critical Mass' and 'Trail Of Tears' received generous MTV airplay. The forthcoming "Alive Again" live album represents NUCLEAR ASSAULT's first release in over 9 years. Lilker explains: "We will soon be releasing our new live album, so people can see for themselves that we still have it! I know a lot of Thrash bands seem to be reuniting and some people are wondering 'Can these guys in their late 30's still hack it?' The answer is undoubtedly yes!" Not content to keep the reunion to a mere commemorative or nostalgic event, NUCLEAR ASSAULT is also planning a new studio record for the near future! Danny Lilker offers a sneak preview of what can be expected: "We are in the process of writing new material, and I can tell you that it's definitely in the style of the old stuff. Once again speaking for myself, I think the Metal scene NEEDS an injection of classic Thrash Metal 'cos I've had enough of people thinking Linkin Park is Metal. We'll have to show these youngsters how Metal is really played!" All further info at: www.nuclearassault.us

CHILDREN OF BODOM are confirmed to appear at the 17th annual South By Southwest Music Festival, set to be held March 12-16 in Austin, Texas. The band's new album, "Hate Crew Deathroll" will feature two bonus tracks: 'Silent Scream' (SLAYER cover) and 'Somebody Put Something In My Drink' (RAMONES cover).

The End Records have secured distribution rights for Sweden's Regain Records. Regain North America begins with the following releases in January: DEFLESHED's "Royal Straight Flesh", KARMAKANIC's "Entering The Spectra", OPUS ATLANTICA's self titled album, REPTILIAN's "Thunderblaze", TENEBRE's "Electric Hellfre Kiss" and TIME REQUIEM's self-titled debut. MARDUK's "World Funeral" and the new album from SEHERIAL will follow.

The Japanese record label World Chaos Productions is looking for European and North American Black Metal and melodic Death Metal bands for distribution and possible recording contracts. Bands on their roster thus far include TERROR SQUAD, GRIMFORCE, ILLNATH and AGONY'S LAMENT and Japanese Thrashers KING'S EVIL. Contact World Chaos at worldkdm@syd.odn.ne.jp or wcp@syd.odn.ne.jp for more information. Material can be sent to World Chaos Productions, #406 New Light Bld., 2-25-6, Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 113-0033.

Cogumelo Records has released the new record from Brazilian Thrash act SIECRIST called "What's Going On Your Mind".

CRADLE OF FILTH's forthcoming album, "Damnation And A Day" will be out in Japan on March 5th with an exclusive bonus track.

EINHERJER have posted three songs from "The Eternally Damned" demo. The tracks that can be found at www.einherjer.com are as follows: 'The Eternally Damned', Ware Her Venom' and 'Dead Knight's Rite'.

OLD MAN'S CHILD's forthcoming album, "In Defiance Of Existence", will be released on vinyl in Europe through Century Media on January 20.

MARDUK have posted MP3 clips of 'To The Death's Head True' and the title track 'World Funeral' at their website, www.marduk.nu. "World Funeral" is due out in Europe on February 24th through Blooddawn Productions.

DIVINE RAPTURE is currently in mixdown mode for the album "The Burning Passion". In related news, the band are also featured on the MORBID ANGEL tribute, "Tyrants From The Abyss", performing 'World Of Shit'.

Roadrunner Japan are reissuing the following classic titles on  February 21st: MACHINE HEAD's "Burn My Eyes" (1994), WHIPLASH's "Insult To Injury" (1990), DEFIANCE's "Void Terra Firma" (1990), HEATHEN's "Victims Of Deception" (1991) and SADUS' "A Vision Of Misery" (1992).

Mark Adams (guitartist for DECEASED) has launched his official DECEASED website www.upthetombstones.com

Norway's ENSLAVED just released the following press statement regarding their upcoming new album "Below The Lights": "The album speaks for itself, but again we are proud to say we have gone further down the road of exploration. And on the other hand it is darker and contains more references to the early days of ENSLAVED in the sense of more ambience and structure to the songs. The progressive and experimental elements are still there, more raffined and subtle that ever. You will also find pieces of traditional Northern music, this time more incorporated in the ENSLAVED core material. Melodic elements and complex harmonics is also a prominent feature on "Below The Lights". After returning from the UK in March 2002 we all realized that R. Kronheims days in the band had come to an end. Extremely unhealthy and unsociable habits combined with strong personalities and different musical tastes on both sides made it impossible to continue. But hey! That didn't stop us, and with the added force of lead guitarist A. Isdal, we went on to make "Below The Lights". The quality of the arrangements and the level of musicianship should prove that the core of ENSLAVED more than survived the changes. The coverart is once again under the brush of Truls Espedahl (who also made the artwork for "Monumension"). This time the artwork will follow the music and lyrics even closer, and a surreal, dark and magnificent piece of art will meet you in the shops 03.03.03. After the finishing of the album, Dirge Rep decided to leave the band. The reason is quite simple; he is burned out according to himself. No point in arguing with that. Goodbye and thanx for the drumwork, brother-in-arms! We have a replacement for live and studio sessions in Freddy B., the drummer some of you might remember from the UK tour in March 2002 when Dirge sat at home with a broken foot! P.S.: Watch out for the live-DVD "Live Retaliation" to be released through MetalMind Productions. Order it or read about it at our webpage www.enslaved.no. Take note that www.enslavedunion.com will be removed and has been replaced by www.enslaved.no. See you on tour and remember to play "Below The Lights" at extreme volume levels. For even better results, try altered states of conciousness (knock yourself over the head, do yoga-jumping or stay awake for two weeks without food before you check out the album). If it doesn't fuck you up, we'll give you (fake monopoly) money back. Thanx for your attention and for bringing us this far and further!" - Ivar B. "Below The Lights" features the following tracks: 'The Crossing', 'Havenless', 'A Darker Place', 'Queen Of Night', 'A Dead Stare', 'As Fire Swept Clean The Earth' and 'Ridicule Swarm'.

Gorgasm have inked a deal with Unique Leader. The band is writing new material together with newly recruited bassplayer Brain Baxter (Regurgitation / Ablated Records) and the recording process is planned for April 2003. The album will be tentatively called "Masticate To Dominate".

Deeds Of Flesh are back from their full US tour together with Cannibal Corpse, Macabre and Malevolent Creation. The tour went very well concerning all the positive reactions that are going around. Deeds Of Flesh will start recording the follow up studio album to "Mark Of The Legion" in January, so  mid 2003 release is guaranteed.

Dutch downtuned Deathsters Brutus have recorded their debut full length album "Slachtbeest" at Excess Studio, known for its recordings with Sinister, Houwitser, Disavowed, Pyaemia etc. One of the songs, called 'Ontrouw' features extreme guttural backing vocals of Erik Lindmark of Deeds Of Flesh. The artwork is still being created at this moment and the release is planned to go out somewhere in March / April.

EXCITER finally found a new vocalist (Rob Degroot) and a new bassist (Paul Champagne), completing the line-up with John Ricci and Rik Charron. The band is currently writing new material, heavy and aggressive in the EXCITER tradition. Intense rehearsals have started for live shows due to the fact the band has been receiving invites to play shows in USA and Europe.

LEVIATHAN have announced that the recording of their second, yet untitled, album is postponed because the band feel that they need more time to work on their material. Meawhile their debut album "Far Beyond The Light" was re-released.

FORGOTTEN TOMB are currently at Abyss Studios recording the second album "Springtime Depression". Seven new tracks are being recorded, some titles are 'Subway Apathy', 'Todes', 'Desolated Funeral' and 'Daylight Obsession'. According to Morbid this album will follow the footsteps of its proceedor, though reveal abit more wicked, tormenting sides of the band. Drums are handled by ex shining drummer Wedebrand.

BLOODLINE, a rather new Swedish / Norwegian / Italian band, have been signed by Selbstmord Services. Their coming debut album, "Werewolf Training" will be recorded in March, set for an early
summer release.

Swedish ZAVORASH raised from their ashes a few months ago will record their debut album this summer in Abyss Studio. Meanwhile Selbstmord Services will release a special mini-album including their second demo "In Odium Veritas" and a brand new track to give you a taste of whats to come.

The JOYLESS album "Wisdom And Arrogance" will be re-issued next month with improved artwork. 

RIGOR MORTIS are going into the studio next week to digitally remaster their first record. They plan on having it available (again) in a couple of months.

REQUIEM have just finished the recording sessions for their new full-length album "Formed At Birth", which will be released in February / March 2003 through Revenge Productions. You can order the album online at www.revengeproductions.com. For more info about REQUIEM or the new release "Formed At Birth", click www.requiem-net.com. 

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