Brazil based label Marquee Rrecords signed a deal with Candadian cult Thrashers SACRIFICE. The result of their co-operation will be the official re-release of the first three studio albums of the band "Torment In Fire", "Forward To Termination" and "Soldiers Of Misfortune". Also planned is a complete live album with a complete show from 1989. All CDs will be double CDs and released as special edition including a lot of live and bonus tracks. The live album will probably see the light of day as a CD / DVD set. According to Marquee Records "Torment In Fire" will be unleased upon all headbangers in the world by next month. The CD set will include 36-38 tracks (!) including a lot of live material. The booklet will have all the lyrics and features tons of old pics, flyers, show posters, live and studio shots and liner notes by SACRIFICE's masterminds Rob Urbinati and Joe Rico. A complete biography will be also included written by no other than our honoured Voices member Laurent Ramadier. The other albums will follow later on. Distributors and interested people get in touch at www.marquee.com.br.

keep of kalessin have just been added to the list of bands for the "Tribute To IMMORTAL" CD / LP that will be out in autumn.

HEADHUNTER D.C. have just issued the following official press statement regarding their exclusion on the POSSESSED tribute "Seven Gates Of Horror": "HEADHUNTER D.C. from Brazil would like to express here all their indignation against the Dutch label Karmageddon Media (ex-infamous Hammerheart Records) for the non-inclusion of the band on the POSSESSED tribute entitled "Seven Gates of Horror". The label, in the person of Mr. Guido Heijnens, alleges that the recording of 'Twisted Minds' made by HEADHUNTER D.C. exclusively to be featured on the tribute album "wasn't sactisfatory for its inclusion on the tribute", but came up to include on the compilation some not so good recordings just for being made by "renowned bands in the scene", or better said, (of course) American or European bands that don't come to the point to be mentioned here. Curiously the label also interposed the participation of another Brazilian band on the tribute, MYSTIFIER - being them and HEADHUNTER D.C. the only two bands from South America who would appear on the compilation -, showing their total prejudice against Brazilian and South American bands. HEADHUNTER D.C. has confirmed its appearance on the POSSESSED tribute in late '99, the year in which the homage was idealized by Arthur Wroblewsky, owner of the Polish label Immortal Records (later No Mercy Music), who in that occasion was in charge of the tribute release - thence you can have an idea of the long time the band have waited for it. After too much delay and Mr. Arthur's disappearance without any explanation, all the bands involved in the project were contacted again and asked to send all the material once more, but this time the label responsible for the tribute release was Dark Realm Records, from the States, under approval of Jeff Becerra himself, bassist / vocalist of the almighty POSSESSED. The whole material was sent again and with that more and more money has been spent (as well as all the money invested on the recordings, which the band has never got back), however the delay continued. After 5 years of wait it was known that the tribute had been finally released, this time through the new Dutch label Karmageddon Media and WITHOUT the participation of HEADHUNTER D.C. with the classic 'Twisted Minds', for the total deception and consequent indignation of the band members and its fans & admirers. E-mails have been sent to Dark Realm Recs. asking about the non-inclusion of the band on the tribute, however without any sign of reply - they, who were our long time contact, friends and Unholy Death Metal partners (and hopefully they still are), besides seemingly being Latin Americans - or at least Latin descendants. It's really a pity that there are still attitudes like that in the Metal underground scene, proving that, even yet very disguised, the prejudice still exists. We have appeared on several tribute albums in these last years (i.e. MORBID ANGEL and KREATOR tributes on Dwell Records, SODOM tribute also on Dwell, but not released yet, and DORSAL ATLANTICA tribute on Brazilian Rock Shop Records) and NEVER had any kind of problem, not mentioning that all our cover versions have always been hailed by the press - and all the songs were recorded in the same studio. Finally, let us send a mighty "die in heaven with your god!!!" to the (ir)responsible ones for this release, and say to the fans, Death Cult followers, to check the HEADHUNTER D.C.'s version for 'Twisted Minds' - which was very eulogized by Jeff Becerra - on the American issue of "...And The Sky Turns To Black...(The Dark Age Has Come)" CD via Mercenary Musik / World War III, or even still on its Brazilian re-issue on Dying Music Records which will be unleashed soon. Listen to it and draw your own conclusions. By the way, POSSESSED lives eternally, and you, posers, scream out in fright! KILL THEM PIGS!!!"

Due to reasons beyond their control, NEGURA BUNGET was forced to cancel most parts of their upcoming tour. Here's the band's comments on that: "There's nothing we can say to express our dissapointment for this situation. On Thursday evening we left for the gigs, but we were returned from the border twice because of new tighter regulation to enter EU countries. We are confident we'll make it though to the gigs in Bologna (IT) and Maribor (SLO)."

According to the official MAYHEM website (www.thetruemayhem.com) the band is scheduled to play a Norwegian date prior to their appearance at the Inferno Festival on March 24th in Oslo. MAYHEM, with support from KOLDBRANN, will play at Union Scene in Drammen, Norway on March 23rd.

AKERCOCKE are booked to perform at Hamburg, Germany's Headbanger's Ballroom (www.headbangers-ballroom.de) on March 17th. Also on the bill is SUFFERAGE. This show will be AKERCOCKE's first since the departure of guitarist Paul Scanlan.

PHAZM is currently working with a session drummer for the next gigs, as Dyrhk will be on an U.S tour with SOILWORK in April as well as during the OZZ FEST. Cedhryck from SOLEKAHN is now behind the barrels. http://phazm.free.fr

After several years of silence RITUAL CARNAGE have finally finished a new album. The record is called "Do Not Resuscitate" and lyrically deals with terrorism and the politics surrounding it. The band recorded all instruments in Hachioji, Japan at Moopies, while the vocals were put down to tape in Jacksonville, Florida at Vision Sound. Here's the complete tracklist: 'Imprisoned Secret', 'The Perfect Strain', 'I, Infidel', 'Thrist For Blood', 'These Chains', 'Do Not Resuscitate', 'Axiom', 'Straight To The Nether Regions', 'Room 101', 'All Too Human', 'Terror Ends Here' and 'I Am War'. "Do Not Resuscitate" will once again be released through Osmose Productions later this year.

Last week Agonia Records got a letter from Quinn Emanuel Trial Lawyers who represent Mel Gibson. Apparently the picture used for the cover artwork for the IN AETERNUM's "No Salvation" MCD belonged to the motion picture "The passion of the christ". Therefore Agonia Records and IN AETERNUM are forced to withdraw the "No Salvation" MCD from all stores to avoid being subject of a possible lawsuit. This is the official statement from IN AETERNUM concerning this matter: "IN AETERNUM apologizes for any problems we may have caused by using the picture from the motion picture "The passion of the christ". We did not intend to interfere with any copyright laws and was not aware of the fact that it belonged to that particular motion picture. Appologies to Mel Gibson and Icon Productions."

After having published the news on WAR AMP (the new home of ex-SACRIFICE / INTERZONE guitarist / vocalist Rob Urbinati) last Saturday we asked Rob to reveal a couple more details about this band. Here's his exclusive answer: "Our singers name is Matt... our style is like the first SABBATH album, Blues based, but really heavy. The songs are very simple, but our writing style is pretty much to let the songs write themselves, just let it flow. We will be doing a rough demo in March. The vocals are heavy, but he can sing as well... and lots of leads!!!! I worship Iommi, so this is fun... we may be doing a cover of MAIDEN's 'Prowler', not sure yet..."

Kurt Struebing, guitarist from NME was killed last week when his car drove off a bridge. You can check out more details about the crash here. Rest in peace!

DESTRUCTION have posted the following message at their official website: "At the moment 'Our boys' are recording the new album, "Inventor Of Evil", together with Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY / PAIN), V.O. Pulver and their live engineer Franky Winkelmann. Three different studios in Germany, Switzerland and Sweden will be involved in the production-process! The mix will be done by Mr. Tägtgren at the Abyss Studios in Sweden. Release date for Europe will be august 15th on the new label AFM records. In the rest of the world the new masterpiece will be released a little later this summer. It looks like some surprise guest will be featured on the new album (like ex-guitar wizz Harry Wilkens). Nevertheless there will also be a new tune featuring many 'well-known' Metal singers from all exiting styles, for a song that is dealing with more unity and tolerance in the 'scene'! Rumors say that the famous 'butcher' will have an impressive return on the front cover!"

In support of their new album, "Harnessing Ruin", IMMOLATION are confirmed as direct support to DEICIDE on their tour in late May / June. When asked about the tour and the release of "Harnessing Ruin", the band could hardly hide their enthusiasm. "We are really excited about the release of "Harnessing Ruin". It is the darkest, heaviest and most emotionally charged album we have ever done!! We are also really looking forward to the upcoming tour with DEICIDE. Together, along with SKINLESS, MISERY INDEX and WITH PASSION, we are all going to crush the US and Canada!!! For us this will be our most extensive run through Canada, so we are really interested in checking out the mid western areas that we have not been able to hit in the past! Prepare for one of the most devastating tours of the year!"

John Tardy, frontman for reformed US Death Metal icons OBITUARY has posted the following message at the band's official website: "Our work at RedRoom Recorders is done and we now move to Morrisound Studios where we will be doing the mixing. Things went really well and the new songs sound great already and I can't wait to mix them down. It was good to see Tom Morris, whom I haven't seen in years, and talk with him about mastering. We will be working with him when we master. It has been too long since we did all this and we are just really enjoying the whole process and getting more and more excited with each new day. I have some more photos added to the studio report (here) so check it out! I have also been working with our live web camera and have it up just for testing. Go to the live web cam and see what you think. Not much happening in our studio because we are at Morrisound but it would be nice to hear what you guys think! I will get some more photos of us at Morrisound and get them up asap!" As previously reported, OBITUARY are working with legendary producer Scott Burns and Mark Prator on their long-awaited reunion album, due out through Roadrunner later this year.

Prompted by the recent events in SE Asia, Björk decided to release a collection of cover versions and mixes of her song 'Army Of Me' with all of the proceeds to go to UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund). The final chosen tracks range from Canadian band INTERZONE's brutal extreme Metal, to the soothing country sounds from 'The Messengers Of God', with an electro-clash number in the middle from Spain. In related news, INTERZONE's Rob Urbinati is currently playing guitar (no vocals) in a SABBATH type band called WAR AMP together with ex JAWW and SOULSTORM members.

Former POSSESSED and current SIDE EFFECT vocalist Jeff Becerra send in the following tragic news to us today: "Hello, I am writing you all with some bad news. Today I recieved news that SIDE EFFECT guitarist Kenneth Bertoncini passed away. This came to me as a total suprise and he is sadly mourned. "Kenny" was one of the nicest, kindest, most considerate people that I have ever had the honor of knowing. Kenny was always upbeat and a happy person who brought much sunshine and happiness to all he touched. Kenny was one of my best friends. Rest in peace my friend. Rest in peace dear Kenny. Stronger Together, Jeff B. Becerra Sr."

EPICEDIUM have finally completed their line-up again with a second guitar player named Ana, who has joined the band about a month ago and will play at their next gig on March 19, 2005 at the Live Arena in Münster-Breitefeld near Dieburg. www.epicedium.de

SONIC REIGN's new album "Raw, Dark, Pure" will be released via the band's own label Sovereignty Productions, which is a pure modern Black Metal label. Furthermore the band has their our studio (Sonic Room) prepared and ready for the recordings of "Raw, Dark, Pure". All further info at: www.sonicroom.de

IMPALED NAZARENE will be celebrating their 15th band anniversary with the release of their first official live album "Death Comes In 26 Carefully Selected Pieces". It was recorded last December at Tavastia club in Helsinki, Finland and mixed at Sonic Pump studio by the band's own soundman, Tapio Pennanen. Mika Jussila took care of the mastering at Finnvox studio. Here's the final tracklisting: 'Intro', 'The Horny And The Horned', 'Armageddon Death Squad', 'Goat Perversion', '1999: Karmageddon Warriors', 'Motorpenis', 'Kohta Ei Naura Enää Jeesuskaan', 'The Endless War', 'Sadhu Satana', 'Ghettoblaster', 'Coraxo', 'Soul Rape', 'Sadistic 666' / 'Under A Golden Shower', 'Zero Tolerance', 'The Maggot Crusher', 'Let's Fucking Die', 'Tribulation Hell', 'We're Satan's Generation', 'Cogito Ergo Sum', 'Goat Seeds Of Doom', 'Condemned To Hell', 'Intro S.F.P.', 'Sadogoat', 'Vitutuksen Multihuipennus', 'The Lost Art Of Goat Sacrificing' and 'Total War - Winter War'. "Death Comes In 26 Carefully Selected Pieces" will be out on Osmose Productions in late May 2005.

The NWOBHM legend AVENGER has re-formed and will be touring in Europe this July. The only confirmed gig in Germany so far is at the Headbanger's Open Air warm up show on July 07, 2005 in Elmshorn. The line-up for this tour is: Ian Swift (Satan / Avenger / Atomkraft), Mick Moore (Blitzkrieg / Avenger), Gary Young (Blitzkrieg / Avenger) and Glen S. Howes (Blitzkrieg / Tygers of Pan tang). More gigs to be confirmed within the next few weeks.

PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT have been signed by Neurotic Records. The band, who previously released their second full length album "Deeds Of Derangement" on German based label Morbid Records, already recorded their sophomore album at Studio Excess (Sinister, Pyaemia, Disavowed, a.o.) and is entitled "Left In Grisly Fashion". Some of the songtitles are: 'Bluedrum Torso', 'Victims Of The Absurd' and 'Shotgun Horror'. The band have altered their line-up by changing drummers and adding a second guitarplayer once again. Vocals duties were tracked in Robbe K's (Disavowed / Arsebreed) mobile recording studio and therefore some guest vocal appearances of Robbe K (Disavowed, Arsebreed) and Joey (Pyaemia, Arsebreed) couldn't be left behind. "Left In Grisly Fashion" will contain 10 tracks of pure Death Metal mayhem, and is expected to surface near the end of June. More info: www.neurotic-records.com

This year’s DYNAMO OPEN AIR in the Netherlands will feature a couple of eighties-reunions. ANTHRAX celebrate their 25th anniversary at Dynamo by appearing with their classic Among The Living line-up (Joe Belladonna, Scott Ian, Dan Spitz, Frank Bello and Charlie Benante). TESTAMENT and LAAZ ROCKIT will also appear in their classic line-ups for the occasion. TESTAMENT will play with Chuck Billy (vocals), Alex Skolnick (guitar), Eric Peterson (guitar), Greg Christian (bass) and Louie Clemente (drums). LAAZ ROCKIT will consist of Mike Coons (vocals), Aaron Jellum (guitar), Phil Kettner (guitar), Willy Lange (bass) and Victor Agnello (drums). Dutch Death Metallers GOREFEST are also playing their first reunion show at Dynamo. Other bands on the bill include OBITUARY, JON OLIVA’S PAIN, EVERGREY, MASTERPLAN, MERCENARY, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD and TRIVIUM. The eighteenth edition of Dynamo Open Air takes place on May 7 in the city of Hellendoorn, in the very east of Holland. Tickets cost 45 euros in advance and 50 euros on the day. For more information please visit the Dynamo website: www.dynamo.nl

IN AETERNUM have just recorded their new album "Dawn Of A New Aeon" for Agonia Records. The recording took place at Abyss Studios with Tommy Tägtgren at the end of December. Nicklas Rudolfsson from Magick Sound Studios mastered the album and Mike Wead from King Diamond / Mercyful Fate is doing a guest solo on the track 'Pactum Diaboli'. The artwork was done by Joe Petagno and can be viewed at this location www.inaeternum.com. The tracklist reads like this: 'Crusade', 'A New Dawn', 'Poison The Holy', 'Pactum Diaboli', 'Devil In Me', 'Seven Storms Of Doom', 'Unholy Sons Awakened', 'Ultimate Extermination', 'No Salvation' and 'Spawned By The Fires Below'. Sound clips will be available soon. IN AETERNUM will also be hitting the road with BELPHEGOR and ARKHON INFAUSTUS during April (see our tourdates section for the exact dates).

DESTRUCTION are currently hard at work on new material for their AFM Records debut. HYPOCRISY frontman Peter Tägtgren will produce and mix the album, which is scheduled to be released August 15th. It is being described by the label as "an absolute Thrash grenade".

HOLY MOSES are currently in the process of mixing their new album, "Strength Power Will Passion". The band expects to have audio samples available for download on a day to day basis starting the middle of March.

According to a posting on their official website, Tampa-based Death Metallers UNHOLY GHOST have enlisted former DEICIDE guitarist Eric Hoffman. "UNHOLY GHOST are currently in pre-production for their second release attentively titled "Blasphemy Of The Grand Devine", the site adds. "Eric is an amazing
guitarist and we are all very excited to be working with him!" Hoffman replaces the departed Kelly McLauchlin who left to concentrate on his other band PESSIMIST and other musical interests.

Norweigan Black Metallers GORGOROTH have posted the following update on the band's official website: "(This week) GORGOROTH was examined in Bergen Tingrett (Norwegian court) in regard to last year's controversial show in Krakow, Poland. Now it's up to the Polish authorities to clarify this matter and eventually return the mastertapes so that the Black Mass in Krakow DVD can be released." As previously reported, prosecutors in Poland launched an investigation following GORGOROTH's February 1st, 2004 show. The Norwegian act are suspected of having sent a hateful and offensive message with their performance.

According to a posting at the official KULT OV AZAZEL website (www.kultovazazel.com) the band have completed work on their new album, "The World, The Flesh & The Devil", due for release in May. The album will feature the following tracklisting: 'The World Is Full Of Violence', 'As Temples Burn', 'An Eternity With Satan', 'Compelled To Die', 'The Glorification Of Evil', 'Trampling The Cross', 'Blood, Death & Damnation', 'The Calling Forth' and 'Bloodstained Path To Victory'.

Sweden's RAISE HELL have posted the following message at their official website (www.raise-hell.net): "The studio is booked in April for the recording of our new album. It will be recorded at Sheepvalley Productions in Stockholm. We are almost finished with writing the songs and from what we can hear so far it's gonna be a killer album!"

According to the official BLOODBATH website, the band will be filming their appearance at this year's Wacken Open Air for a future DVD release, saying it "might not only be the first, but also the last gig" for the band. When the DVD will be released and through which label has yet to be confirmed. HYPOCRISY frontman Peter Tägtgren, who sang on the new BLOODBATH album "Nightmares Made Flesh", is unable to appear at the show due to conflicting schedules. Original singer Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH) will be fronting the band for the show.

Parts of our news section appear courtesy of www.BraveWords.com

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