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In a recent interview NOCTURNUS‘ Emo Mowery revealed that Nocturnus has disbanded again. "It’s a shame and we were so close to recording the next record", he said. "There will be a new band with a new name (unknown as of yet). The line up will include the three remaining members of NOCTURNUS, Mike Davis-guitar, Emo Mowery – vocals / bass / keyboards and Chris Bieniek – drums. There is also a possibility of bringing in another singer, Wade Black (ex-Crimson Glory currently in Seven Witches). That way we will have all realms of vocals." To read the complete interview, go to: www.hiddenthrone.tk
Blabbermouth reports that drummer Dave Lombardo will be sitting behind the kit for all of SLAYER‘s upcoming touring activities "until late this year", according to an informed source. Meanwhile, the band’s version of STEPPENWOLF’s ‘Born To Be Wild’, will be included on the upcoming NASCAR-sponsored "Crank It Up" compilation CD.
THE HAUNTED have released a 2CD set in Japan that includes their new live album, "Live Rounds In Tokyo", plus "The Haunted Made Me Do It" album. The AT THE GATES cover, ‘Blinded By Fear’ is included as an exclusive Japanese bonus track.
ARCH ENEMY are confirmed to play this year’s Graspop Metal Meeting festival, which takes place on July 5th and 6th in Dessel, Belgium.
CHILDREN OF BODOM will record a new single this spring. It will be released in Finland on July 1st.
MORRIGAN release their new album, "Enter The Sea Of Flames" on April 20th through Germany’s Barbarian Wrath label. 666 hand numbered copies will be available. The band will perform at their record release party that night at Klub Kuckuksei in Nurtingen, Germany. Other bands on the bill will include EMINENZ, SCHATTENREICH and KARKADAN.
MEGIDDO‘s "The Atavism Of Evil" and GRAVEWURM‘s "Dark Souls Of Hell" albums will be out through Barbarian Wrath in May.
WIND OF THE BLACK MOUNTAINS will release their new album, "Feasting On Christ", this fall through Barbarian Wrath. Also due this fall is SITHLORD‘s "Defend The Faith" and HERETIC‘s "Devilworshipper".
Witches Brew is a new sub-label of Barbarian Wrath. So far the label has signed three acts: SCYTHE, HATEWORK and THARGOS, with other deals in the works. Go to www.witches-brew.org for MP3’s of all the signed bands. Acts looking for deals can e-mail the label at witchesbrew@witches-brew.org
MARDUK will spend two months on the road in the US supporting DANZIG from May 29th. Meanwhile, the band’s limited edition "Blackcrowned" box set is more or less sold out. All copies have been shipped out to all the distributors worldwide.
The release date for the fifth LUNAR AURORA full-length is still uncertain at this point of time. Even though the album is recorded for quite some time it seems that the band’s label Ars Metalli is currently into big financial trouble, so only time will tell whether "Elixir Of Sorrow" will be released through them or any other company in the near future. No matter what, in about 2 – 3 months from now Aran, Whyrhd and Sindar will already start pre-production for their sixth album. Fans of the band should furthermore watch out for two split EP’s that are coming up soon. One will be a 12" and features GRABNEBELFÜRSTEN, PEST, NOCTE OBDUCTA and probably NAGELFAR. The other one might consist of tracks by MIGHTIEST, NAGLFAR, SECRETS OF THE MOON, DIE PEST and SCHWARZE GALLE.
Florida’s HATE ETERNAL are in the studio, putting the finishing touches on "King Of All Kings", the follow-up to 1999’s "Conquering the Throne". The band (comprised of guitarist / vocalist / mastermind Erik Rutan, bassist Jared Anderson, and drummer Derek Roddy) are recording the new album at Rutan’s own studio, Dimensional Sound Studio in Tampa, Florida. Rutan took time out of his whirlwind recording schedule to put together this exclusive report on the recording of the new album: "So far the recording process has been tremendous. Jared, Derek, and I all got great tones to tape and incredible performances. I feel way better than even I anticipated. I feel this is a great follow up to "Conquering The Throne". It has been a lot of hard work since I am engineering and producing this at my own studio as well as playing all the guitars and singing but the end result will be so gratifying. The sound of this album is much better than the first album with better drum tones and better everything. The material on this album can be described in one word: Evil. Anyone who liked our first effort will love this album as well. It is still Hate Eternal Brutal Death Metal but I feel this album is more diverse while still true to what we are all about. The title "King Of All Kings" is a continuation of "Conquering The Throne" and is a testament to self-will and the desire to achieve greatness. We have and always will have the goal to be one of the best Death metal bands of all time and that is something we do not take lightly. Some people thought Hate Eternal was a one time wonder side project. Quite the contrary! We are a massive force that will not stop recording or touring, for the sake of keeping Death Metal alive and fresh. Jared, Derek, and I are 110% committed to continuing the path we have set forth for ourselves, so surprise, surprise, we’re back and here to stay! Be prepared!" -Erik Rutan / Hate Eternal, March 26, 2002.
Stefan Hanus (guitar) has left FLESHCRAWL. The band is now looking for a new guitar player in Germany. Here’ the official statement from Stefan: "Having been guitar player in Fleshcrawl for more then 10 years I recently decided to retire from music business. Of course, this was a very hard decision for myself. Being guitar player in Fleshcrawl has always been a great experience and we have always had a great time together. However, the reason for my decision is quite simple: In the future I want to have more time for my private life – I also intend to do some longer trips abroad. But of course I will continue being a fan of Death Metal music! As long as my friends in Fleshcrawl will need to find a successor I intend to continue to play guitar on their live shows – just to help them out. Thank you very much to all of you and to the guys in Fleshcrawl for a fuckin’ great decade of Death Metal! – Stefan Hanus." Guitarists that are interested to join FLESHCRAWL should contact the band for further details at Kill@fleshcrawl.de or via snailmail: FLESHCRAWL, Finkenweg 17, 89257 Illertissen, Germany
Mighty Music have signed DIM MAK (ex – RIPPING CORPSE) for the European territory (licensed from Dies Irea Prod.). The European version of the band’s upcoming new album "Intercepting Fist" will be released with one bonus track and completely different front cover and layout to the US version (Olympic Records). Release date is set for June 2002. "Intercepting Fist" has been produced and mixed by Eric Rutan (Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal) – an old friend of DIM MAK and former member of Ripping Corpse.
Hammerheart Records just announced the signing of the Swedish band HEARSE. The core of the band consists of Johan Liiva (vocals and bass) and Max Thornell (drums), with the addition of Mattias Ljung (guitars). Johan and Max played together from 1990 up until 1994 in the band FURBOWL (two albums released) and Johan Liiva is furthermore known for the vocals on the first three ARCH ENEMY-albums. A 7" as well as a full-length album will be released before Autumn 2002, of which the latter might include a cover of the Pet Shop Boys’ classic ‘It’s A Sin’.
NINNGHIZHIDDA from Germany have finished the recording and mixing / mastering of their new album "Demigod" for Displeased Records. The release date is May 13th 2002. The first 2000 copies will come as a limited digipak.
"Legend", the new album of Japanese Black Metal heroes TYRANT, is in its final preparation stage before the official release. The new songs are supposed to be somewhat more melodic, without losing the pure evil touch they presented on their debut. The cover artwork comes from Petagno. The release date is May 13th 2002.
INTERNAL SUFFERING from Colombia have finished the recording and mastering of their new opus "Chaotic Matrix" for Displeased Records. Expect some brutal blasting tornado Death / Grind in the vein of Devourment, Suffocation and early Cryptopsy. Release-date: May 25th 2002. With great success INTERNAL SUFFERING supported Cannibal Corpse on a mini tour through Colombia earlier this month. At the moment they are in full preparation of the North American Extermination tour II 2002 with over 20 US dates.
DEFORMITY from Belgium finished recording their second full-length, "Superior" at Excess studios, Rotterdam. Mastering will take place at the famous Electric Studios in Brussels. Set to be released on Displeased Records on May 25th 2002. Deformity started out years ago as an H 8000 Hardcore act, soon to transform into a demonic hateful brutal deathcore infested entity, with oppressing extreme music and lyrics. Think high-octane Cannibal Corpse-meets-Morbid Angel in a bloody sacrificial ritual.
The mysterious northern warriors of UNLORD manifest with their latest and last opus "Lord Of beneath". The new album is supposed to be a perfect mix of their fast pacing debut and their somewhat more melodic second album. After this album UNLORD will disappear into obscurity forever. Expect an May 2002 release.
Displeased Records will release a limited vinyl version of the upcoming DESTROYER 666 album, named "Cold Steel… For An Iron Age". With different artwork this LP will be a true collector’s item for sure. Expected late April 2002.
In May 2002 "Smells Like Team Spirit IV" will be available, with new and unreleased tracks a.o. by Vesperian Sorrow, Even Song, Alchemist and Nunslaughter. Cover art will be delivered by Kris Verwimp (of Marduk and Absu fame).
For European territory Displeased Records licensed both latest efforts of PHOBIA and MENTAL HORROR from US based label Deathvomit / Necropolis. PHOBIA hails from California USA, playing their typical crusty variant of Death / Grind, highly inspired by the originators Terrorizer, Nausea (LA) and early Napalm Death. MENTAL HORROR from Brazil are playing some total over-the-edge insane ultra Death Metal, something like Krisiun or Angel Corpse on speed. "Serenity Through Pain" (PHOBIA) and "Proclaiming Vengeance" (with two Europe only bonus tracks, MENTAL HORROR) are both available now.
Recorded at Mother Mary’s Vagina Studios in early July 2001, the new NUNSLAUGHTER album will finally be released on May 25th, 2002 as a limited (500) vinyl edition (of which the first 200 will have white vinyl and a NUNSLAUGHTER badge) and CD, with different cover art.
With the help of Paul Tucker of SATHANAS, From Beyond Productions will release the "Early Years" album of SATHANAS and BATHYM. With overlaping line-ups, both bands stood at the birth of the American Black Metal scene in the late eighties / early ninties, and are hailed in the entire underground scene ever since. The CD will cover the demos and 7" releases of both bands, as well as tons of unreleased, live and rehearsal material. The SATHANAS / BATHYM – "Jaws Of Satan" CD will be released May 25th, 2002.
From the isolated Russian underground scene hails SCRAMBLED DEFUNCTS, a Death Metal act in the veins of Cannibal Corpse, Deeds of Flesh and Mortician. To promote the band’s activities, From Beyond Productions will release a limited 7", with two new tracks, in the summer 2002.
REINFECTION from Poland will very shortly record a limited 7" entitled "Good Efficient Butchery" for From Beyond Productions, containing some new material. The release is set for summer 2002.
The professionally recorded and produced debut album "Systematic Terror Decimation" by Indonesian’s ABSOLUTE DEFIANCE (formerly known as VILE), which was previously only locally released on cassette, was finally released on CD. The CD version contains the same tracks plus their promo 2001 tracks as a bonus.
From Beyond Productions has just released the LP version of the discography album of Chilean cult Black / Thrashers PENTAGRAM. The LP includes both legendary late eighties demos as well as 2 live tracks, capturing the essence of this influential band, hailed by the likes of Dave Rotten (Avulsed), Mitch Harris (Napalm Death) and Wannes (Pentacle).
INSISION‘s new album, "Beneath The Folds Of Flesh", is out through Earache / Wicked World on April 29th. The tracklisting: ‘World Impaled’, ‘Trapped Within’, ‘Sado God’, ‘Temple Of Flesh’, ‘Rewind Into Chaos’, ‘Impamiiz Graa’, ‘My Fever’, ‘Before My Altar’ and ‘Ex Oblivion’.
HATE ETERNAL are in the studio, putting the finishing touches on their new album, "King Of All Kings". Recording at guitarist / vocalist Erik Rutan’s own Dimensional Sound Studio in Tampa, the band has declared "King Of All Kings" to be "beyond anything done up to now".
GRAVE entered Stockholm, Sweden’s Sunlight Studios on March 3rd with producer Tomas Skogsberg to complete work on their forthcoming album, "Back From The Grave". A June release through Century Media is expected. The band’s new line-up includes: Ola Lindgren (guitars / vocals), Jonas Torndal (guitar), Jensa Paulsson (drums), and Fredrik "Fredda" Isaksson (bass, ex-THERION).
ARCH ENEMY are now confirmed for Friday, April 5th at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival and on Saturday, April 6th at the New Jersey Metal Fest.
KRISIUN will join SEPULTURA on the main stage of South America’s largest independent festivals, Abril Pro Rock on April 20th.
CADAVER INC. are confirmed to play Metal Meltdown IV in Asbury Park, NJ on April 5th. Following this appearance the band will embark on their first US tour. Dates begin on April 7th at the Fireside Bowl in Chicago, IL and wrap up on April 14th at Common Grounds in Gainesville, FL.
DARK FUNERAL‘s upcoming tour with CANNIBAL CORPSE, INCANTATION and PISSING RAZORS kicks off on March 29th at the Emerson Theatre in Indianapolis, IN. The tour winds up with a show on May 5th at the Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Over the next few weeks, several Season Of Mist acts will hit the road. While PENUMBRA tour France with WITHIN TEMPTATION, DESTROYER 666 are playing the No Mercy Festivals and THE CREST will be supporting MORTIIS.
ISENGARD‘s "Vinterskugge" album is out through Peaceville US on May 21st.
Norway’s FORLORN were a Viking metal band with only two members, therefore a studio band that never toured. The band is now a five piece including GEHENNA’s former vocalist Dolgar. The band plan to release a new album through Napalm in August and hope to tour in support of the release.
MARDUK are confirmed to play this year’s With Full Force festival in Leipzig, Germany on July 5th / 6th. This show will feature the debut of new drummer, Emil Dragutinovic. Other acts on the bill include SLAYER, MOTORHEAD and IMMORTAL.
Season Of Mist are set to release MAYHEM‘s catalogue on vinyl LP’s. "Deathcrush", "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas", "Wolf’s Lair Abyss" and "Grand Declaration Of War" will all be included in the limited edition box (2,000 only), along with a 7" single containing two previously unreleased songs recorded after "Deathcrush", with Dead doing the vocals.
On April 9th, American / Universal will reissue the following SLAYER catalogue titles: "Divine Intervention", "South Of Heaven", "Live: Decade Of Aggression", "Reign In Blood" and "Seasons In The Abyss".
Cogumelo Records will finally release the first two albums by HEADHUNTER D.C. on CD in May or June. The CD will feature the band’s ’89 demo "Hell Is Here" as bonus!
In an interview with Hidden Throne zine DEFLESHED‘s Gustaf revealed the following news: "In June we’ll record our new album in Berno Studios for three weeks. It will be titled ”Royal Straight Flesh” and the music will definitely sound like Defleshed only that we mix in a few heavier parts like for example on the ”Under The Blade” album. Yet there are a lot more songs to write, but I think ”Royal Straight Flesh” will disappoint no one that liked us before…" To read the complete interview, go to: www.hiddenthrone.tk
HATE FOREST have entered the studio on March 24 to record their third album. Musically it is supposed to be in the vein of "Blood And Fire", but more epic. Meanwhile, the band is working on the artwork for "The Gates", their second album. "The Most Ancient Ones", their debut full-lenth, has generated positive interest so that its first pressing is almost gone already. The cassette format of "The Most Ancient Ones" should be ready in about two weeks. You can find out more about this band and download an mp3 from the following URL: www.supernalmusic.com/labels/supernal/hate_forest.htm.
THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL / MAYHEM split 10" picture disc will be released on May 27. The tracks from THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL are new ones, while the MAYHEM tracks are the only studio tracks MAYHEM ever recorded in the studio with the classic line-up. The picture disc will be limited to 500 copies. You can download an MEADS OF ASPHODEL mp3 from the following URL: www.supernalmusic.com/labels/supernal/meads_asphodel.htm
Supernal Music have a number of re-issues planed for this year, including BEHEMOTH‘s "From The Pagan Vastlands", DEINONYCHUS "Ark Of Thought" and MAYHEM "Out From The Dark" picture disc.
DEW-SCENTED have added Hendrik Bache as a second guitar player to their touring line-up. The band’s new album "Inwards" has been out in Europe, America and Japan for some weeks now. Additionally it has been licensed to Irond Records for a domestic release in Russia. Make sure to visit the label’s homepage in case you were wondering on how to obtain the record over there: www.irond.ru DEW-SCENTED is extensively playing out live throughout the next couple of months, so make sure to check out our tourdates section in order not to miss a show in your area.
The long wait finally seems to be over – the vinyl version of PENTACLE‘s "Ancient Death" MLP is supposed to be out in a couple of weeks.
If everything works out fine, the overdue POSSESSED tribute album will see the light of day after all. Due to the fact that the label who original wanted to put it out all of a sudden had disappeared from the face of the earth, frontman / bassplayer Jeff Becerra most recently gave Dark Realm Records the permission to release this tribute.