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Usually we wouldn’t feature any METALLICA related news, but this was so fresh and spectacular (well, in a way…) that we simply had to share it with you straight away: STATEMENT FROM THE MEMBERS OF METALLICA – Metallica regrets to announce that after 14 years as Metallica’s bass player, Jason Newsted has chosen to leave the band. Jason Newsted: "Due to private and personal reasons, and the physical damage that I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love, I must step away from the band. This is the most difficult decision of my life, made in the best interest of my family, myself, and the continued growth of Metallica. I extend my love, thanks, and best wishes to my brothers: James, Lars, and Kirk and the rest of the Metallica family, friends, and fans whom have made these years so unforgettable." Newsted joined Metallica from Flotsam And Jetsam in the fall of 1986 after the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton. He participated in the recording of 6 Metallica albums (…And Justice For All, Metallica, Load, Re-Load, Garage Inc., and S&M) which have sold over 55 million copies world-wide to date. In addition, he played on numerous world-wide tours to millions of fans representing over 1000 gigs in all. While with Metallica, the band won countless awards including 5 Grammy Awards and 2 MTV Video Music Awards. James Hetfield: "Playing with someone who has such unbridled passion for music will forever be a huge inspiration. On stage every night, he was a driving force to us all, fans and band alike. His connection will never be broken." Lars Ulrich: "We part ways with Jason with more love, more mutual respect, and more understanding of each other than at any other point in the past. James, Kirk and I look forward to embracing the next chapter of Metallica with both a huge amount of appreciation for the last 14 years with Jason and the excitement of rising to the challenges that lay ahead to make Metallica shine brighter than ever." In the spring, Metallica will begin writing and recording a new studio album with release sometime in late 2001 or early 2002. Kirk Hammett: "Jason is our brother. He will be missed."
ANASARCA‘s second album, "Moribund" will finally be released in January/February.
Swedish SOLAR DAWN will release a MCD, entitled "Frost-Work", in January/February. In February the band enters The Abyss Studio to record the debut album, Equinoctium. Solar Dawn featues members from Unmoored and Jocke Petterson (Dawn, Thy Primordial etc.) will play session drums on the debut album.
The release of ENTER MY SILENCE‘s debutalbum, "Remotecontrolled Scythe", has been postponed to March. The band is said to appeal directly to fans of modern melodic (death) metal. Niklas Sundin of Dark Tranquility is responsible for the coverartwork.
Maltas Death/Grinder BEHEADED released a new MCD entitled Resurgence Of Oblivion in November 2000. The band is focusing on extremely brutal, groovy and violent death/grind in the US vein. The forthcoming second full lengh album will be recorded during the summer and is to be released by Mighty Music in November.
PANZERCHRIST‘s new album Soul Collector (one of the best selling titles on Mighty Music ever) was never officially released in Germany due to the fact that the distributor found the album to be too right-wing oriented. Once again the band and Mighty Music would like to underline that Panzerchrist is NOT a right-wing oriented band!!!
The well established US Death Metal band FLESHTIZED will release their new album Here Among Thorns in May. According to their label Mighty Music you can expect "tight, in-your-face grinding death metal that leaves nothing behind for Morbid Angel and Immolation!" The album will include a superb cover of Morbid Angel’s Rapure. Jacob Hansen (Illdisposed, Without Grief, Autumn Leaves etc.) will be responsible for the mix.
American Thrash veterans CRONIC DISORDER will release their second album Torture Test through Mighty Music in May. The band is playing heavy, aggressive thrash/death in the vein of new Testament and Incubus/Opprobrium!
Latest signing to Mighty Music is Brazilian NEPHASTH. This band is managed by Massive Mangement (Vader, Dies Irae, Decapitated etc.) and their debut album Immortal Unholy Triumph is planned to be released in May. Nephasth are playing ultra tight death metal and might be the next big thing from Brazil.
GUIDANCE OF SIN and Mighty Music have decided to part way with eachother. Guidance Of Sin is currently looking for a new deal.
Danish Death Metal legends INIQUITY will enter the Aabenraa Studio together with Jacob Hansen during summer to record their long awaited third full-length album. The new album is expected to be faster, dirtier and more brutal.
SACRIFICIAL from Denmark is planning to enter the Berno Studio (The Haunted, Vomitory, Deranged etc.) in the end of 2001. According to the band the new style is less complex, more simple, catchy – and in your face, but still thrashing deathrash.
Danish Death/Industrial outfit PARKINSON is still preparing their forthcoming debut album Lebensraum.
Danish CORPSE VOMIT is still concentrading on drinking and smoking dope… a reeking split-7"ep is planned for 2001.
RAVENTHRONE‘s new full-length "Endless Conflict Theorem" will be available mid 2001. To contact the band please make sure to use the following (NEW!) e-mail address: pazuzu@home.com (mails regarding PAZUZU can of course be send to that address as well).
Italy’s epic Black Metal band STORMLORD has signed a new deal with Scarlet Records! After leaving their previous label Last Episode, the band will return with a 7 track mini cd entitled ‘The Curse Of Medusa’. It will contain 2 songs that will also appear on the next full-length album, 2 exclusive songs, a cover-version of the Death SS-classic ‘Baphomet’ (remixed and with new vocals, bass and keyboard parts), and two live songs (one of them will be the cover of ‘Creeping Death’) recorded during the last Stormlord gig in Rome on 14 December 99. The mcd will be out in April.
Also signed to Scarlet Records is the Danish newcomer HATESPHERE. The band plays a Scandinavian hard-edged style of Death Metal (THE HAUNTED & ENTOMBED) with incorporated 80s Bay-Area thrash metal influences. Their self-titled debut album was produced by Jacob Hansen and will be released in April 2001 with a simultaneous release also in Japan through Soundholic / Tokuma.
IMPIETY are signed to Osmose now.
ENSLAVED are nominated for the Norwegian Grammy Awards.
Pavement Music are re-issuing some of their best selling titles. The Classic Series titles will be remixed, remastered and enhanced for your computer. The CD’s will include pictures, bio information, lyrics, videos (if available) and more. Up first in the series are: MALEVOLENT CREATION – Eternal, FORBIDDEN – Green, JUNGLE ROT – Slaughter The Weak, SOLITUDE AETURNUS – Through The Darkest Hour and INTERNAL BLEEDING – Voracious Contempt.
Pavement will release OPPRESSOR‘s classic "Solstice Of Oppression" on February 13th. The album has been out of print for many years now and was originally released on Red Light Records. This version includes updated artwork, remastered music and never released bonus tracks.
CHILDREN OF BODOM‘s new album, "Follow The Reaper", has been embraced by the Metal masses as the band’s best work to date. Their unique fusion of speed and death/black metal elements caused a buzz with their 1998 debut Something Wild, that buzz having since become a roar of approval by many. The way guitarist/singer/songwriter Alexi Laiho tells it, however, Follow The Reaper had the potential to be a huge flop. "When I started writing the music for this album I was under a lot of pressure," Laiho admits. "A lot of people were asking me, ‘What are you going to do now since you can’t do Hatebreeder Part II? How are you going to beat Hatebreeder?’ That totally fucked me up; I was sitting there thinking ‘What the hell am I supposed to write?’ I eventually ended up writing complete crap: I wasn’t satisfied with it at all. I was thinking about every single riff – ‘Are people going to like this or not?’ – and not about what I wanted to do. I just decided to put everything on the table and not care about what other people are going to like. After that it wasn’t hard to write the music at all." As for the recent trash talking that has been going on, with some people (as seen on our mighty Braveboard at www.bravewords.com) trying to tear down the band for their seemingly widespread appeal, Laiho remains unaffected. "I don’t really pay attention to that sort of shit. It doesn’t have anything to do with what we’re doing, and if we do start paying attention to that it’s just really going to fuck everything up. If people want to talk shit about us, then go ahead. You know, I thought that no one was going to like our stuff when the first album came out because it wouldn’t be black metal enough for the black metal people and vice versa with the speed metal crowd. But, you know, if someone has a problem with it, too fucking bad. That’s their problem."
According to knac.com, TESTAMENT are in the studio working on tracks for a Spring/Summer release, to be produced by Andy Sneap. The band are also planning re-recordings of their first few Megaforce albums. "We’re planning to re-do the best tunes from the early records, only it’ll sound better with current technology and our current lineup, which kicks ass," states Eric Peterson. "It’s just gonna sound CRUSHING." That project is scheduled to be released in limited edition before the new studio album. Peterson’s first solo project, DRAGONLORD, is also nearing completion. "The ironic thing is, almost all the guys I recorded this disc with ended up in Testament! The music is totally different from Testament. It’s way more gothic, classically influenced melodic music, with strings, a choir, harpsichords and lots of screaming and hair pulling. The sound is kinda DIMMU BORGIR crossed with EMPEROR. Dragonlord features keyboardist Lyle Livingston (PSYPHERIA), drummer John Allen (ex-SADUS), bassist Steve DiGiorgio (ex-DEATH/ICED EARTH) and guitarist Steve Smyth (ex-VICIOUS RUMORS. The disc is produced by Peter Tägtren.
DEATH are set to release "Live At The Whiskey A Go-Go" on Nuclear Blast. The album features the best tracks of every Death era in powerful live performances. More details as they become available.
CRADLE OF FILTH are planning to donate a track to the forthcoming TWISTED SISTER Tribute.
BORKNAGAR‘s Quintessence is nominated for the Norwegian Alarm Award in the category Best Metal Album. To vote for the band, click on www.alarmweb.org/metal.shtml – one vote is allowed in each category. For everyone who already passed their votes, due to reasons unknown the counter has been reset and all votes were deleted. Please vote again. This award is the official award from alternative music press and radio-stations in Norway.
The CANNIBAL CORPSE, DIMMU BORGIR, THE HAUNTED and LAMB OF GOD tour will start in April and continues through the first week of May.
Prophecy Productions have started a new label, Ember Music. The label will focus on releasing "intense music", and among it’s first releases will be albums from NAERVAER, TENHI and EMPYRIUM.
EMPYRIUM are busy recording a new album, Weiland, to be released on the new Ember Music label. The album is described as being "dark, very atmospheric and challenging".
BLAZING ETERNITY‘s bassist, Magnus "Darkenfald" Ringling has left the band. Anders I. Kristiansen is the new bass player. The bands new album will be recorded later in 2001.
BETHLEHEM will begin recording their next album, Schatten Aus Der Alexander Welt, in March. The album will be produced by Markus Stock.
CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN has been picked up by Necropolis’ Deathvomit Records. Look for a new release from the band this Spring.
AMICUSS is a band formed by Killjoy of NECROPHAGIA and Casey Kaos of AMEN. They are on the verge of signing with Virgin Records and plan on working with Ross Robinson for their debut full-length.
WOLFEN SOCIETY, the new project featuring members of ACHERON, DARK FUNERAL, INCANTATION and THE ELECTRIC HELLFIRE CLUB, have been forced to delay the release of their forthcoming MCD, Conquer Divine. It seems that someone at Thorn/Apple Studios recorded over the title song on the bands DAT tape. They now have to go back into the studio to re-record the track. The band apologize for the delay and say they will get the disc out as soon as possible.
ABLAZE MY SORROW vocalist Martin Qvist is out of the band, again. His replacement is singer Kristian Lönnsjö (ex-DEIFICATION). The band have composed eight new songs. Some titles: ‘Erase/Relieved’, ‘Ad Libitum’, ‘Slit Wide Open’ and ‘Suicidal’.
DARK FUNERAL are busy writing songs for their third album. They are scheduled to enter the Abyss Studio with Peter Tagtgren on January 24th, with the recording expected to take four weeks. The album is scheduled to be released in May, followed by festival gigs during the Summer and a massive headlining tour after that.
LORD BELIAL guitarist Pepa af Vassago has left the band for personal reasons. His replacement is Plague (MASTEMA, B.E.A.S.T.). For more on Pepa’s departure check out the bands website, www.lordbelial.com.
KULT OV AZAZEL, who are currently gearing up for an April tour with MALEVOLENT CREATION and MONSTROSITY, are looking for the 2 weeks worth of dates. Anyone interested please contact the band at KultOvAzazel@aol.com. Double bass and speed is a must. To hear the band, the track ‘My Misanthropy’ can be found at www.mp3.com/KultovAzazel.
DEW-SCENTED have a new website. You can check it out at www.dew-scented.de Their old e-mail address dew-scented@geocities.com is no longer in service. They can be reached at info@dew-scented.de from now on. The songwriting for their fourth album is progressing and they have 8 new tracks done. 2-3 more are planned (maybe also another cover track of some of their old Thrash Metal heroes…). The album will be recorded again for Grind Syndicate Media / NBR and produced by Andy Classen at Stage One Studios in late May 2001. Even though nothing concrete has been decided on yet, the album title will start with an "i" once again (as usual…).
DIM MAK‘s second album, "Intercepting Fist" will be out on Dies Irae Productions. The band has begun recording from the 6th to 20th January 2001. They’ve flown over to Florida for this next effort and it is engineered, produced and mastered by Erik Rutan himself in his very own studio, Dimensional Sound Studios. If everything goes as planned, it should be safe to say that a March / April release is possible. Paw Nielsen will most likely be doing the artwork again this time.
FLY MACHINE, formerly known as the mighty CONFESSOR have inked a deal with Dies Irae Productions. Tentatively, the recording will commence sometime in June 2001. All further info at the following address: Dies Irae Productions, attn: Falmi, P.O. Box 337, Yishun Central Post Office, S(917612), Singapore, Phone/Fax: ++(65) 752 1056, e-mail: falmi@singnet.com.sg / dayofwrath@mailcityasia.com, Website: www.members.tripod.com/rickvasp/Main.html
The following news we just received by Rick Cortez of the mighty SADISTIC INTENT: "The question at the moment for us is obviously "what is going on with the recording?". It is actually a bit of a long story but I will keep it as basic as possible. The truth is we have not been in the studio the whole time. Unfortunately we came across problems with the so called "producer" because of his unprofessionalism, which ultimately circumstanced in putting us at a "legal" halt! At that instance we wanted to post this information on our web site but we were advised not to do so. Regardless, that situation alone took about half a year to resolve, not including the other times we were put on hold throughout the session for different reasons! If you add up all the periods that we have been out of the studio it comes out to nearly a year!! The general concurrence seems to be "I read this magazine and it states the record should be out by" so and so dates. Once again, that can also be attributed to the "producer". The original release date was an honest mistake due to optimism and that is certainly not an issue. It was later on when he informed Necropolis Records including us that it was imperative to conclude the recording due to the fact he had some other "big" project which had to be completed. On account of him being the "producer" he was estimating the time it would take him to finish. Since we were towards the final stages of the recording process his notion of conclusion was not a far fetched one. However when another release date was missed, we notified him not to make any more promises if the deadlines could not be met but he did so anyway. Altogether it occurred a few times consequently resulting in the number of wrong release dates! Nevertheless, the bottom line is we finally got our reels back and now we can move forward once again. We’re very excited about our debut full-length and are honored that Necropolis Records will be the ones to release it! Although we are proud of the musical art of "Resurrection" and "Ancient Black Earth", our perception of the work on this record is our strongest thus far! We have managed to incorporate some more growth in our newer material, yet, it still retains the Extreme Metal essence our underground following has come to know us by. We are currently in search of another studio to work with so "The Second Coming" is imminent!! Darkness shall prevail!!!"
KAM LEE decided not to work with the guys from EQUINOX anymore and hooked up with ex- DARK ANGEL / DREAMS OF DAMNATION man Jim Durkin for his KAULDRON project instead. Kam commented on this new situation in his latest newsletter as follows: "Jim has already begun writing the material and I have already begun putting the lyrics to that material. A ruff draft version of song #1 was sent to me, and I must say that it is so fucking dark / doomy & heavy!! The current working title for the track is: ‘Exquisite Corpse’ and yes it is all that morbid necrophilia type stuff you know I like to write about!" Furthermore the Death / Gore project CADAVERIZER (with Matt and Cole from EXHUMED) is also in the making. Three songs are completely finished already, three more in the making. And if that’s still not enough for you, feel free to order yourself a copy of the 1998 demo of Kam’s Black / Death / Horror Metal solo project PHLEGETHON for $5 (US) / $6 (rest of the world). Send well hidden cash to the following address: Kam Lee, P.O. Box 521401, Longwood, FL 32752, U.S.A.
According to DIMMU BORGIR‘s official website (www.dimmu-borgir.com), the band’s new album, Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia, is set to be released on March 12th. In no particular order, the following tracks will appear on the album: Intro (possible title – ‘Fear And Wonder’), ‘Blessings Upon The Throne Of Tyranny’, ‘IndoctriNation’, ‘Sympozium’, ‘The Maelstrom Mephisto’, ‘Hybrid Stigmata – The Apostasy’, ‘Puritania’, ‘Perfection Or Vanity’, ‘Kings Of The Carnival Creation’, ‘Absolute Sole Right’ and ‘Architecture Of A Genocidal Nature’. The track ‘Burn In Hell’ (TWISTED SISTER cover), will appear on a limited edition digi-pack and the bonus track ‘Devil’s Path’ featuring Andy la Roque will be included on the Japanese release.
On February 21st Music For Nations will re-issue two CRADLE OF FILTH albums in Japan. Cruelty And The Beast includes three bonus tracks: ‘Black Metal’ (VENOM cover), ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’ (IRON MAIDEN cover) and ‘Sodomy And Lust’ (SODOM). Dusk And Her Embrace includes two bonus tracks: ‘Hell Awaits’ and ‘Nocturnal Supremacy ’96’
NASUM, EXHUMED and MORTICIAN have been confirmed for the 2001 bill at the Wacken Open Air Festival
Norway’s DARKTHRONE see their 1993 album, Under A Funeral Moon, re-issued through Peaceville on February 16th.
Necropolis Records has signed Death Metal legends INCANTATION. The band released the following statement regarding this worldwide agreement: "We are anxious about working with a label that has its foundation built on blasphemous music. Death Metal with antichristian beliefs isn’t understood by most record company types, it takes real fans of the music to do the right job. We anticipate our debut album with our new brothers of METAL!!" The band will release their Necropolis Records debut in late summer/early fall 2001 and will be touring the US with IMMOLATION and GOATWHORE in March.
MALEVOLENT CREATION will begin their North American tour this April after returning from Europe. The tour is being handled by First Row Talent booking agency. Interested bands, concert promoters, venues can contact John Finberg at (818) 994-9544 or FirstRowTalent@aol.com This will be Malevolent Creation’s first North American tour in over 2 years. The band is preparing for their invasion on Europe, beginning February 3rd with IN AETERNUM, HATE PLOW and ROTTEN SOUND as support.
IMMOLATION have confirmed a record release show – on Sunday January 14th the band world premier songs off their new release, Close To A World Below, at CBGB’s in New York City. A full national tour will begin in March. Opening the show will be labelmates CATASTROPHIC featuring OBITUARY’s Trevor Peres and LAMB OF GOD. Also on the bill will be SKINLESS, SUMMON, BLOODSTORM, GOREPHOBIA and CEREMONIUM. Tickets are available through www.cbgb.com
Lost Disciple artists AVERSE SEFIRA will release their new album, Battle’s Clarion, in late February or early March. The band have ditched their drum machine and have brought in a real drummer, Mark.
Former HATE ETERNAL drummer Tim Yeung has joined AGIEL. A full-length demo is due from the band this Spring.
DYING FETUS, DIECAST and ALL OUT WAR are on the road in the US from January 10 (Albany, NY) until January 23 (Rochester, NY). Dying Fetus bassist/vocalist Jason Netherton has left the band on good terms due to numerous personal reasons. His replacements are bassist Derek Boyer (DEPRECATED) and vocalist Vince Matthews (SADISTIC TORMENT, AUTUMN DAWN).
The Brazilian Assault is the second installment from Relapse’s Global Assault Series, including four violent acts: ABHORRENCE, MENTAL HORROR, OPHIOLATRY and NEPHASTH.
KULT OV AZAZEL have finished recording their debut album titled, Triumph Of Fire, for Arctic Music. The album was recorded at Studio 13, with Jeremy Staska (MALEVOLENT CREATION, HATE PLOW). However the band is still searching for a drummer. Interested persons should email the band at KultOvAzazel@aol.com
Arctic Music is looking for bands to contribute to their DARK ANGEL tribute album. Interested parties contact UAllDie@aol.com or Arctic Music Group, PO Box 23519, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33307, USA.
MORTICIAN‘s Domain of Death is due out on April 17th.
BURIAL plan to tour Europe this year with LIVIDITY. The band are also working on CANNIBAL CORPSE and SUFFOCATION covers for the respective tributes set to be released later this year.
NOCTUARY are busy setting up shows, including a stint in Mexico in the coming weeks.
PANDEMIA, currently on tour in Europe, recently had to replace their drummer due to symtoms concerning his hand joints. The band hope to hit the U.S. for some dates this Spring, and then release a new CD later in the year.
PESSIMIST are preparing to enter the studio to record their third album, which will feature new band members. The band are planning a full scale U.S. tour, a rescheduled Brazilian tour and possibly a European tour for later this year.
IMPALED NAZARENE’s new album, Decade Of Decadence, is out now through Osmose. The set features the extremely rare Shemhamforash demo, the Goat Perversion EP, four unreleased studio tracks and more.
TENEBRE‘s Mark Ov The Beast is out on January 12th through Regain Records.
DEVIL’S WHOREHOUSE will release The Howling, a mini album featuring four oringinal songs and four covers, through Regain on January 12th. The band features MARDUK members.
Italy’s ABORYM release Fire Walk With Us on January 26th through Scarlet. The album includes a cover version of a BURZUM track.
ABRUPTUM will release a three track EP, De Profundis Mors Vas Cousumet, through Regain on January 12th.
EMBRACED, featuring members of EVERGREY and MISTELEIN, release their album Within on January 12th through Regain.
Full Moon will release DIABOLI’s new album, Anthems Of Sorrow, on January 26th.
MALEVOLENT CREATION‘s tour with IN AETERNUM, HATE PLOW and ROTTEN SOUND will now begin on February 3rd at the Hydrogios Club in Thesaloniki, Greece. The tour wraps up on February 26th.
Florida based label Arctic Music are working on a compilation album that will feature unreleased material from MALEVOLENT CREATION, SICKNESS and HATE PLOW. Also set to be featured is music from KULT OF AZAZEL, BURNER, HIBERNUS MORTIS and BRUTAL MASTICATION. The album will be released sometime this year.
ABSCESS are back with a 13 song album, Tormented, due on January 23rd through Deathvomit/ Necropolis. The band features members of AUTOPSY, HEXX and DEATH. Tormented has the following tracklisting: ‘Rusted Blood’, ‘Filth Chamber’, ‘Tormented’, ‘Madness And Parasites’, ‘Deathscape In Flames’, ‘Street Trash’, ‘Halo Of Disease’, ‘Scratching At The Coffin’, ‘Ratbag’, ‘Death Runs Red’, ‘Wormwind’, ‘From Bleeding Skies’ and ‘Madhouse At The End Of The World’.
DEMENTOR‘s new album, Enslave The Weak, is out on January 26th through Osmose.
The following limited edition vinyl is currently available directly from Near Dark Productions: SOLSTICE/TWISTED TOWER DIRE split 10" picture disc – limited to 300 copies, TRIUMPHATOR 7" EP – limited to 300 copies and SORHIN’s Doden MCMXCVIII picture disc – three different fronts are available seperately or as a set to complete the Black Metal wall. Send orders to: Near Dark Productions – Box 40 – 860 30 Sorberge – Sweden
Arctic Music’s newest find BURNER will begin recording their debut album in February. The band features J.P. Soars from DIVINE EMPIRE.
Majestic Union Records’ METAL FOREVER compilation-CD 2000, which will be out soon, is going to include the following bands: Horresco Referens, Clamor (both Fra), Unholy Archangel, Royal Quest (Gre), Osh, Nokturnal, Bäd Influence (Ger), Berserk (Austria), Vastator (Chile), Cremation (Hol), Maelstrom (Nor), Nattas (Swe), King (Slovakia) and more! 14 unsigned Heavy / Thrash / Death / Doom Metal bands in total, full colour artwork (done by Panos Sounas), 16-20 paged booklet and it will be sold for just 7-8$! More details from: stef@majesticunion.de
There is a new release in the works, a farewell CD of Germany’s mighty R.U.DEAD?, which sadly split-up in ’98! Everybody should be familiar with that cult band, which includes former Poison members that released the infamous "Into the Abyss" MLP! The CD is going to feature material from over 10 years, including a total of 13 songs in 75 min., taken from their ’90 demo, "Hypnos" 7" ’92 (Morbid Records), "Nothing Will be Forgiven" MCD ’95 (still a few copies available, get in touch!), "A Thought Before the Kill" MLP ’97 (limited to 200 copies and totally sold out) and a yet unreleased song from March ’98 (the last recordings ever done)! "Completely Dead", which is the title of the CD, will be released in co-operation with Sempiternal Records from Chicago and is expected Spring 2001! "The style of the band has its roots in the music of Germany’s POISON which played Black/Death Metal long before it became a trend (’84-’87) and is therefore refering mostly to the Thrash/Death/Doom happenings of the 80s (Slayer/Pestilence/Death/Coroner/Trouble/ Venom etc.) without trying to be "retro" or "True Metal". The main goal of R.U.Dead? was to write powerful/heavy/RAW material with quite some variaton but without trying to follow any kind of trend like crossover, so-called "Gothic Metal" or Black/Grind-Noise bullshit" R.U.Dead? For further info contact Majestic Union Records at: stef@majesticunion.de
The following news section was compiled by Christophe Szpajdel from Belgium courtesy of his DEVIL’S ELIXIR newsletter:
MALEFACTOR are still intensely promoting their debut album and tries to establish a lot of contacts over here in view to realize their upcoming tour in february 2001. For the moment they don’t have any date fixed. You can check this band on the "Winds of the New Millennium" comp CD released by Demise records who in the meantime released debut albums from SOULLESS, CHEMICAL DISASTER; PETALON and some others. I must admit that I have nothing from this band, except the song they brought on the abovementioned comp CD, one reason more to mail them directly. MALEFACTOR plays a kind of own style, combining the aggressivity of old thrash, brutality of death metal and bewitching ambiance of dark horror/epic metal. A highly recommandable band to check out now! .. Malefactor can be contacted through lordvlad@bol.com.br
ABOMINATTION isn’t it the mythic band featuring Paul Speckmann on bass and vokills?. Oh dear how does Specky handle to rehearse with Krabathor in Czech Republic and with ABOMINATION in BRAZIL???? Mysterium et Bolla de Gomma! The other musicians are all originating from Italy but they turned to live in Brazil due to the abundance of delicious bucetinhas! Here we go: Fabio Suliani (guitars), Cipriano Maffei (drums), Luciano Zanotto (bass and vokillz) and Daniele Suliani (guitars). Anyway the new album is coming out and it’s called "Rites of Eternal Hate", 8 tracks of old school death metal in the pure tradition. I suppose you still could remember their previous single "Hated by the Flames". Guess what! The band will tour Europe in February and they are urgently looking for shows. So if you think you can help, please mail directly to: FSuliani@ucs.tche.br
IMPERIOUS MALEVOLENCE, extreme death metal from Brazil are still very urgently looking for as many gigs as possible for March, April and May for as many shows as possible and that everywhere. Remember they already played some single shows in Czech Republic, Germany and Belgium in August. All what the band asks is a sleeping place, food and drinks.and of course a massive support from all zines, labels, radiostations, fans. As very close friends of KRISIUN, they supported them on their latest BRAZILIAN tour and now they come to Europe, so please do them a favor if you wanna see live a particularly BRILLIANT band!!! Any last minute help is needed, mail directly to hellhorde@ig.com.br or darkdimension@ig.com.br or trevizan@netpar.com.br.
DESCEREBRATION; I suppose you already heard about this wild, womendesecrating death metal band from Brazil. Just imagine the perfect combination between KRISIUN and BLASPHEMY.Totally wild and demented death metal with the pure old school feeling! I just got their two song promo-tape featuring "Bastard Creation" and "Death Metal Forever". There are chances about doing some shows with DESTRÖYER666 but nothing is confirmed. Something highly recommandable. All mags, record labels, radios, maniacs who can help them in getting as many contacts over Europe, please mail them to: rodolfo@cpminas.com.br
NECROTERIO plays putrid death metal from Beyond, in the old Carcass/General Surgery/Necrony vein. After a brilliant demo "Putrid Glory" (1993) and a debut full-length CD "Lament of the Flesh", the band is actually trying to get in touch with all european zines, radios, maniacs and labels to start their european propaganda which will be followed by a tour. More Brazilian death metal to come over Europe later. Mail to: rottenscars@hotmail.com or putridglory@hotmail.com
SANATORIO from Brazil, not to be mixed up with the Slovak SANATORIUM are also planning a European tour somewhere in September. They have already three demo-tapes released so far: "House of Death" (1995), "Master of Lies" (1997) and the latest one "Rotten Penetration" (1999). If you like primitive death metal in the vein of SadistiK Exekution, this is the band you must absolutely check out. I have both their demos in my distribution as well. So you can mail me or to the band directly: mail to: sanatorio_death@hotmail.com
NEPHASTH from Brazil are currently recording their full-length album scheduled for January/February 2001. I don’t know which label is gonna release it but if this new stuff is in the same vein as their brilliant "The Merciless Faces of Evil" demo CD, be sure to keep an eye on one of the most promising band from Brazil right after the sensational REBAELLIUN. Keep an eye on this band and believe me they will kick your ass for sure! A European tour is confirmed for the middle of next year. Mail to: isoul@zaz.com.br
QUEIRON have just released their split CD with Mental Horror and now plans a real European tour in the fall of 2001. This is ultrafast avanger death-speed metal in the purest brazilian tradition. You know, these fast and sharp quitarleads like razorblades, this steamhammer fast and fanatic way of drumming and these aggressive vokills in the Sarcofago vein..Just the hottest band arising from Brazil, ready to invade Europe in 2001: mail to: queiron@bol.com.br
FUNERATUS is another fantastic death metal band band from Brazil, they are the soulbrothers of KRISIUN and will more than probably join QUEIRON on tour. For that please mail directly to their label, Mutilation Records, mutilation@uol.com.br The label also announces the release of another brazilian sensation, HOLDER.
SUHRIM. I already told you about this bulging death metal band from Belgium. They are around for more than 13 years in their infernal struggle. Actually they have a line up with TOP musicians from which the only original member is Johan who deals with the bass and the necrobulging vokills. If you are really having a fuckin’ball, then be sure to mail to them as they are really looking for a lot of concerts all over Europe. johan.antonissen@pandora.be
ICONOCLASM are now worldwide recognized as the Cult Session Maniacs and nobody can forget their Cult666Session tour with LIMBONIC ART, REBAELLIUN and the infamous MYSTIC CIRCLE. I know not many people were present at the shows on this tour except East-Germany and Poland but who cares? Their debut album "Marching Evil" is still not released and nobody know which label is gonna bring it out. Anyway on Saturday 17th of february I organize the official release party of "Marching Evil" in the Frontline, Gent and the special guests will be: ARKHON INFAUSTUS (fra), HOMICIDE(ger) plus some more to be announced. Anyway for more info, you can mail to: iconoclasm666@hotmail.com
ENTHRONED are entering in the studio in Gelsenkirchen, Germany to record their upcoming album "Armoured Bestial Hell". According to the new songs I have heard on their two last shows, the material for this album will be in the purest ENTHRONED tradition, so if you adore the previous releases, you will be ravished by the brutality of the last album concocted by the bodega-masters.The release party will have place in April 2001 in the Frontline, Gent with DESASTER, PENTACLE, CIRITH GORGOR and some other additional guests I will announce you right in time.
INFERNAL LEGION from Belgium are preparing a new album on LSP, this 80s thrash/black metal band already shared various stages in Belgium , Netherlands (where they opened for VADER), in France (opening for MORBID ANGEL in Strasbourg and DEICIDE in Paris). Actually the band is open for every gig proposal all over Europe. A french mini-tour is also planned. Keep in mind that the mini-cd "Die and Become" is nearly sold out. In the meantime you can check them out on the LUGBURZ belgian metal webpage. Mail to: Peter Noens, Vuldershoek 28, 2230 Herselt, Belgium.
THRONEUM, do you remember this fantastic old school dark/death metal band? They have released a great second demo entitled "The Underground Storms Eternally". I still haven’t heard it but it appears to be, according to what I may expect after their first demotape, a combination of old Vader, Darkthrone, old Thou Shalt Suffer, Asphyx, Mayhem, old Death etc… darkness, misanthropy & chaos is included there !!! Tape is released in a professionally way. Traders are welcome!!! EXTREME DENSE ART #1 newsletter includes Apocalyptic Raids (Brazil), Autumnal Reaper (The Netherlands), Temple Of Baal (France), Mistress (Germany), Redivivus (Poland), an article "Vampires- myth or history", a ton of reviews and others… It is printed in 1000 copies and spreading out for free Throneum & E.D.A. newsletter c/o Tomasz Hanuszkiewicz; P.O.Box 66; 41-923 Bytom; Poland; tomaszh@poland.com
ABORTED are undisputably the most brutal blasting death-splatter band from Europe. After a fantastic album "The Purity of Perversion" and a split CD with CHRIST DENIED from Spain, they signed on LISTENABLE for their second album which will see the day in early next year. ABORTED have many plans for gigs in USA and Canada for April, including some major festivals and an extended tour. They are looking for many gigs now all over Europe, mail to: goremageddon@hotmail.com
DUST is the parallel band of one of the ABORTED guitarists, Mr "Rough Hands" . This band was supposed to release their debut album on Lowlife Records but since the recorded material is already more than a year old and since the band has plenty of new songs, this debut "Creation of Demise" will probably never see the day. Meanwhile some of the songs will be used as promotion material for mags and labels. Musicwise it’s pure old school death metal in the vein of early Death, Massacre and Morbid Angel. All who are interested to get it, please mail directly to: marec@village.uunet.be
ANAL TORTURE is another parallel band featuring Sven from Aborted. It’s old school grind with some splatter elements and hysterikill meowings, growlings, gruntings, barkings, screamings of castrated men by the mighty serre-couilles. Actually they have full material recorded for a possible split CD with MASTECTOMIA from Poland who recently joined the Cock and Ball Crew. Only a label is needed to press the whole shit. Both bands: analtorture@hotmail.com and mastectomia@interia.pl
NILE‘s "Black Seeds Of Vengeance" album will be released in picture LP format in the UK on February 19th.
Watch for a new MAYHEM album this spring featuring material left off of "Grand Declaration Of War" plus various live tracks. In related Mayhem news, the Spanish film company Visual Beast Films will release the short film, Estigmas, which will feature the band’s track ‘A Bloodsword And A Colder Sun’. The film will be spread through TV channels and cinema festivals worldwide.
According to Metal Update, PHLEGETHON‘s 1998 three track demo has been made available by former MASSACRE vocalist Kam ‘The Tyrant’ Lee. To acquire this CD, go to panzer58@hotmail.com
Pulverized Records will be releasing the new SATHANAS MCD, "Cruentus Diabolos", soon.
KULT OV AZAZEL is searching for a new drummer to do touring with now that their new CD is finished. Interested parties should email the band at KultOvAzazel@aol.com, or the label at UAllDie@aol.com
Sweden’s DIABOLICUM are in the Abyss Studios with Peter Tagtgren recording their forthcoming album, "The Dark Blood Rising", for Code 666. The CD will be released in a deluxe digipak format including a special CD ROM track with a brand new video, photos, info and more. The band features members of SETHERIAL and other guests will also appear on the album, set to be released on March 31st.
The following ARCH ENEMY statements were posted recently at www.archenemy.net. "I thought I’d get around to putting something up here before we leave the studio, right now Sharlee is recording bass and he is happy with his bass sound and just getting on with it really (as the true soldier of metal he is, haha). On January the 9th, myself and Daniel will be travelling to England and mix the album with Andy Sneap in his studio. I am really looking forward to hearing what Andy is gonna do with what we’ve recorded. We are all big fans of what he did on the new Nevermore album (Dead Heart In A Dead World) and the Testament The Gathering album, so we hope it’s gonna work really well for us. After three studio albums (+ the mix of the live album) it is time to move on and try to get a wider perspective and some new people with fresh ideas working on Arch Enemy. As far as a the vocalist situation goes, we do have a new vocalist and the vocals on the album are done. And they are totally killer. We will be presenting the new line-up as soon as we get some cool pics done to show you all! I will be posting messages here again when I am in the UK mixing the album, letting you all know about how that is going. So until then, myself and the rest of the Arch Enemies wish you a Metal Christmas and a Heavy New Year!"
Here’s a little note from KAM LEE which pretty much updates our interview: "Dispite the rumors… KAULDRON is still going to happen! Yes, the (EQUINOX) members did bail on me… I feel it was mostly out of fear of the unknown more than anything else, but dispite the set back… KAULDRON will still continue! I have plans on entering the studio myself in February to do the MCD… I had written half of the material anyhow, so it shouldn’t be a problem… I just wanted to inform everyone that those "Dark Demonic Forces" sent to work against me have backfired and have only fueled the hellfire in me to take this band to even darker and sicker levels of depravity and gore then ever before! Fuck the weak and destroy the cowards… The year of the tyrant is upon you… can you feel the fear?!"