27th February

Fleetwoodstock 2006 - Ten To Headline Again

27th February

Quick Updates

22nd February

MTM Records Update

22nd February

Iron Maiden

22nd February

Quick Updates

21st February

Quick Updates

20th February

The Answer - Press Release

20th February

Frontiers Records Update

SHOOTING STAR

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of SHOOTING STAR to the label for the release of their brand new – yet untitled – studio album.

SHOOTING STAR was formed in Kansas City with vocalist/guitarist Van McLain, guitarist Gary West, violin player Charles Waltz, bassist Ron Verlin and drummer Steve Thomas. The group signed to Virgin and delivered their self-titled debut album in 1979. After the release of their fifth studio album “Silent Scream”, the group disbanded.

The band rejoined in 1991 with a brand new album, “It's Not Over” with a new line-up. Gary West left the group and was replaced by Keith Mitchell. Dennis Laffon also joined the group on keyboards as did drummer Rod Lincoln and a live album followed in 1992.

Their latest studio effort entitled “Leap of Faith” was released in 2002. In august 2005 singer Keith Mitchell left the band replaced by none other than the legendary Kevin Chalfant (TWO FIRES, THE STORM).

According to guitarist Van McLain: "Kevin sounds amazing! He sounds like a cross between Gary West and Keith Mitchell but with his own great style. I think you all will be very pleased! I am in the studio working with Kevin Elson (JOURNEY, EUROPE) today. We mixed a song Gary and I wrote called Without Love yesterday. It sounds sooooooo good!"

The album is currently in the final recording and mixing stages and Frontiers Records looks forward to releasing in the summer 06.

LUNATICA

Symphonic Metal hopefuls LUNATICA will start the recording sessions of the follow up to the successful “Fables & Dreams” on March 1st. The album entitled “The Edge of Infinity” will be produced once again by the Sascha Paeth / Miro team (KAMELOT, RHAPSODY, ANGRA etc.) while the cover art and design will be taken care by Mattias Norén (ARENA, STRATOVARIUS, STAR ONE etc.) Some exciting surprises are that one song entitled “Who U Are” will be offered on purpose for this record by none other than Max Martin, Kristian Lundin, Andreas Carlsson and Carl Falk (BON JOVI, DEF LEPPARD etc.) , while none other than ASIA singer John Payne will appear in duet with singer Andrea Datwyler singing on one song. More exciting news will be announced as soon as they become available.

WETTON & DOWNES

John Wetton & Geoffrey Downes have announced their new UK tour dates as follows:

March 1st    Deal, Astor Theatre          
March 2nd   Wolverhampton, Robin2 
March 3rd    London, Mean Fiddler
March 4th    Rotherham, Oakwood Centre
March 9th    Newcastle, Carling Academy
March 10th  Glasgow, The Ferry

20th February

Fate - Press Release

Denmark’s Fate finally return to the scene with a brand new album titled “V” to be released in April 2006 via MTM Records. Formed back in the early 80's, Danish hard rock band Fate made themselves quite a name on the metal/rock scene with their 4 superb albums. Now it's time for the band to return ... stronger than ever!

The hard rock legend known as Fate came to life in 1984 when guitarist Hank Sherman left Mercyful Fate. Hank hooked up with fellow Copenhagen musicians bassplayer Pete Steiner (a.k.a. Peter Steincke) and drummer Bob Lance (a.k.a. Bjarne Holm). Together they formed Fate with singer and entertainer Jeff "Lox" Limbo.

Years went by, and Fate was still a name that reminded people of how great classic hard rock could actually be. It was MTM MUSIC who managed to get the rights for the re-issues of "A Matter Of Attitude" and "Scratch N Sniff" to build up a possible comeback. The guys got the offer to play the prestigious Deep Impact Festival in Germany in 2004, and of course this was too good an offer to turn down. So Peter, Per, Søren and temporary drummer Rasmus Duedahl took the trip down there, and had really good response from fans and media. Now, ignited by the overwhelming response to the re-releases, Fate has decided to give it another shot, and with the line-up of Peter, Per, Søren and new drummer Mikael Kvist (from Swedish prog-metal band Elsesphere) FTE is back in action.

In the winter of 2005/2006 the band finished recording their forthcoming album, "V", with producer Tommy Hansen (who did "Scratch N Sniff" back in 1990, as well as having produced bands like Helloween, Pretty Maids, TNT and many more), 2006 looks to become the year of the FATE-boys. They are looking forward to an April 2006 release of "V", followed by some gigs in and out of Denmark. "V" is a masterpiece within the classic hard rock style, that FATE themselves helped to create 20 ago.

PETER STEINCKE about the album: Good fun being back! Very happy about the new songs and the present line-up. Let's see what happens next ...

PER JOHANSSON: It's funny being together and working with Peter Steincke as the only original member left from the beginning of FATE. I'm a bit surprised cause, working together with Peter on the new songs on FATE "V" was quite easy regarding the vocal work. It felt just like we left the rehearsalroom yesterday, but today it's almost 13 years ago. I'm ready to give it a second round and if we´re lucky and going on a tour again, it would be a wonderful feeling to able to say "hello" to all our fans, if there's any left (hahahahaha) and once again kick some serious ass.

SØREN HOFF: What can I say - I'm so thrilled playing with these guys :-)

MICKE KVIST: When I was asked to join Fate, I only knew the band by the name, plus that they had some connection to Sweden through an ex-member of the band. Never heard any of their songs before. The first thing I did was to check out some of the old records. I really liked them a lot. 13 new demo-songs was sent to me, and I had 1 1/2 month to rehearse them all, before going to Denmark to record the drums for the upcoming album. It amazed me how good these 13 songs are. Another thing that hit me at once, is that Peter, Per and Søren are all very talented musicans. And on a personal level, they are all great guys. I´m very excited about being in Fate, and hope to see you all soon.

The track listing for 'V' will be as follows

Butterfly, Heaven’s crying Too , Everything About You,  Ecstacy, Nobody Loves You The Way I Do, Burned Child, I’ll Get By, Life, Fate,  Memories Wont Die and Toxic

20th February

Quick Updates

Glenn Hughes, in a new post to his webiste (www.glennhughes.com) has announced that he will be starting work on a new CD with guitarist Pat Thrall which will be released in 2007, some twenty five years after the original Hughes/Thrall album was released

Guitarist Chris George has parted ways with UK rockers Waysted. In a statement announcing his decision George states "After a whirlwind 18 months, I have come to the decision to leave Waysted. I've had a lot of great times but I now want to focus more on my own band and our continuing commitment with Marshall Amplification, our own live shows, and the various other projects I'm involved with.  I wish Pete, Fin & Paul all the best in the future, I also thank the fans for accepting me into the band and hope you enjoyed every minute of our live shows. I certainly did!  But I feel it's now time to move on."

US rockers Live play a series of UK shows during June, the confirmed dates are: June 11th - Manchester University, June 12th - Glasgow ABC, June 13th - Birmingham Carling Academy and June 14th - London Astoria

Dante Fox will headline a gig at Dudley JB's on 19th March

17th February

Whitesnake Line Up UK Tour

Whitesnake head back to the UK for a nationwide series of shows this summer. David Coverdale & cohorts have so far confirmed the following dates:

May 28th - Birmingham National Indoor Arena
May 30th - London Hammersmith Apollo
May 31st - Manchester Apollo
June 26th - Newcastle City Hall
June 27th - Newcastle City Hall
June 29th - Portsmouth Guildhall
June 30th - Glasgow Carling Academy
July 2nd - Cardiff International Arena

17th February

Quick Updates

Metallica's new album will be produced by Rick Rubin.

Swedish melodic hard rock sensations House Of Shakira have been confirmed for this years Sweden Rock Festival which takesg place from the 8 to the 10 June 2006 at Sölvesborg, Sweden.  The five piece band who have been gathering superb press over the past few years will be playing tracks from their back catalogue along with the possibility of a new material from their next studio album on Lion Music (due Autumn 2006 – tbc). Lion Music will also release the band, and labels first DVD on April 21^st 2006 entitled "Live At Firefest".  Recorded live at the 2005 Firefest in the UK, the DVD presents the bands complete set list from the day along with some very special material from the history of House Of Shakira.

Life Of Agony frontman Keith Caputo will play two solo UK shows in May at Sheffield Corporation on 22nd and two days later at London's Camden Underworld on the 24th

Crimes Of Passion will play Sheffield Boardwalk on May 5th. Support for the show comes from Silverjet & The Fury

16th February

Stephen Pearcy To Tour UK

13th April - London The Garage
14th April - Bradford Rio's
15th April - Nottingham Rock City
16th April - Dudely JB's

16th February

Disturbed Cancel Tour - Again!

It appears that American metallers Disturbed have once again cancelled their upcoming UK tour that was to have taken place in April. According to several websites the cancellation is due to mainman David Draiman to rest his throat...

The shows affected by this cancellation are as follows:

March 25th - Glasgow Barrowlands
March 27th - Newcastle Academy
March 28th - Birmingham Academy
March 30th - Manchester Academy
March 31st - Liverpool Carling Academy
April 2nd - Nottingham Rock City
April 3rd - London Astoria

Disturbed of course were also forced to cancel UK dates back in October 2005 due to illness on the part of Draiman. The dates are likely to be re-arranged for September 2006, although as yet thee are not confirmed.

15th February

Power Quest Announce March Co-Headline Tour

After just finishing a successful support tour with German metal legends Helloween, Anglo-Italian 5 piece Power Quest are hitting the road again in March and are pleased to announce a co-headlining tour with Norwegian melodic progressive metal band Pagan's Mind.
The following dates are confirmed:

March 24th - ProgPower UK pre-party (PQ only)
March 27th - London, The Underworld (special guests Soliloquy)
March 28th - Poole, Mr Kyps
March 29th - Birmingham, Edwards No.8 (special guests Replica X)
March 30th - Bradford Rios (special guests The Prophecy)
March 31st - Newcastle Upon Tyne, Krash

Singer Alessio Garavello on the bands hunger to play: “We are on our way up and finally getting the recognition we deserve! It’s just great out there rocking the crowd! And it is amazing how many new fans we have won over on our recent tour with Helloween”.

The bands third album ”Magic Never Dies”, released to critical acclaim in 2005, has been featuring heavily in many “Album of the Year” polls both in the UK and around the world! For further information check out: www.power-quest.co.uk. For further information please contact: SteveW@power-quest.co.uk  or Manuela@power-quest.co.uk

15th February

Quick Updates

After their successful tour last year with Alice Cooper, Twisted Sister return to these shores for a series of headline dates during June. The dates so far confirmed for the trek are:

5th June - Glasgow Carling Academy
6th June - Manchester Academy
7th June - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
27th June - Hammersmith Apollo

Dragonforce have confirmed that Frederic Leclercq, the bassist who has been playing live with the band since previous incumbent Adrian Lambert left the band, has been confirmed as a permanent member of the six piece.

Winterstrain have been added to the line up for the 2006 edition of the Z Rock Festival that takes place at Crewe Limelight on April 2nd.

15th February

Giuntini Project

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of the Italian guitar wizard Aldo Giuntini for the release of his brand new GIUNTINI PROJECT “III” album on April 28th 2006. Aldo Giuntini’s musical career started in the early 80’s in a Progressive Rock band called CRYIN’ EARTH, but only in 1988, after he met with the other fellow guitar master, Dario Mollo (Voodoo Hill, Mollo/Martin) that he started to become seriously involved in the recording business. Thanks to the help of British producer Kit Woolven UFO, Thin Lizzy, Magnum etc.), he released his first “Project I” in 1994. The release met with warm critical success, so this encouraged Aldo to pursue his musical work and to bring it to the next level.

So for “Project II” Aldo enlisted the services of extraordinary vocalist Tony Martin (ex Black Sabbath) and gave birth to a legendary album that still today is an highly sought collectors item for all fans of epic and heavy-tinged Hard Rock. Seven years later, Aldo is now back with the third chapter of his Project. “My way of writing and producing the songs needs a lot of time”, he says, “One could say I am a perfectionist, but when I have musical ideas for my guitar, I often have the other guys working with their own inputs: Also I need to have Tony Martin to work on the lyrics at the end, so this takes away a lot of time”.

But Aldo can guarantee that: “Project III continues the line of Project II , musically and I' m sure that who loved my 2nd work will appreciate the 3rd in the same way and more, since the production work is a lot improved”. The sound of Giuntini’s records is a combination of “the warmth and the power of Black Sabbath and Dio with the "nervous" and energetic sound of Loudness, the Japanese metal heroes!”, while Giuntini’s guitar playing is mainly influenced by Akira Takasaki, Vivian Campbell, Edward Van Halen, Jake E. Lee, John Norum and, of course Malmsteen.

Handling all vocals once again on “Project III” is none other than Tony Martin, with the help of Ezio Secomandi (on drums), Dario Patti (on keyboards) and Fulvio Gaslini (on bass). “I wanted to have Tony again” explains Aldo, “because he is my favourite voice and I think that the blend of our stiles is just perfect!”

Giuntin Project II will feature the following track listing

Gold Digger, Not Connected, Que Es La Vida, Early Warning, Fool Paradise, Tutmosis IV – Tarantula (Instrumental), Anno Mundi (The Vision), Disfunctional Kid, Mourning Star, Trouble Just Keeps Coming, The Closest Thing To Heaven, Memories In The Sand (Instrumental) ans Tarot Warrior

“I am particularly proud of what I consider my best song ever “Que Es La Vida” and of my most challenging instrumental “Memories In The Sand”. I think this one shows a different side of my guitar playing which I hope the fans will be able to enjoy” – concludes Aldo.
 

13th February

Teenage Cancer Trust - Tommy Vance Tribute Night

The teenage Cancer Trust's sixth annual series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London takes place between march 27th & April 1st. This year however sees a night especially for fans of metal and heavy rock – a Tommy Vance tribute night which will be held on Friday 31st March featuring  Judas Priest, Ian Gillan, Scorpions and Boned . It’s a year since Judas Priest last played in the UK and again this is their only 2006 UK date announced so far.

Further details can be found at www.teenagecancertrust.org
 

13th February

Red Hot Chilli Peppers Announce Tour

The Red Hot Chilli Peppers return to the UK for a series of stadium shows this summer. The dates confirmed for the tour are as follows:

June 30th - Ipswich Portman Road
July 2nd - Coventry Ricoh Arena
July 3rd - Reading Madjeski Stadium
July 5th - Derby Pride Park
July 6th - Sheffield Don Valley
Jul 11th - Manchester, Evening News Arena
Jul 12th - Manchester, Evening News Arena
Jul 14th - London Earls Court Arena
Jul 15th - London Earls Court Arena
Jul 17th - London Earls Court Arena
Jul 18th - London Earls Court Arena

The band will be touring in support of their forthcoming album 'Stadium Arcadium' which is set for release in May.
 

10th February

MTM Announce Signing of Vengeance

Dutch Metal band Vengeance, the band formed in 1983 by guitarist Arjen Lucassen have signed a deal with MTM for the release of a new album entitled 'Back In The Ring'. The band, which now features vocalist Leon Goewie, Barend Courbois on bass, drummer Hans In’T Zandt and  guitarist Peter “Slash” Bourbon are joined on the album by the special guests including the likes of Michael Voss (Casanova, Mad Max), Wolf Hoffman (Accept), Mat Sinner (Primal Fear) amd original guitarist Lucassen, who was recently seen in the UK with his new band Stream of Passion.

Back In The Ring, which was produced by Michael Voss will be released in April and features the following track listing:

Back In The Ring, No Mercy, Mind Over Matter, Captain Moonlight, Holy Water, Bad Attitude, Had Enough, Now And Then, Cowboy Song, Rip It Off and Evelyn
 

10th February

Quick Updates

Queens Of The Stone Age have been confirmed as special guests to the Foo Fighters when they play London's Hyde Park on June 17th. Also confirmed on the bill are legendary UK band Motorhead

Shadows Fall will release a new album, entitled 'Fallout From The War' , which will be released via Century Media in May. The album will feature songs that didn't make it onto their last album,  "The Art of War" alongside some B-sides from Japan releases and a few cover songs.

Tigertailz, the incarnation of the band featuring Kim Hooker, Pepsi Tate & Jay Pepper, have inked a deal with Demolition Records for the release of the forthcoming 'Bezerk 2.0' album. The album will be released late march/early April and to promote the release the band have lined up a pair of UK shows at Nottingham Rock City on April 8th and Cardiff The Point on March 24th.

Just a month of so after being announced in the vocalist role in The Sweet, Shy frontman Tony Mills has left the ranks of the 70's rockers after the completion of a Scandinavian tour.

According to a posting on their website Judas Priest have started work on the follow up to their 2005 album 'Angel Of Retribution'. The post goes on to say that 2006 will see the band work straight through on the new album and thus they will not be touring during this year.

8th February

Metallica For Download

Metallica will be playing this year's Download Festival on 10th June at Donington as part of what has been dubbed 'Escape From The Studio '06'. In a posting on their website the band commented: "We had such a great time when we did this back in the day in '95, which was . . . eh, like we had planned for '06, a year dedicated to nothing but writing and recording . . . Oh well how the best laid plans can change. So when we were asked, we figured why not do it again!!! Escape from the studio once more and spend our summer vacation hanging out at the coolest live music festivals on the planet".

As well as playing Download in the UK the band have also confirmed at date in Dublin the following day June 11th.

8th February

Liberty 'N' Justice Press Release

8th February

Quick Updates

7th February

Jeff Scott Soto

Frontiers Records, in ample recognition of one of today’s best vocalists of the rock scene, has decided to release 'JSS - The Essential Ballads' CD, a best of compilation featuring 3 brand new songs from Jeff Scott Soto.

“The idea came about when the BBC in the UK started to air some of the tracks off of my latest solo album “Lost In The Translation as well as some of the other releases", says Soto. To everyone’s surprise, the airplay gathered great success between the listeners making Soto’s music as a stable in the programming of the UK national radio.

The “Essential Ballads” album features the softer side of Jeff's solo career from all EP's & albums, “Love Parade” to “Lost In The Translation”.

The track listing is as follows:
If This Is The End, As I Do 2 U, Holding On, Send Her My Love, Lonely Shade Of Blue, This Ain't The Love, Don't Wanna Say Goodbye, 4U, Still Be Loving U, Till The End Of Time, Sacred Eyes, By Your Side, Beginning 2 End, Through It All, Last Mistake, Another Try. The last three named songs are the new tracks set to appear on the album.

Release date is not yet scheduled, "but will certainly happen before the summer of '06" says Soto, who adds "I am planning a new tour of Europe and the UK in May to promote the release". More info to be released as soon as they become available
 

7th February

Further Details Announced For Bloodstock

Bloodstock have announced further details of the bands who will be playing the indoor festival, to be held in September. Joining the already announced appearances from Primal Fear and Axel Rudi Pell will be Brainstorm, Marshall Law, Deadfall, Awaken, Illuminatus and Spellblast. A further ten bands have yet to be confirmed for the show including the headline for the Saturday of the event.

Bloodstock have also confirmed details of the first seven bands appearing at this years Open Air festival taking place at Catton Hall in Derbyshire between July 14 & 15th 2006. These bands are: Ashtar, Atheist, Ensiferum, Nocturnal Rites, Pyramaze, Raunchy and Seasons End. Tow further bands, Bal Sagoth and Turisas are also near to being confirmed for the weekend. The open air show will combine two stages and a further eleven bands, including the headliners, have yet to be announced.

Further details, including ticket prices, for both the indoor and open air Bloodstock shows can be found at www.bloodstockfestival.com

7th February

The Black Velvets/Winterville

Two of the UK's best young bands have teamed up for nationwide tour during March. The Black Velvets will be joined by support band Winterville for the following dates:

2nd March - Stoke Sugarmill
4th March - Newcastle Carling Academy
5th March - Carlisle Brickyard
6th March - Aberdeen The Tunnels
7th March - Glascow Barfly
8th March - Edinburgh The Venue
9th March - Wolverhampton Little Civic
10th March - Liverpool Masque Theatre
12th March - Leicester Princess Charlotte
13th March - Northampton Soundhaus
14th March - Leeds Rocket
16th March - Oxford Zodiac
17th March - Winchester Railway Inn
18th March - London Islington Academy

7th February

Celtic Frost

Legendary Swiss doomsters Celtic Frost will release their new album, the first for some 13 years, on May 29th through Century Media. The album, entitled 'Monotheist', was four years in the making and according to the press release is formed around brilliant conceptual ideas lyrically, musically and visually “Monotheist” is what people expect of the legendary visionaries and even much, much more.

'Monotheist' will feature the following track listing:

Progeny, Ground, A Dying God Coming Into Human Flesh, Drown In Ashes, Os Abysmi Vel Daath, Obscured, Domain Of Decay, Ain Elohim, Totengott, Synagoga Satanae and Winter (Requiem, Chapter Three: Finale)
 

7th February

Skyclad

UK 'folk metal' heroes Skyclad have inked a new record deal with Greek label Black Lotus Records. The band are currently writing new material that is to be recorded during the summer with the view to releasing the first album with Black Lotus by the end of the year. In the meantime the band are heading out to play a series of dates throughout Europe in the coming months including a show at Newcastle Cluny on March 18th.

The Newcastle show has been arranged in celebration of the release of the bands new EP which will feature a brand new recording of the instrumental track 'Jig-a-Jig' along with the songs 'The Roman Wall Blues', 'They think it's all over - well is it now?' and 'Mr Malaprope' from the ASON sessions. This EP will only be available either via the bands website at www.skyclad.co.uk or from any of the upcoming shows.
 

7th February

Ginger & The Sonic Circus

After the riotous success of their inaugural show at Highbury garage, Ginger, former frontman with the Wildhearts, and his current band the Sonic Circus have lined up a string of nationwide dates during March. The confirmed dates for the trek are:

24th March - Bradford Rios
25th March - Newcastle Legends
26th March - Wolverhampton Wulfrun
27th March - Nottingham Rock City
28th March - Liverpool Academy
29th March - London Academy
 

7th February

Funeral For A Friend Cancel Tour

Funeral For A Friend have been forced to cancel their current UK tour due to vocalist Matt Davies contracting larygitis. In a posting on their website the band state that "We want to send our apologies to everyone who was coming to see us," explains Matt. "Due to the laryngitis that is still in my system I can't perform to anywhere near the best of my ability, which is something that I want to have happen when we play a show. We will make it up to everyone who bought tickets, and I want to personally send a big thank you to all of those people who have sent me their good wishes. We will be back."

The cancelled shows are to be rescheduled for late May. Exact dates will be announced soon. Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates.

3rd February

Glenn Hughes

Glenn Hughes has just posted the following message on his website with regard to his forthcoming solo album, the follow up to 2005's 'Soul Mover'.

"Just wanted to let you all know that yesterday all the tracking for the album was completed. We had the final day of string section yesterday. It is a massive piece of work. 15 songs were recorded. I would like you all to know I spent all of last year writing, arranging and preparing these songs. I spent way more time on this album than any other album of my career. I don't think anybody will argue that this is a turning point for me. A few of my real close friends have been to chad's to listen and they are saying that this album and the vibe is exactly where I should be headed. I can tell you it is a mature album, and more than ever before I can't wait for you all to hear it. We start mixing mid March and the album is scheduled to be released May 29th".

3rd February

Quick Updates

Bryan Adams returns to the UK for a series of shows in the summer of 2006. The Canadian rocker will play the following dates:

June 1st - Huddersfield Galpharm Stadium
June 2nd - Bridgend Brewery Field
June 4th - Galway (Ireland) Pearse Stadium
July 20th - Norwich Blickling Hall
July 21st - Derby Kedleston Hall
July 22nd - Northampton Althorp Park

Orange Goblin will play the following dates during April: April 8th - Belfast Limelight, April 15th - Nottingham Rock City, April 29th - Brighton Concorde II and April 30th - London Camden Underworld.
 

2nd February

Satyricon Sign With Roadrunner

Roadrunner Records are have announced the signing of leading Norwegian black metal band Satyricon  for all territories, excluding North America & Norway.

Satyricon is centred around the backbone of band members, Satyr and Frost, who formed the band in the early 90s. Their progressive and creative outlook has enabled Satyricon to push the boundaries of the black metal genre, setting a new standard and developing the field beyond it's traditional parameters. As a result, Satyricon are now one of the most respected and influential bands in black metal.

Their last album, the acclaimed 'Volcano' (2002), received the Norwegian Grammy for "Best Metal Album", the Alarm Awards for "Song Of The Year" (for track 'Fuel For Hatred') plus "Metal Album Of The Year", and also the Oslo Award for "Best Overall Album". 'Volcano' debuted at #2 in the Norwegian National Music Chart.

Wally van Middendorp, VP International Marketing and Acquisitions at Roadrunner International stated: “We are truly excited to be working with one of the most widely-revered bands in their genre and look forward to assisting Satyricon in their continuing quest to push back the boundaries of Black Metal.”

Satyricon have been in Vancouver, Canada this month mixing their first new studio album since 2002 with Mike Frasier (Metallica, AC/DC). Titled 'Now, Diabolical', it is set for release in April 2006. Satyr is looking forward to the release, stating "This project has been a deeper dive in the abyss than ever before and many sacrifices have been made to try to achieve what we where looking for. We are very proud of 'Now, Diabolical' and hope the pain of giving birth to this phoenix will prove its worth!”
 

2nd February

Beyond Fear

Beyond Fear, the new band featuring Iced Earth/former Judas priest vocalist Tim 'Ripper' Owens, will open for Anthrax on their upcoming April UK tour. The confirmed dates for the trek are:

8th April - Sheffield Corporation
9th April - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
10th April - London Astoria
11th April - Nottingham Rock City
12th April - Glasgow ABC

Beyond Fear will issue their debut album through SPV on May 8th. The debut was recorded at the legendary Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida, under the direction of producer Jim Morris - a definite quality feature when it comes to the album’s sound and dynamics. Beyond Fear consist of Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens (vocals), John Comprix (rhythm & lead guitar), Dwane Bihary (rhythm guitar), Dennis Hayes (bass) and Eric Elkins (drums). The album consists of fourteen haunting metal numbers, which, according to Owens, “show unmistakably where my musical roots lie: in the classic heavy metal of the Eighties. However, I’ve transported that traditional metal style into the present, lending it its own touch.”
 

2nd February

Damnation Festival

Damnation Festival returns to Manchester on October 15TH, 2006 with two of the UK's top acts kicking off a bill of uncompromising heavy metal. Rising metal superstars Biomechanical and zombie crew Send More Paramedics are the first of 14 stunning bands to be named for Britain's finest new festival.

Last year's sell out event was a shot in the arm for homegrown metal with a remarkable top four finish in Terrorizer magazine's worldwide “Biggest Musical Event” poll. In the aftermath, Virtual Festivals declared that: "The true face of underground UK metal has finally clawed its way onto the festival scene, leaving a wound that no amount of imported US and Euro talent can plaster over."

The second instalment of UK-focussed metal will again take place across two stages at Jilly's Rockworld and Music Box. The main stage will be sponsored by our new partners Jagermeister, surely the most rock n roll drink on the planet; while Terrorizer Magazine will once again support the extreme stage. Terrorizer PR chief Ben Crudgington said: “Terrorizer is proud to once again be involved, as the most brutal metal acts on the planet converge upon Manchester this October for Damnation Festival 2006.  “One more giant nail in the coffin of corporate rock.”

Biomechanical were once described as being "suspended between Nevermore and Dream Theater...surely the greatest new UK band of their kind." And they were keen to live up to their reputation in Manchester this October: "We consider Damnation to be one of the most exciting new festivals that offer powerful and uncompromising metal music to the masses. “No doubt one of the best festivals around and we are extremely happy we are on the bill for this year's metalfest!"

As for four-piece Leeds outfit Send More Paramedics - who describe their music as "Zombiecore: a hideous fusion of 80s-style thrash metal and modern hardcore punk, contaminated and deformed by an obsessive fascination with zombie b-movies" - it may very well be time to lock up your daughters. The SMP mob have been making a blood-splattered name for themselves up and down the UK circuit in recent years, amassing a cult following in their wake. Now it's time to unleash them on the Damnation masses. Of joining the bill? They simply said: "When there's no more room in hell, the dead will play Damnation Fest."

Organiser Gavin McInally added: “We never even dreamed that our first year would be so successful; selling out, huge crowds for the opening bands through to the headliners, and a great response from fans and bands alike. “And to start 2006 with bands of the quality of Biomechanical and Send More Paramedics is a huge boost. “We cannot thank our community enough for the belief and support they have shown us from the beginning and we aim to thank them by putting on two of the finest stages of metal the country will see this year. “With Jagermeister and Terrorizer on board, and our new friends at UK Metal Underground ready to push things forward, we're ready for another memorable event.”

Tickets for Damnation Festival 2006 will be priced £15 and will be on sale in April. For further information about the event visit: http://www.damnationfestival.co.uk or e-mail: enquiries@damnationfestival.co.uk
 

2nd February

Quick Updates

Following up the above announcement that Biomechanical will play this years Damnation Festival in Manchester, the band will also play the following headline shows across the UK in March:

10th March - Birmingham Edward's No 8
11th March - Leeds Joesephs Well
12th March - Newcastle Trillians
13th March - Manchester Jilly's Rockworld
14th March - London Camden underworld

New Jerseys Snakeryder have completed the recording of their new studio album " Back For The Kill" which will be released via Z Records  on April  19th to coincide with their appearance at Z Rock 06 in England. AJ from the band made the following comment....

"After 14 months in the studio, we are proud to announce that the Snakeryder - "Back For The Kill" record has been finished as we look forward to its release.  We have also been invited to appear at Z Rock 2006 which we have promptly accepted. This will be an exciting day of Rock & Roll for all who attend. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to all of the Snakeryder fans who will make this show a time to remember! Rock On!"

Placebo have lined up an April UK tour to promote the release of their new album, entitled 'Meds' and is scheduled to hit shops on March 13th.  The confirmed dates for the trek are:

5th April - Blackpool Empress Ballroom
6th April - Glasgow Academy
8th April - Newcastle Academy
9th April - Birmingham Academy
11th April - London Alexander Palace

Nuclear Blast Records have announced that Ektomorf, recently seen in the UK supporting Children of Bodom, will return to the studio in July to commence work on their new album, tentatively entitled 'Outcast'.
 

1st February

Download Festival

The first three bands appearing at this Download Festival, that takes place at Donington Park on June 9th, 10th & 11th, have been announced. Then three bands confirmed are The Prodigy, Trivium and Bullet For My Valentine.

Tickets for the festival go on sale on Friday 3rd February.
 

1st February

Download Festival

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce that work on the brand new Survivor album has been completed last week in Los Angeles.

The band decided to call the record “Reach”. Guitarist Frankie Sullivan commented : “We put together 12 of the best tunes we have to pass on to the fans for their listening pleasure. We put all else aside and went with the best songs we could and the best ways to play them”. The tracks recorded include, in no particular order: Reach, Fire Makes Steel, Nevertheless, Seconds Away, One More Chance, Gimmie The Word, The Rhythm Of Your Heart, I Don’t, Half Of My Heart, Talkin’ ‘Bout Love, Don’t Give Up, Home.

Mastering was handled by Doug Sax at the Mastering Lab (he mastered all classic Survivor records) and the release date has been already scheduled for April 21st 2006. Survivor are currently also busy in booking a full European tour for the Spring.