Dimmu Borgir Splits With Bassist Vortex And Keyboardist Mustis

Norwegian black metal group Dimmu Borgir has announced that they have parted ways with their bassist, Vortex, and their keyboard player, Mustis. A message from the band reads as follows:

"We regret to inform you that we have parted ways with both (bassist) Vortex and (keyboardist) Mustis. However, we do want to make it perfectly clear that the creative force in the band is highly intact, perhaps even more so than ever. With that being said, we're currently working on our next album and are excited to start a new chapter in the legacy that is Dimmu Borgir."

Dark Funeral: New Album Title Announced

Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL have set "Angelus Exuro pro Eternus" as the title of their new album, tentatively due on November 18. Guitarist Lord Ahriman states, "Peter Tägtgren [HYPOCRISY, PAIN] is currently mixing our new album at his Abyss Studios [in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden]. Once we have approved the final mix, Jonas Kjellgren [SCAR SYMMETRY] will be mastering it."

He adds, "By listening to the rough mix, the final production will kill totally, no doubt! Can't wait to blast the final result in the stereo!

"We decided to go for a bit rawer sound this time, and not as crystal clear and perhaps polished as our last album ('Attera Totus Sanctus'), but no worries. The production still holds the high quality that you would come to expect from us. We haven't done 'a METALLICA,' so to say!"

DARK FUNERAL shot a video for one of the new tracks, "My Funeral", over the August 21-23 weekend at the Abyss Studios. Lord Ahriman says, "The video was shot in and outside an old and closed mental hospital. The environment was just killer. And besides, it suited the video theme perfect!

"The video is currently under editing by Standard Film Team. And within the next two-three weeks it should be ready for world premiere. However, due to the graphic violence and somewhat gory nature of the video, I would assume that we will be forced to edit two versions, one soft and one hard core version. Exactly how and where we'll release them is yet to be decided though."

Check out photos from the video shoot at this location.

DARK FUNERAL released "Attera Orbis Terrarum - Part II", the second DVD recorded during the band's world tour in support of the "Attera Totus Sanctus" album, on October 20, 2008.

Released in 2005, DARK FUNERAL's latest album, "Attera Totus Sanctus", was recorded and mixed by Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, IN FLAMES, BEHEMOTH) and Örjan Örnkloo at Dug-Out studios in Uppsala, Sweden. Mastering duties were handled by Tomas Eberger at the Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden. The album features a guest appearance by former MESHUGGAH bassist Gustaf Hielm.

Video footage of DARK FUNERAL performing at this year's edition of the Party.San Open Air festival — which was held August 6-8, 2009 in Bad Berka, Germany — can be viewed at this location. One of the clips can be viewed below.

Atreyu: Performance Footage Of New Song Available

Fan-filmed video footage of ATREYU performing a brand new song, "Bleeding Is A Luxury", at the Epicenter festival on Saturday, August 22 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California can be viewed below. The track comes off the Orange County rock act's follow-up to 2007's acclaimed "Lead Sails Paper Anchor", which is scheduled for release on October 27.

Entitled "Congregation of the Damned", ATREYU's new album was produced by Bob Marlette (AIRBOURNE, OZZY OSBOURNE) and was mixed by Rich Costey (SYSTEM OF A DOWN, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE). A fall co-headlining tour with HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD is set to kick off on October 16 at The Pavilion in Lubbock, Texas.

While "Congregation of the Damned" addresses some dark, troubling subject matter, creating the album was far from a struggle. The band starting writing new material in January 2009 and by the time they entered Henson Studios in Los Angeles with producer Bob Marlette, they had 25 new songs.

ATREYU will remain on the road throughout most of 2010.

Marduk: New Song Available For Streaming

"Phosphorous Redeemer", a brand new song from Swedish black metallers MARDUK, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's eleventh album, "Wormwood", which will be released in the U.S. on October 13 via Regain Records (September 24 in Europe). The CD was recorded at Endarker Studios in Norrköping, Sweden with engineer/producer Magnus Devo Andersson.

"Wormwood" track listing:

01. Nowhere, No-One, Nothing
02. Funeral Dawn
03. This Fleshly Void
04. Unclosing The Curse
05. Into Utter Madness
06. Phosphorous Redeemer
07. To Redirect Perdition
08. Whorecrown
09. Chorus Of Cracking Necks
10. As A Garment

Check out photos from the "Wormwood" recording sessions at this location.

Following three very special U.S. appearances earlier this month in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York (effectively breaking their streak of visa issues), MARDUK will return for a full North American headlining tour this November. The band will be joined by NACHTMYSTIUM, MANTIC RITUAL, MERRIMACK and BLACK ANVIL (on select dates).

Dubbed U.S. Plague Tour 2009, the trek will kick off on November 20 at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts and run through 21 more dates before coming to a close in New York City on December 16 at the Gramercy Theater, where the band recently played to an overwhelming crowd response.

MARDUK's last CD, "Rom 5:12", was released in North America in May 2007 via Regain/Koch.

Tesla Prepping Two Live Albums

TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon has told Noisecreep that the band is planning a pair of CDs to celebrate live performances throughout Europe last summer and the U.S. this fall. "We're doing two live albums," he said. "The first one is strictly for Europe; it may be available as an import [to America]. We are going to do a second one. It's going to be for America next year."

"Our record company's [Frontiers] in Italy," Hannon added. "They're really good to us, and we're going to give them the first crack at it. It'll eventually be available over here."

"We're working on mixing the live album," Hannon said. "We just got done touring in Europe for five weeks this summer. We recorded every show and we just got done sorting through it. Now we're mixing it to make a live album in Europe. We have to divide our time. I'm kind of learning that as I get older. You have to set aside time for certain things in order to stay focused. You go, 'OK, this time I'm only doing this.' 'This time I'm only doing that.' Right now, this one time, we're not writing songs as a group but we are mixing some live material.

"We're gonna do the same thing in October. We're going to record the Michigan show [at Clarkston's DTE Energy Music Theatre on Sept. 5]. We're pretty much going to record every show on the tour. We have a recorder set up in our mixing console."

Read the entire article from Noisecreep.

Fan-filmed video footage of TESLA's July 8, 2009 concert in Munich, Germany can be viewed below (courtesy of "eblinternational").

Belphegor: New Song Posted Online

"Walpurgis Rites", a brand new song from the Austrian blackened death metal outfit BELPHEGOR, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's eighth full-length studio album, "Walpurgis Rites - Hexenwahn", which is scheduled for release on October 9 in Europe and October 20 in North American via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2008's "Bondage Goat Zombie" was recorded at Andy Classen's (LEGION OF THE DAMNED, DEW-SCENTED, NEAERA, ASPHYX) Stage One Studios in Kassel, Germany.

"Walpurgis Rites Hexenwahn" track listing:

01. Walpurgis Rites
02. Veneratio Diaboli - I Am Sin
03. Hail The New Flesh
04. Reichswehr In Blood
05. The Crosses Made Of Bone
06. Der Geistertreiber
07. Destroyer Hekate
08. Enthralled Toxic Sabbath
09. Hexenwahn - Totenkult

Check out the cover artwork below.

The digipack version will include the video for the track "Der Geistertreiber" as well as making-of material.

Commented frontman Helmuth: "With these nine compositions/arrangements, we continue to piss on the damn mainstream. It's BELPHEGOR to the highest; the hymns are extremely varied, more intense and epic than ever, [and] there are new elements and structures added. Also, we used some haunting samples here and there, to give the album a cold and ritualistic feel."

He continued, "On 'Walpurgis Rites - Hexenwahn', you will hear my most fucked up vocals to date; also the lyrical content is offensive and insane. The witch/devil concept is amazing to work with and we used alot of original chants/ incantations from archaic scripts."

BELPHEGOR has tapped Brazilian artist Marcelo Hvc to handle the graphics for the new album.

Added Serpenth: "The idea is to capture the okkultic orgiastic processions from the Broken Mountain, the Walpurgis night in the images."

Check out photos from the recording sessions at this location.

"Bondage Goat Zombie" entered the Austrian album chart at position No. 42 upon its release in early 2008. The CD also landed on the German chart at No. 81.

Ensiferum Streaming New Album "From Afar" Sample Online

Finnish folk metallers Ensiferum have posted a sample online of the track "Smoking Ruins," which is off their upcoming album "From Afar." The sample can be heard at the band's MySpace page.

The track listing for "From Afar" will be as follows:

1. By The Dividing Stream
2. From Afar
3. Twilight Tavern
4. Heathen Throne
5. Elusive Reaches
6. Stone Cold Metal
7. Smoking Ruins
8. Tumman Virran Taa
9. The Longest Journey (Heathen Throne Part II)
10. Vandraren (limited-edition bonus track; NORDMAN cover)

Former Gorgoroth Vocalist Gaahl Retires From Music, God Seed Put On Hold

Gaahl, former vocalist with Gorgoroth and most recently with God Seed, has decided to retire from the music scene. God Seed bass player King Ov Hell has stated that he is "freezing" the band at the moment as a result of Gaahl's decision. The future of the bands debut album remains uncertain at this point. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Behemoth's New Album "Evangelion" Hits #1 In Poland

Behemoth has issued the following announcement about their latest album "Evangelion" hitting #1 in Poland:

"We are proud to announce that the newest Behemoth album, 'Evangelion' is the best selling record in Poland! It got the first spot on the best selling records in Poland charts - OLIS. 'Evangelion' had its premiere on August 7th in Poland (Mystic Prod.), August the 9th in Europe (Nuclear Blast Records) and on August 11th in the USA (Metal Blade Records)."

The Black Dahlia Murder Announces Headlining Tour Dates

Fresh off the Rockstar Mayhem Festival and leading up to their new release, "Deflorate," out September 15th, The Black Dahlia Murder are ready to get back out on the road with direct support slots locked down with Slipknot (8/23 - 9/05) and with Children of Bodom (9/18 - 10/12). Once The Black Dahlia Murder finishes up their run of dates with Bodom they will hit the road for their first headline run in concurrence with the release of "Deflorate," the Michigan metaler's 4th full-length studio album. For their headline run the band will be taking out Skeletonwitch, Toxic Holocaust, and Trap Them on a month long trek across the US.

"On the behalf of my mates in The Black Dahlia Murder, we are fucking pumped to hit the road with Skeletonwitch, Toxic Holocaust, and Trap Them. We have forged this alliance in the name of Satan, hand picking the best bands possible to bring you the most stage dive worthy tour of the fall. Circle up!" comments vocalist Trevor Strnad.

The currently confirmed tour dates are as follows:

Tour w/ Slipknot
08/23 Kennewick, WA Toyota Center
08/24 Spokane, WA The Big Dipper not part of tour
08/25 Great Falls, MT Four Seasons Arena
08/26 Billings, MT MetraPark Arena
08/27 Pocatello, ID Icon not part of tour
08/28 Boise, ID Qwest Arena
08/29 Salt Lake City, UT The "E" Center Of West Valley
08/31 Colorado Springs, CO World Arena & Ice Hall
09/01 Casper, WY Casper Event Center Arena
09/02 Sioux Falls, SD Nutty's North not part of tour
09/03 Fargo, ND Fargodome
09/04 Rochester, MN Mayo Civic Center
09/05 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom

Tour w/ Children of Bodom, Skeletonwitch
09/18 Providence, RI Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
09/19 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
09/20 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
09/22 Quebec City, QC Theatre Capitole
09/23 Montreal, QC Metropolis
09/25 Kitchener, ON Elements Night Club
09/26 Toronto, ON Sound Academy
09/27 Chicago, IL House Of Blues
09/28 Minneapolis, MN Epic
09/30 Winnipeg, MB The Garrick Centre
10/01 Saskatoon, SK Odeon Events Centre
10/02 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall Ballroom
10/03 Edmonton, AB Edmonton Events Centre
10/05 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
10/06 Seattle, WA Showbox at the Market
10/07 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre
10/09 San Francisco, CA Regency Center w/ Austrian Death Machine
10/10 Pomona, CA The Glass House
10/12 Phoenix, AZ Marquee Theatre w/ Austrian Death Machine

Tour w/ Skeletonwitch, Toxic Holocaust, Trap Them
10/13 San Diego, CA Soma
10/14 Victorville, CA Karma
10/15 San Luis Obispo, CA Downtown Brewing Co
10/17 Orangevale, CA The Boardwalk no Toxic Holocaust
10/19 Murray, UT Murray Theater
10/20 Colorado Springs, CO The Black Sheep
10/22 Iowa City, IA Picador
10/24 Madison, WI Orpheum Stage Door
10/25 Columbus, OH The Basement
10/26 Evansville, IN Boney Junes
10/27 Nashville, TN Rocketown
10/29 Metairie, LA The High Ground
10/30 Jacksonville, FL Jack Rabbits
10/31 Augusta, GA Sector 7G
11/01 Wilmington, NC The Soapbox Laundrolounge
11/02 Baltimore, MD The Ottobar
11/03 Farmingdale, NY The Crazy Donkey
11/04 Hartford, CT Webster Underground
11/06 Cleveland, OH Peabody's Down Under
11/07 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
11/08 Louisville, KY Uncle Pleasants
11/10 Syracuse, NY Lost Horizon
11/11 Buffalo, NY Mohawk Place
11/12 Poughkeepsie, NY The Chance
11/13 Bucksport, ME The Kave

Hatebreed Reveals New Album, "Hatebreed," Details

Connecticut metalcore band HATEBREED are set to release its new self-titled album, "HATEBREED," on September 29th. The album will be available as a CD, digital download, vinyl and special edition with a bonus 65-minute DVD.

The album tracklisting for "HATEBREED" is set to include the following tracks:

01. Become The Fuse
02. Not My Master
03. Between Hell And A Heartbeat
04. In Ashes They Shall Reap
05. Hands Of A Dying Man
06. Everyone Bleeds Now
07. No Halos For The Heartless
08. Through The Thorns
09. Every Lasting Scar
10. As Damaged As Me
11. Words Became Untruth
12. Undiminished
13. Merciless Tide
14. Pollution Of The Soul
15. Escape (New Diehard Edit)

Front-man Jamey Jasta comments, “This is our fifth studio album and it’s a monster! We’ve survived some pretty rough times and the music shows it. There was no reason to change the recipe that our fans know and love but we added a few brutal new ingredients and we’re more than amped on the results. Violence is a given!”
Jasta elaborates, “I feel this new album is a true crossover record in the sense that our metal and hardcore roots are evenly represented throughout it. There’s still the fast East Coast tuned down Hardcore that people know and love, yet there are metal influences that shine through on almost every song. The speed is there, which we even kicked up a few notches on some of the songs, but the groove and slower tempos are represented. On Hatebreed, there is a violent mix of straight forward anthem headbangers, fast thrashers and brutal breakdown after breakdown. There’s something for everyone.”

The announcement of the band’s new album is also part of E1’s continuing / expanding relationship with the group after its initial first 2 releases together, including the #1 charting Billboard DVD LIVE DOMINANCE and the recently released covers album, FOR THE LIONS.

The new album was once again produced by Zeuss and will feature the return of original guitar player Wayne Lozinak (who recently replaced departed guitarist Sean Martin) alongside core members Chris Beattie (bass), Matt Byrne (drums), Frank Novinec (guitar) and singer Jamey Jasta.

Every Time I Die Streaming New Song "Wanderlust" Online

Every Time I Die has issued the following update about streaming a new song online:

"We've uploaded 'Wanderlust' from our upcoming album 'New Junk Aesthetic' to our profile. Click here to listen! New Junk Aesthetic in stores September 15th."

Dark Funeral Guitarist Lord Ahriman Posts New Album Update

Swedish black metal outfit Dark Funeral are currently in the studio recording their new album, which remains untitled at the moment. Guitarist Lord Ahriman has posted the following album update for the bands fans:

"It’s been a really tuff and hectic schedule for us during the past couple of weeks, but I shall not complain. It actually feels amazingly good to be super busy again with the band, and especially spending time in the studio recording a new album.

"On the weekends we have played festivals around Europe. It’s been a blast indeed! And on the weekdays we have, and are still, located at the Abyss Studio, recording what surly will become yet another masterpiece, no doubt!

"I must admit that while I/we have been writing for this album my personal impression has been that the material is somewhat slower, not as technical etc., compared to our previous albums. And I actually thought it would become like a 50/50 split with fast and non blastbeat songs. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

"Bpm-wise we have, in all honestly, toned it down a bit compared to it precursor, but now, when all the music is recorded, my impressions have changed drastically. This is for sure our most intense and technical album to date. It is also our most varied album. And each song surly offers its own unique and personal touch.

"Dominator, our new drummer, offers the most amazing drum-work ever on a Dark Funeral record. And whether you like our kind of music or not, I’m absolutely sure that you will be totally stunned when you hear what this beast can, and do behind the kit.

"Now, how about hooking up Mr. Dominator with some drum endorsement?

"Tama Drums have been kind enough to endorse him and us during the studio session, and it’s of course highly appreciated. But this guy surly deserves full drum endorsements without a doubt! Let the bidding war begin...

"At this very moment E.M Caligula is working on the vocals. Unfortunately I can’t tell much about that just yet, but for what I know he will put on his best and most varied vocal performance ever. And I’m as curious as all of you to hear the final result. I’m however totally confident that he’ll blow us all away!

"More news to come."

Megadeth Posts New Song, "1,320" Online

American thrash metal legends Megadeth has posted another new song from their forthcoming new studio album, "Endgame" online. You can check out the song, "1,320" online by heading to the official Roadrunner Records website. The album will be released through Roadrunner Records on September 15th. The band recently shot a music video for the song, "Headcrusher" which will be released soon.

Arch Enemy Reveals "The Root Of All Evil" Tracklisting

Arch Enemy has revealed the complete tracklisting for their upcoming release, "The Root Of All Evil," which clocks in at 52:28:

1. The Root Of All Evil (Intro) (1:06)
2. Beast Of Man (3:45)
3. The Immortal (3:47)
4. Diva Satanica (3:48)
5. Demonic Science (5:24)
6. Bury Me An Angel (4:25)
7. Dead Inside (4:24)
8. Dark Insanity (3:25)
9. Pilgrim (4:50)
10. Demoniality (Instrumental) (1:40)
11. Transmigration Macabre (3:33)
12. Silverwing (4:22)
13. Bridge Of Destiny (7:53)

As previously reported, "The Root Of All Evil" will be released on September 28th and contains re-recorded tracks from the bands first three (pre-Angela Gossow) albums “Black Earth," “Stigmata,"and “Burning Bridges." You can currently hear the song "Beast of Man" on the band's MySpace page.

Kittie Streaming New Song "Sorrow I Know" Online

Kittie are currently set to release their upcoming album "In The Black" on September 15th through E1 Music. Kittie has posted a new song from the album titled "Sorrow I Know" online. The song can be found at their MySpace page.

Arch Enemy Streaming New Song "Beast Of Man" Online

Guitarist Michael Ammot of Arch Enemy has issued the following update about streaming the re-recorded song "Beast of Man" from their upcoming album "The Root of All Evil" on their MySpace page:

"So the time has arrived for a first taste of ‘The Root Of All Evil’! The song ‘Beast Of Man’ was originally written as a last minute addition to the ‘Stigmata’ album back in 1998. Daniel (Erlandsson) had just returned to the ARCH ENEMY drum throne and I wrote this one and another song called ‘Diva Satanica’ in a day or two. Christopher (Amott) had the cool harmonized mid section part and that was that, we went into the studio and rehearsed, recorded and mixed them in a marathon 24 hour session. It was OK at the time, but I always thought the songs deserved a little more love and attention.

"The 2009 version of this song is really heads and shoulders above the original in my opinion. The song was always cool, but the production on the original was quite poor, more like a demo really. I am very pleased that we did this ‘Root Of All Evil’ project and that we can give these songs a 'new life'… Enjoy the ‘Beast Of Man’!”

"The Root Of All Evil" will be released on September 28th and contains re-recorded tracks from the bands first three albums “Black Earth," “Stigmata,"and “Burning Bridges."

Echoes of Eternity Posts New Album, "As Shadows Burn," Video Teaser

A three-and-a-half minute video trailer with footage from ECHOES OF ETERNITY’s bonus DVD is now available on the band’s MySpace page and their YouTube channel.

The progressive metal band from Los Angeles comments, "There was a scene involving a teddy bear, a Ouija board, a crack pipe, and a bottle of Suave lotion that we had to leave out (insert sad face here). The good news is there are snippets of some of the best tunes on our new album and plenty of behind-the-scenes antics!"

"Check out the footage of Logan Mader getting his head crushed during the guitar tracking! Our new album, As Shadows Burn, will be out on September 22!!!! Don't miss the full-length bonus DVD that is included with it!!"

"As Shadows Burn" was recorded at the Lair and at Dirty Icon studios in Los Angeles. The album was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Logan Mader (Gojira, Divine Heresy, Five Finger Death Punch, Cavalera Conspiracy).

The tracklisting is as follows:
01. Ten Of Swords
02. A Veiled Horizon
03. Memories Of Blood And Gold
04. The Scarlet Embrace
05. Descent Of A Blackened Soul
06. Twilight Fires
07. Buried Beneath A Thousand Dreams
08. Letalis Deus
09. Funeral In The Sky

The current band line-up is as follows:

Francine Boucher - Vocals
Brandon S. Patton - Guitar
Bryan Eagle – Guitar
Duane Cowan - Bass
Kirk Carrison - Drums

ECHOES OF ETERNITY - As Shadows Burn - Album Teaser

Agnostic Front To Re-Issue Two Albums, "United Blood" And "Victim In Pain"

New York Hardcore legends Agnostic Front will have two of their classic albums re-issued later this year by Bridge Nine Records. The label will be releasing both albums on one CD and will also be releasing "Victim In Pain" on 12" LP and "United Blood" on 7" pressing.

Bride Nine Records owner Chris Wrenn states: "Agnostic Front’s debut EP and LP - United Blood and Victim In Pain, are seminal New York Hardcore recordings. To have the opportunity to bring them back to life and make them available again to a new generation of hardcore fans is an incredible honor for Bridge Nine Records. We're excited to do these re-issues justice and look forward to helping Agnostic Front celebrate the 25 years since the original release of Victim In Pain."

Kreator To Tour South America With Exodus

German thrash metal legends Kreator has announced that they will be heading out on a headlining tour of South America this October. Joining them on the bill will be very special guests Exodus.

The tour dates are as follows:

October 3 - Mexico City, Mexico - Circo Volador
October 4 - Guatemala City, Mexico - Parque De Industria
October 5 - San Salvador, El Salvador - Feria Internacional
October 8 - Quito, Ecuador - venue tba
October 10 - Medellín, Colombia - venue tba
October 11 - Bogota, Colombia - venue tba
October 13 - Caracas, Venezuela - venue tba
October 15 - Lima, Peru - venue tba
October 17 - Santiago, Chile - venue tba
October 20 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - The End
October 22 - Montevideo, Uruguay - venue tba

Otep Posts New Music Video, "Smash The Control Machine" Online

American rock outfit Otep has posted their new music video online for the song, "Smash The Control Machine." You can check it out below. The song is the title track from the bands forthcoming new studio album, which will be released on August 18th.

Dark Funeral Posts Live Video Clips Online From German And Czech Republic Festivals

Dark Funeral has posted online a series of fan filmed video clips from the Party San Festival in Germany and the Brutal Assault Festival in the Czech Republic. The video clips can be viewed below.

Divine Heresy Releases Music Video For "Face Breaker"

The video for Divine Heresy's "Face Breaker" released a couple of days ago. Watch Dino shred in a post-apocalyptic wasteland after the jump.

Austrian Death Machine Reveals "Double Brutal" Details

Metal Blade Records Release:

"The heaviest metal band in the world (by sheer mass) has finished their follow up to Total Brutal - get ready for Double Brutal! Not satisfied with the limitations offered by putting out a single disc album, Ahhnold demanded two full cds full of muscle pumping metal! When asked why they needed two discs and why he thought that was best, he quickly replied, “Two discs made it heavy and brutal enough to crush our enemies, see them driven before us, and to hear the lamentations of their women!!!”

"Double Brutal is packed with more “juice” than a professional athlete. Disc one features soon to be classics See You At The Party Richter, and Let Off Some Steam Bennett. Disc two is crammed full of metal covers, complete with Ahhnold’s take on them, including Metallica’s Trapped Under Ice and Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good by none other than Megadeth."

The tracklisting is as follows:

Disc 1
1. Double Ahhnold
2. I Need Your Clothes, Your Boots, and Your Motorcycle (from Terminator 2)
featuring guest shredding by Andrew Tapley
3. Let Off Some Steam Bennett (from Commando)
featuring guest shredding by Rusty Cooley
4. Who Writes the Songs? (The Real Bomb Track)
5. It's Simple, If it Jiggles it's Fat (from Pumping Iron)
featuring guest shredding by Andrew Tapley
6. See You at the Party Richter (from Total Recall)
featuring guest shredding by Chris Storey
7. Hey Cookie Monster, Nothing is as Brutal as Neaahhh
8. Who Told You You Could Eat My Cookies? (from Jingle All the Way)
featuring guest shredding by Mark MacDonald
9. Come on Cohaagen, Give Deez People Ehyar (from Total Recall)
featuring guest shredding by Buz McGrath
10. Who is Your Daddy, and What Does He? 2
11. Come on, Do it, Do it, Come on, Come on, Kill me, Do it Now (from Predator)
featuring guest shredding by Kris Norris
12. Allow Me To Break The Ice (from Batman & Robin)
featuring guest shredding by James Gericke
13. Conan, What is Best in Life? (from Conan the Barbarian)
featuring guest shredding by Rocky Gray & Jason Suecof

Disc 2
1. Intro to the Intro
2. T2 Theme
3. Hell Bent for Leather (from Terminator 2 / Judas Priest cover)
4. Time Travel: The Metallica Conspiracy
5. Trapped Under Ice (from Batman & Robin / Metallica cover)
6. Iron Fist (from Terminator / Motörhead cover)
7. Recalling Mars
8. I Turned into a Martian (from Total Recall / Misfits cover)
9. Killing is My Business…and Business is Good (from everything / Megadeth cover)
10. Tactically Dangerous - Cannibal Commando (from Commando / Goretorture cover)
11. Gotta Go (from Terminator / Agnostic Front cover)

Behemoth “Ov Fire And The Void” Video Banned from Youtube

From Metal Blade Records:

"The irreverent and thought provoking new video from one of the world's most extreme music acts, Behemoth, has been pulled from Youtube. The uncensored version of "Ov Fire And The Void" is now available for viewing on MetalBlade.com/Behemoth. An alternate version of the video is also available for viewing on YouTube."

Kathaarsys Posts New Music Video Clip Online For "And All My Existence In Vain"

Spain's Kathaarsys has posted a new music video online for the song "And All My Existence In Vain," which can be viewed below. "And All My Existence In Vain" is off their 2007 album "Verses In Vain."

Behemoth Debuts "Ov Fire And The Void" Music Video Online

The irreverent and thought provoking new video from one of the world’s most extreme music acts, Behemoth, is finally ready for its world premiere. "Ov Fire And The Void," the making of which was chronicled and viewed by thousands on Behemoth’s youtube channel is now available for viewing. You can check it out below.

"Ov Fire And The Void" was filmed by Grupa 13 in Poland, the same people behind Behemoth’s last video, "At The Left Hand Ov God." Nergal comments on the video, “We are proud and we are satisfied. This is our life’s work and we are happy to finally get it out to people. Watch and enjoy!”

"Evangelion," the band’s ninth full length album, was recorded in the band's hometown at Radio Gdansk studio with longtime sound engineer Malta, the Wieslawscy Brothers, and Daniel Bergstrand (drum engineering) in the producers' chairs. Evangelion was mixed in Miloco Studios by Colin Richardson (Machine Head, Slipknot, Carcass, Napalm Death) and will be unleashed in the US on August 11th via Metal Blade Records and in Europe on August 9th via Nuclear blast.

Belphegor Reveal Cover Art for New Album

Austrian black metal band Belphegor released the art work for their new album "Walpurgis rites - Hexenwahn." You can view that artwork here. "Walpurgis rites - Hexenwahn" is scheduled to release in the USA on Oct 20.

Oh, Sleeper Releases New Song for "Son Of The Morning"

Oh, Sleeper announced that they released the title track for their upcoming album "Son of the Morning." They plan to release a new song every Tuesday until the album releases August 25. If you buy the album from Interpunk you can get a "sweet," custom made, limited edition broken pentagram necklace.

Poison The Well Debuts New Video for "Exist Underground"

Solid PR announced today that Poison the Well released a video for "Exist Underground," a song off their latest album "The Tropic Rot." You can watch it after the jump.

Poison The Well - Exist Underground

Wrath Of The Weak Streaming New Song "Tomorrow Never Knows" Online

New York ambient black metal band Wrath of the Weak is currently streaming a new song online titled "Tomorrow Never Knows," which is from the band's most recent EP "Persse." The song can be heard at the Wrath of the Weak MySpace page.

Cradle Of Filth To Enter The Studio In November

British extreme metal outfit Cradle Of Filth has announced that they are currently planning to enter the recording studio by November to start work on their next album. The album is expected to be released around the March/April period of 2010 through Roadrunner Records. Stay tuned for more details.

Apocalyptica To Enter The Studio

Finnish symphony metal outfit Apocalyptica has announced that they will be entering the studio later this year to record a new studio album. The record is expected to be released sometime in the first quarter of next year. As with the previous album, special guest vocalists are rumoured to be taking part in the recording.

Atreyu Announces Release Date Of New Album "Congregation of the Damned", New Tour To Kick Off In October

The long wait for Atreyu fans is over. The Orange County rock pioneers have completed the follow-up to 2007’s highly acclaimed "Lead Sails Paper Anchor." The album, titled "Congregation of the Damned", produced by Bob Marlette (Airborne, Ozzy Osbourne) and mixed by Rich Costey (Mars Volta, System of A Down, Rage Against the Machine), will be released October 27. A fall co-headlining tour with Hollywood Undead is set to kick off on October 16th at The Pavilion in Lubbock, TX.

“I wrote the line ‘congregation of the damned’ for one of the songs on the album and it got me thinking,” says vocalist Alex Varkatzas. “It kind of feels like in a lot of ways that we, as members of a society, are just gathering around and collectively getting fucked over. When you look at what’s going on in our economy and how other people treat each other, it’s kind of like we’re all just lemmings. We’re lined up blankly staring blindly at nothing and just going along with the flow like a congregation of the damned. So this record really reflects my thoughts and feelings about that in every possible way.”

While Congregation of the Damned addresses some dark, troubling subject matter, creating the album was far from a struggle. The band starting writing new material in January 2009 and by the time they entered Henson Studios in Los Angeles with producer Bob Marlette, they had 25 new songs.

“I think this is the longest our band has ever had laser-like focus on an album,” Varkatzas says. “We were all working together really well and we had a great time in the studio with Bob, who we called BeelzeBob. He’s this jovial cigar-smoking, goatee-sporting dude from Nebraska, and he really helped us fine tune the material and nail our best performances.”

While Congregation of the Damned features some of the band’s heaviest riffs ever on tracks like “You Were the King, Now You’re Unconscious” and “Bleeding Is A Luxury,” it also contains some of truly delicate and sentimental moments, including piano ballad “Wait For You.”

“That one’s just a beautiful song, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have a heart,” Varkatzas says. “I’d say that this album is a mix of everything we’ve ever done. For every song that’s more melodic or rock-driven there’s a total shitkicker, and I think that’s what makes us a well-rounded band.”

Atreyu will kick off a fall co-headlining tour with Hollywood Undead and will remain on the road throughout most of 2010.

“The new set is gonna feature a lot of songs from ‘Congregation’ plus a bunch of other stuff,” Varkatzas says. “We’re just really happy with the album and we can’t wait to play it for people live.”

Ghoul Patrol Streaming Entire New Album "The 3rd Death Manifest" Online

Finnish death metallers Ghoul Patrol have issued the following announcement about streaming their entire new album online:

"Finally the 3rd Ghoul Patrol release is available! To celebrate that we've add all of the songs to our MySpace profile.

"You can also order 'The 3rd Death Manifest' from us by sending email to: band@ghoulpatrol.com

"The price is 5€ +postage fee. Enjoy the brutal death 'n' roll assault!"

Mnemic Announces Producer for New Album, "Sons Of The System"

Mircea Gabriel Eftemie, guitarist and songwriter for Denmark’s MNEMIC, has issued the following update:

“We have chosen Tue Madsen (Halford, Behemoth, Kataklysm, The Haunted) as the producer for the new album. He has been to our rehearsal space and we started talking about the direction and sound for the new album, Sons Of The System. We gave him half of the demo songs so far and now he is doing his evaluation of the 14 songs we have given him. There are 12 more. So far, the demos are ONLY working titles. The first song that is more or less finished title-wise is ‘March Of The Tripods.’ We are entering the studio in September, and the album will be released in January 2010.”

Cormorant Reveals New Album, "Metazoa," Artwork and Announces Release Date

San Francisco Bay Area progressive extreme metallers, CORMORANT, have just unveiled the artwork for their upcoming full-length album, "Metazoa," which is due out on September 22, 2009. The album will initially be released as a six panel Digipack by Saturnine Media, while a vinyl version will be made available in the coming months.

CORMORANT vocalist/bassist Arthur von Nagel comments on artist Julie Dillon’s work for Metazoa, “The colors she used were so vibrant, a style out of the norm for most metal, and a good match for the visual aspects of our music. I’m tired of all these bland and drab metal covers. Van Gogh proved you could use vibrant colors and still express dark and complex emotion. We're especially fond of the artwork's 'mural' quality, as the full piece actually extends over three whole panels of the Digipak, and her work is very old-school - there's a timeless quality to it. We first commissioned a logo from her, and her final design was absolutely stunning, so we of course felt a full-on album design was the right course of action. We couldn't be happier with the result.”

"Metazoa" was recorded with, produced, and mixed by Billy Anderson (NEUROSIS, MELVINS, SLEEP, PRIMORDIAL) while Justin Weis (HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE, LUDICRA, SLOUGH FEG) handled mastering duties.

Seventh Calling Finishes Recording New EP

Seventh Calling has issued the following update about finishing the recording of their upcoming EP:

"Seventh Calling has completed tracking for their new EP. Alex completed solo tracks yesterday to put the final touches on the new material.

"We are very excited with playback at this point, as the material is the heaviest that SC has sounded yet. Kirk Moll has done an excellent job at the controls, and we are eagerly awaiting the final production. More details on the availability will be announced very soon."

Castrofate To Record New Album

New York thrashers Castrofate have issued the following tour update and announcement about recording a new album:

"Wow! this is gonna be a big one! thanks so much for all your continued support here in NYC as we tear up Don Hill's on Saturday, August 29th! If you haven't gotten your ticket yet, we still have more! They're only $10, or 2 FOR $15, or 3 for $20!! Contact us at 516-532-9919 or Castrofate@aol.com for yours!

"This show will conclude our August tour and we will be performing 3 BRAND NEW SONGS from our NEXT ALBUM. We will then be heading down to FLORIDA to record the next album with JAMES MURPHY (ex-lead guitarist of TESTAMENT/DEATH) handling the production!

"Tomorrow we will be heading down to VIRGINIA for the first date of our US tour. SEE YOU SOON! \m/

Meliah Rage Pushes Back New Album "Masquerade" Release Date

Boston metallers Meliah Rage have issued the following update about pushing back the release date of their upcoming album:

"Sorry we didn't let you know a little sooner but the release of our new record 'Masquerade' has been pushed back to August 25th. You can pre-order a copy and get in sooner at: Metro City Records (603) 629-9102 or here."

A trailer for the new album can also be viewed below.

Shadows Fall Offering "King Of Nothing" For Free Download

Shadows Fall has issued the following announcement about offering the song "King of Nothing" as a free download for a limited time:

"Get 'King Of Nothing' before it's even available! Head over to Microsoft Windows Myspace page and go download it for FREE. But hurry this offer ends next Weds Aug 5th!"

"King of Nothing" is from Shadows Fall's upcoming album "Retribution," which is set for a September 15th release date.

Atreyu To Release 'Congregation Of The Damned' In October

The long wait for ATREYU fans is over. The Orange County rock pioneers have completed the follow-up to 2007's acclaimed "Lead Sails Paper Anchor". The album, titled "Congregation of the Damned" produced by Bob Marlette (AIRBOURNE, OZZY OSBOURNE) and mixed by Rich Costey (THE MARS VOLTA, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE), will be released October 27. A fall co-headlining tour with HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD is set to kick off on October 16 at The Pavilion in Lubbock, Texas.

"I wrote the line 'congregation of the damned' for one of the songs on the album and it got me thinking," says vocalist Alex Varkatzas. "It kind of feels like in a lot of ways that we, as members of a society, are just gathering around and collectively getting fucked over. When you look at what's going on in our economy and how other people treat each other, it's kind of like we're all just lemmings. We're lined up blankly staring blindly at nothing and just going along with the flow like a congregation of the damned. So this record really reflects my thoughts and feelings about that in every possible way."

While "Congregation of the Damned" addresses some dark, troubling subject matter, creating the album was far from a struggle. The band starting writing new material in January 2009 and by the time they entered Henson Studios in Los Angeles with producer Bob Marlette, they had 25 new songs.

"I think this is the longest our band has ever had laser-like focus on an album," Varkatzas says. "We were all working together really well and we had a great time in the studio with Bob, who we called BeelzeBob. He's this jovial cigar-smoking, goatee-sporting dude from Nebraska, and he really helped us fine tune the material and nail our best performances."

While "Congregation of the Damned" features some of the band's heaviest riffs ever on tracks like "You Were the King, Now You're Unconscious" and "Bleeding Is A Luxury", it also contains some of truly delicate and sentimental moments, including piano ballad "Wait For You".

"That one's just a beautiful song, and if you don't like it, you don't have a heart," Varkatzas says. "I'd say that this album is a mix of everything we've ever done. For every song that's more melodic or rock-driven there's a total shitkicker, and I think that's what makes us a well-rounded band."

ATREYU will remain on the road throughout most of 2010.

"The new set is gonna feature a lot of songs from 'Congregation' plus a bunch of other stuff," Varkatzas says. "We're just really happy with the album and we can't wait to play it for people live."

Katatonia Reveals New Album "Night Is The New Day" Cover Artwork

Katatonia has revealed the artwork for their upcoming album "Night is the New Day." The artwork can be seen in a brief trailer video at Katatonia's website. "Night Is the New Day" will be released on October 19th (US – October 27th) via Peaceville Records.

Cradle Of Filth Posts "The Death Of Love" Music Video Online

Cradle Of Filth has posted a new music video online for the track "The Death of Love," which comes from their latest album "Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder." The video can be viewed below.