Reading/Leeds Festival 2008

Disgruntled by the lack of metal at Download this year? Then perhaps Leeds/Reading has the answer. As you can see from the above "poster" this years line up is looking alright for those of you wanting an alternative to the disgrace that is polluting the holy grounds of Donington Park.

Sure there are some indie bands playing the weekend too (that's when you go to the loos, have a well earned kip, or get a few extra beers into you (unless you don't drink)), but Metallica, Rage Against The Machine, Tenacious D and co has got to be better than the emo/Kerrang! fueled rubbish at Download 2008!

Those of you who agree, say "I"!

Exumer reunion in 2009

Members of '80s German thrash metal cult EXUMER began negotiating a full-fledged reunion for 2009. The projected reunion includes a new album, re-releases of the band's two albums (1986's 'Possessed by Fire' and 1987's 'Rising From the Sea') and a substantial tour. EXUMER vocalist Mem V. Stein of New York City thrashers SUN DESCENDS comments: "This reunion won't be like the one-off show we played at the Wacken Open Air in 2001. This time we will deliver the entire package and release a new, third EXUMER album. It's been close to 22 years since the second EXUMER release in 1987 and it seems that the band is still relevant, especially when you consider the new generation of thrash metal bands that quote EXUMER as a major influence of theirs. I will keep SUN DESCENDS alive and I'm not abandoning the project but most of 2009 will be dedicated to a new EXUMER album and it's promotion. We also have Paul Arakaki (guitars/bass) in the band who replaced me on the second EXUMER album and now lives in Hawaii. I frequently get emails from fans asking for a EXUMER reunion and I feel that the time is right to finally go ahead and make it a reality. We have never played live in North America and I believe that we owe it to the fans here in the States to see the band at least once with full-on live production."
EXUMER has not yet decided with which record label to work with for the releases, but plans to enter the studio to record their new CD in late 2008/early 2009.

Source - Blabbermouth

Myspace A Place For Metal?

I've been into metal for a good 8-10 years now, which won't seem long to a lot of you, and like a million years to others. In that time I've seen some real changes in how music is promoted and how we hear new bands. The internet has a lot to do with this, with places like Myspace being used as a bands main marketing tool. But is this really helping these smaller acts out?

Back in the day when I first got into metal, and before I had access to the internet, I found most of my bands through demo CDs free with magazines or through friends sending cassettes with a whole host of bands that I'd never heard of before. I can honestly say, this is where I found the bulk of the artists I listen to today, from In Flames to Cheesecake Truck, Static X to Guano Apes, my tastes evolved and developed based on recommendations from media and mates.

But now, when people recommend you a new band, they send you a link to a bands profile on Myspace. It's a great way of finding new bands, hearing some tracks by bands you might not normally get a chance to check out, and a great way to promote up and coming acts.

It's a fantastic tool to get exposure for your brand new shiny metal band, or is it?

The problem with Myspace is there are far too many people trying to push their act in your face. Bands and artists which you may have no interest in (the amount of hip hop/rnb and dance artists that try to add me really annoys me). So what do you do? You block bands from adding you, and you end up missing out on some brilliant acts in the process! And if it's not the bands adding you, or sending you spam messages telling you to "check us out", it's these stupid little fan created street teams trying to do the same, but they're even harder to block because they have normal profiles.

On the flip side, there are too many people who "friend collect" and just add people and bands to make up their numbers. You may be listening to a fantastic new act who have 10000 friends, but out of those, how many of them are actually fans of the band, and how many have actually listened to them?

This is a real issue in my eyes. With bands who have real talent, but without loads of backing from friends and acquiantances struggling to promote themselves, and bands that just suck managing to create a huge hype around themselves because they know the right people.

I guess this has probably always been the case, but Myspace doesn't seem to be helping the situation. All you need are the right links, or the right software, to make your band look like the next big thing, forget the talent! And to be honest, Myspace is full of acts that really shouldn't have got any further than some teenagers bedroom.

I don't know what can be done about it, or how new artists are meant to try to promote themselves. But with so many so called bands out there, there is a saturation of talentless w*nk flooding up Myspace, while the real gems get missed or over looked.

It's part of the reason I set up Metaholic Music. We are all fans of metal, and we'll all stumble across little gems that we want people to hear, because we're so passionate about our music. Hopefully that comes across to you readers out there.

I don't know what anyone elses views on this are...?

Ever wanted to be in a Machine Head video?

The following info comes from the Machine Head Myspace blog.

"Attention all Bay Area Machine Head fans! The band will be shooting a video for the song "Halo" off of their new album "The Blackening" next Thursday, April 3rd in San Francisco and they want YOU to be a part of it! If you’re 20 years of age or younger (no exceptions), live in or around the San Francisco Bay Area and can get yourself to and from the shooting location, you’re eligible! Again, the shoot will be on Thursday, April 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in San Francisco, so if you fit the criteria and you can be there for the specified timeframe, e-mail your name and age to mike@mikesloat.com and you’ll receive all of the details!"

Sounds good to me!

Opeth - Wathershed artwork!

The cover for Opeth's latest album has Been revealed!


Here it is:

I rather like it actually, reminds me a lot of the Lamentations cover.
Remember to grab a copy of Watershed when it is released in late May/early June!

W.A.S.P - The Crimson Idol Tour 2008

In just 8 days W.A.S.P hit Australia for the first time with their Crimson Idol Tour playing 4 shows only around the country.
From the official W.A.S.P site:
"For the First Time Ever, "The Crimson Idol" will be performed in its entirety live.
Never before has this great work been attempted to be performed this way.
The live performance will feature all of the music from the original album but in addition, never seen video footage will be shown throughout the show from beginning to end.
This filmed footage was shot in 1992 and was originally designed to be a full length movie. To commemorate the 15 year anniversary of this milestone album, it will be presented in its original story form.
This promises to be a powerful and moving live experience. Being done in selective dates worldwide in 2007-2008."

Here are the dates:
APRIL 08 - SYDNEY - METRO THEATRE
APRIL 10 - BRISBANE - THE TIVOLI
APRIL 13 - ADELAIDE - THEBARTON THEATRE
APRIL 15 - MELBOURNE - FORUM THEATRE

Deicide Viral Video Competition

Here's an update from Deicide's official Myspace regarding the competition:

The competition is underway but there is still plenty of time to create a unique video and submit it.
Get creative and show us what you've got!!

Legendary Florida Death Metallers Deicide have announced a unique and exciting competition for fans to create and upload their own video clip for a new Deicide track called In The Eyes Of God taken from their upcoming album Till Death Do Us Part.

Using the track In The Eyes Of God, fans are invited to make their own
video for the song, using whatever means at their disposal.
The clip can be
filmed, animated, drawn or compiled from already existing images or footage. Anything goes so get as creative as you like.

The winner will be judged the clip with the most views on YouTube by the closing date of April 28th 2008 and will win the Grand Prize ? An Ibanez bass guitar fully signed by the band.

Fans can download 'In the Eyes of God' and get full details on how to enter
the competition at earache.com/deicidevideo

All submissions must feature the song in its entirety, and must be uploaded
via YouTube stating 'DEICIDE IN THE EYES OF GOD COMPETITION' in the
title and description.

Please submit the YouTube video URL link of your entry to deicidevideo@earache.com

Submissions are welcomed immediately - GOOD LUCK!

Deicide release 'Till Death Do Us Part' on April 28 in Europe and May 13 in the US.

For Deicide information visit: www.myspace.com/thestenchofredemption

SEBASTIAN BACH 'Angel Down Under 2008'

That's correct, Sebastian Bach is returning to Austrlia for a headlining tour!! To quote Bach; "We are stoked beyond belief to embark upon the 'Angel Down Under 2008' headline tour of Australia!! We had the time of our lives in 2007 opening for Guns N' Roses in Australia, now we are back to kick your ass one more time in 2008! See ya soon, Australia!!"

Here are the dates:
May 17 - Newcastle, Australia @ Panthers
May 20 - Sydney, Australia @ Enmore Theatre
May 22 - Melbourne, Australia @ Palace Theatre
May 23 - Gold Coast, Australia @ Seagulls
May 24 - Brisbane, Australia @ The Arena
May 27 - Perth, Australia @ Burswood Theatre
May 29 - Adelaide, Australia @ The Barton Theatre
May 30 - Canberra, Australia @ Anu

Spiridion Show 2nd of April at The Point, Cardiff

Spiridion are one of my favourite up and coming metal acts at the moment. They're certainly the best metal band to come out of Wales since... well they probably are the best metal band I've heard coming out of Wales (and they seem like lovely guys too). Just my humble opinion...

The guys are going to be playing a show on the 2nd of April at The Point in sunny Cardiff. This is going to be a huge show for them, and they need everyone to get along and support them!

I will be doing a review on their EP soon, which is pretty good from what I've listened to so far, I just wish I was a bit closer to Cardiff so I could get along!

If you are interested, make sure you contact the band through their Myspace page, you'll save yourself £6 if you get your tickets through them instead of on the door.

Spiridion Myspace Page: www.myspace.com/spiridion

What is your favourite metal subgenre? Poll

So we all like our metal, but which subgenre is your favourite? Make sure you vote in our new readers poll on the right hand side of the page! Ok it's not ALL the subgenres, but then that would just be silly!

In Flames - A Sense Of Purpose Album Cover Readers Poll: The Results

It's been discussed and debated over on many a metal forum, but you guys decided that the In Flames - A Sense Of Purpose album cover was "Freakin' Awesome!"!

Freakin' Awesome won with 32% of the vote, and it was a tightly fought contest. Those of you who didn't like it were behind by only 2%, those who thought it was alright made up 26% of the vote, and those who really just didn't give a damn had just 10%.

Deicide - Till Death Do Us Part Review

One of the first things that can be said about this album is that Deicide do not want to reinvent the wheel. Which for most fans is always a good thing, although there are some that fault a band no matter what they do with each and every new album.

With Till Death Do Us Part, Deicide show exactly what makes them popular amongst the Death Metal contingent.

A dirge opens the album, with slow winding guitars and double bass kicks going off here and there. This is opener The Beginning of the end. Which continues relentlessly without vocals into a strange fret walk just to set you up for title track, Till death do us part. Benton is on form here with trademark Vocals overpowering the brutality of the musicianship on offer. Note: If I ever understood a Benton Lyric from first listen then this would not be a Deicide album.

There is some amazing fretwork on this album and title track Till death do us part is a fine example of this. While songs in the eyes of God & Hate of all hatreds showcase some of the most brutal drumming I have heard this year.

One downside of Glen Benton's vocals is that they can seem to overpower the music. This can be a good thing, but on some tracks the vocals stand out a little too much. To some degree even going to ruin the song a little. Due to this I can definately say that they will more than likely not win over any new fans with this. This is a definate Deicide fan album.

All this being said Till Death Do Us Part is a brutal offering of one of Death Metals better bands. One of the most Brutal albums this year.

7/10

Standout Track: Till death do us part, Severed Ties

You can hear In the eyes of God here. Enjoy!

Deicide, Till Death Do Us Part is released upon the world on 28th April 2008.

Eluveitie - Slania Review

The Folk Metal genre has been around for years, but recently it has really started to blossom and take notice. Maybe it's because most of the European Melodic Death bands have 'Americanized' their sound too much in the last few years, or maybe people just want something fun to listen to. Whatever the case, the genre is getting bigger, especially with tours like the upcoming Paganfest festival hitting North America and Europe this spring. One of the bands on that bill is Eluveitie, a band from Switzerland making they're own brand of Folk Metal by playing Melodic Death Metal and adding Folk and Celtic instruments to the mix . The band recently released their second studio album through Nuclear Blast Records entitled Slania.

Slania starts off with Samon, an intro that's actually worth listening to, which is actually pretty rare these days. A slow, heavy riff with a beautiful melody played by a fiddle, whistles and a hurdy gurdy. This gives a nice indication on whats to come, as most of the time, these instruments are in the front providing the main melody of the songs. Primordial Breath is the first real song on the album. It's heavy but midpaced. Good song but not the best opener to lead off a band's first major label release.

Inis Mona is next, and now we're talking. This should have been the first track, as it is also the first single which is a perfect choice. Catchy, upbeat and the melody makes you want to dance. Grey Sublime Archon is another killer tune, heavy riffage, a catchy melody from the hurdy gurdy, and a sung chorus.

The band excels at mixing these celtic instruments with headbanging riffs. Dark Tranquility comes to mind in the more upbeat songs like Bloodstained Ground and Tarvos. But the album's highlight comes from Slanias Song, a slower, midpaced song which mixes screams and beautiful female vocals.

The only flaw on this album is that it doesn't vary too much and after a while you feel like you've heard what they have to offer. This is probably why there are 3 interludes on the album which do their job by spacing the the tracks out nicely. I'm sure the band will improve upon this with future releases.
7/10

Standout Tracks: Inis Mona, Grey Sublime Archon, Slania's Song, Elembivos

Listen to tracks from Slania on the band's myspace page. Catch Eluveitie on the Paganfest USA Tour this spring with Ensiferum, Turisas and Tyr. Expect a review of this tour up here in late April as I will be attending the Montreal date on April 26.

Counter Review: In Flames - A Sense Of Purpose

I saw things a little bit different than Mental Infestation so I thought I'd write my own review on the new In Flames album.

A Sense Of Purpose is the follow up to 2006's highly successful (yet dissapointing to this writer's ears) Come Clarity. At the first couple of listens, the album seemed a bit underwhelming and more of the same. But after repeated listens it revealed itself as much more focused and not as forced as Come Clarity did. The production and sound is much better than the last few albums. The guitar melodies and solos are also much better, similar to 2000's Clayman. Vocalist Anders Frieden has improved a lot as well. He's developed a sort of half scream, half sing style, so there is rarely any of the 'whiney' type vocals that fans like to complain about.
The album kicks off with the first single 'The Mirror's Truth'. With a big, catchy chorus and a great guitar solo, it gives you a pretty good indication on what's to come on the album.

One thing that myself and I'm sure many other fans have missed from In Flames are their acoustic guitar work that they're so good at. Well there's a few songs on here with nice acoustic guitar melodies. The third track 'Sleepless Again' starts out with a pretty acoustic melody, then quickly becomes a great song that blends In Flames' old and new style quite well. Another highlight is the fourth track, 'Alias' which is probably the catchiest song the band has done since the song 'Only For The Weak' from Clayman. It has a great chorus that I'm sure will get crowds singing along in concert, and in the middle of the song it features another amazing acoustic guitar melody that sounds like it could have come from 1994's Lunar Strain! Amazing tune.

The band is actually experimenting a little as well. 'The Chosen Pessimist' is an 8 minute song which is already very unusual for In Flames. It sounds like something you might hear from Post Rockers Mogwai or Cult Of Luna. The song starts off slow with just a simple guitar line, then builds up with drums, keyboards, violins and samples to a heavy climax. This is the only slower song on the album.

On the downside, it seems like the band really is struggling to please both their old and new fans at once. There are many songs on the album (I'm The Highway, Drenched In Fear) that start off awesome with good riffage and great guitar leads, but then gets to the big, sing-along chorus and loses the intensity it's built up.

There are 3 other songs they wrote for this album, that didn't make the cut, and appear on the CD single of 'The Mirror's Truth'. I can't figure out why the songs Eraser and Tilt from the single were not put on the album. They are better than any other song on the album, which leads me to belive that they really are trying to make the albums full of 'hits'.

All in all, this is a solid In Flames effort that blends the old with the new quite well. This seems to be the album that they wanted Come Clarity to be, and it sounds like it could have been the album to come after Reroute To Remain. It's got the style of Come Clarity, mixed with the samples and keyboard stuff from Soundtrack To Your Escape, mixed with the guitar melodies of Clayman. Fans who have enjoyed the last 3 In Flames albums will be happy, as well as people who miss the guitar solos and harmonies that the band was known for in their old days.
8/10.

Standout Songs: Sleepless Again, Alias, Delight And Angers

In Flames - A Sense of Purpose Review

A Sense Of Purpose is the ninth studio album from melodic death metallers In Flames. One of the most eagerly awaited new releases of 2008, this is an album that has already caused controversy with people debating their choice of artwork. But can you really judge an album by its cover?

1. The Mirror's Truth is the first single off the album. It's not a very long track, just over 3 minutes, in length. It's not a bad track, just didn't really draw me in like I was hoping. Along the same lines as many a track from Come Clarity, this is a very melodic track that lacks bite.

2. Disconnected sound a little better than the first track. It's still very melodic sounding though. And with some lyrics which would suit Slipknot a bit better, "I feel like sh*t, but at least I feel something". Ouch! Again, I feel this track lacks bite. It doesn't really go anywhere, there's nothing to hook you into it. It's not bad, but it's not up to In Flames standards.

3. Sleepless Again got me worried at first, with a nice little acoustic guitar opening, fortunately the pace did pick up. This is a better sounding track than the first two! Still, this is another very melodic track. It sounds more like the melodic stuff from Reroute To Remain, but no heavier than that.

I'm only on track three, and I'm worried that this album won't produce a nice gritty, more brutal sounding In Flames, but more of a lack luster, softer sister of Come Clarity.

4. Alias I can see being the next single. It's catchy, it's a track I can see people singing back at the band. It's got a bit more growly vocals in it, though still loads of melody, more acoustic guitars in the middle (with nice riffage), this is my favourite track so far. Still, I'm not 100% sure on the lyrics. Maybe I need to read them as a whole to appreciate them... This is more of the In Flames I know though.

5. I'm the Highway is another track which sounds a bit more In Flames like. Hoorah! But if you were wanting it to sound like anything pre-Reroute To Remain, you'll be disappointed. It is however a faster track which would sit happily on Reroute. There seems to be a lot of use of doubling up the vocals to create really nice harmonies on this album, and this track is no exception. Still, we seem to be on the up now from a disappointing start.

6. Delight And Angers sounds too similar to what I've already heard. I am starting to lose my concentration on reviewing the album now. Another track with loads of melody, bits of brutality, but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Not a particularly long track either. I'm still waiting for the track that makes me go "now THIS is what I was waiting for". I didn't find that in this song.

7. Move Through Me starts off a lot better than the last. Perhaps this is the track I was waiting for. Yup this is certainly more my kinda track. Still loads of vocal harmonies going on, but this sounds on the same level as Trigger. Yes this is more of what I was hoping I'd hear on the album. It has the right balance, and sounds less like a metalcore band that wish they were In Flames, and more like the geniune article!

8. The Chosen Pessimist appears to be the slow track on this album. Now I do like a mellow track, I usually like it at the end of the album. And one of my favourite tracks from Come Clarity was the track of the same name. But this track seems to go on a bit, and a hefty length of a track it is too at around 8 minutes. It shows Anders weaker side, he's far better with his growling vocals than his singing vocals (sorry mate, you're no Bjorn 'Speed' Strid). Cut off the first 4 minutes and it might be a better track, it doesn't actually kick in until around 6 and a half minutes. By this time, I'm sure a lot of people will have skipped on to see what else was on the album.

9. Sober And Irrelevant starts off sounding a bit more like what I was hoping for too! Yes, fear not, In Flames haven't gone completely wussy on us! If I'd heard this track first, I would have told you to go out and preorder your copy now! Now why they didn't do an album with more of a mixture of these heavier sounding tracks, I will never know, but there are still a few left! Fingers crossed that the beginning of the album was just a blip!

10. Condemned is another heavier starting track than what we saw in the first half. I'm starting to come around now. Feeling a little less disappointed than I was in the beginning. It's got everything you would want. It's heavy, it's got melodic bits, it's got a nice solo, it's dark sounding, it keeps your attention. But again, these tracks are all a bit short. It's only 3 and a half minutes long!

11. Drenched In Fear I'm hoping is going to continue on this upward trend! It's a good start... And yeah, another decent sounding track. Why didn't it start like this? It's not going to be an anthem, it's an album track rather than a single, but still, I'd rather have this as a filler than some of the earlier tracks.

12. March To The Shore is another good starting heavy track. Nice melodies in the chorus, nice guitar work. Did they get someone else to write the earlier tracks? Really good contrasting sounding solo section. But again, this is a really short track. I'm feeling a bit cheated.

It's like two different bands on this album. The In Flames I'd grown accustomed to since I first heard Reroute To Remain, and the In Flames everyone was worried they were going to become if they continued on the more melodic melodic path after their last release Come Clarity. I'm all for progression in a band, and trying out new styles and experimentation. Perhaps if the tracks were moved around a bit, so there was a heavier track, then a lighter track, rather than having a really weak start and the second part totally out classing it, it would have worked better as a whole.

If you were hoping In Flames were going to go back to their roots, you will be disappointed. They've moved on from there now, and they're still heading forwards rather than looking back.

I feel I need to give A Sense of Purpose a few more listens before I'm entirely convinced by it. Still, even with the initial disappointed, they did manage to save themselves from what could have been a disaterous album.

I would recommend you do check this album out when it's released through Nuclear Blast on the 7th of April (that's the UK release date anyway), but do so with caution. It won't be to all In Flames fans tastes! And I'd certainly recommend listening to it a couple of times through before you fully decide. I feel I may need a couple more listens before I can fully appreciate it.

I'm now looking forward to see if any of the other guys here on Metaholic have similar reviews and views or if we all have a completely different view on this album...

Mínus @ Leadmill, Sheffield 21st March 2008

Last night I headed out to see Icelandic rockers Mínus (pronounced Mee-noose, or so they told me) playing at the Leadmill in Sheffield. It wasn't a well advertised show, as it was purely by chance that I was talking to a friend about the band, and checked out their Myspace profile and saw they were playing here the following week.

I've been a fan of the band since Halldór Laxness came out in 2004. I've seen them a couple of times before (supporting Amen at the Garage in Glasgow, and headlinging the G2 in Glasgow), and scared the living daylights out of their old guitarist, Frosti, when asking if he was feeling better (I'd heard on the radio he wasn't well, and was just showing concern). The band line up has changed since then (two of the members I spoke to have both left... Ooops), and I hadn't listened to their latest release, The Great Northern Whalekill, because though I knew it was due out (after being released in Iceland last year), it just wasn't advertised!

It was a poor turn out, with a very small queue outside, but we just put it down to it being early when we arrived. We knew Mínus weren't going to draw a huge crowd anyway, they hadn't the last time we saw them either, but I was pretty sure things would get busier later on.

So the first band came out, I have no idea who they were. A local band, who didn't introduce themselves properly, but that was no big deal, they weren't memorable anyway. The guys could play, it was just a shame all their material sounded the same (and it wasn't even that interesting to start with), and that the vocalist didn't know what the microphone was there for, as he darted past it whilst singing in what sounded like a very put on gruff voice.

The second band on, however, really caught my attention. They were another local band, Mybe. Now, they won't be a band that will appeal to a lot of our readers here at Metaholic, they were a happy-go-lucky sounding punk rock band. The Yorkshire/Derbyshire equivalent to Bowling For Soup perhaps (but without the fat dude) or maybe a little more serious (but still funny) Presidents Of The USA, with catchy songs and a load of good humour thrown in. They looked like they were having a lot of fun, mocking themselves in parts (especially when something went wrong with the bassists equipment with few people noticing, their vocalist piping up, "I told you we didn't need you!").

They have been going for a few years, and they did bring quite a large number of people in with them, as the crowd swelled when they were due on. But there was reason behind this, they were pretty damn good, and certainly a band I will be keeping an eye on in future!

As Mybe left the stage, so did the majority of the audience. I have to say, this really did upset me, as they had yet to see the headline act! The numbers got smaller and smaller as Mínus started to prepare the stage for their set. Why go to a show and not stay for the main act?!

I assume Mínus felt equally as deflated by the dwindelling crowds when they finally took to the stage. As I say, I haven't heard the new album yet (and never managed to get into their first album, Jesus Christ Bobby), and I didn't recognise the first few tracks, but it wasn't long until they plowed into their older material. But this wasn't the Mínus I recall seeing back in Glasgow. Perhaps they saw the crowd before they came on and thought they were gaining in popularity in the UK, perhaps it was because those who were left just didn't show much enthusiasm as they asked how Sheffield were. But they lacked the sparkle they had on the Halldór Laxness tour.

Not only was the sparkle gone, but their vocalist, Krummi, seemed to be messing around with vocal effects pedals to an extent where he was missing lines of the songs out. On one of their singles from the last album, Angel In Disguise, they seemed to cut the song in half.

The band lacked enthusiasm, as did the majority of the 20 or so people left in the hall. There was almost no interaction between the band and crowd, and as time approached for the end of the set, the guitarist, in a little girly hissy fit, bounded off the stage, closely followed by the bassist and drummer, leaving Krummi on stage faffing around with the effects pedals. He then took off, leaving a whole load of noise and feedback pouring through the speakers.

I can fully understand the frustration of the band, but with a lack of advertising of the new album and the tour, you can't be surprised by it. And the strop they threw at the end was not only pathetic, but it alienated the already uncomfortable feeling fans, even more.

I was a fairly big fan of Mínus before this show, but I'm feeling a little bit let down by their antics, I don't know if I'll bother to get along to their next tour.

Mybe's Myspace: www.myspace.com/mybe
Mínus's Myspace: www.myspace.com/minus

The Summer Slaughter Tour, USA

While making their mark as one of Australia's finest extreme metal acts, Psycroptic have gained themselves a bit of recognition around the local and international scene, and as a result, Psycroptic are now set to show America how we Aussies like it, and what we're really made of. Playing a show almost every day for just over a month, they'll conquer the USA on The Summer Slaughter Tour in June/July supporting The Black Dahlia Murder, kataklysm, Vader, Cryptopsy, Aborted and a few others.
Do yourselves a favour, go to this gig!

20 June Majestic Theatre Detroit, Michigan
21 June Peabody’s Cleveland, Ohio
22 June Headliner’s Louisville, Kentucky
24 June Northern Lights Albany, New York
25 June The Trocadero Worcester, Massachusetts
28 June Starland Ballroom Sayreville, New Jersey
29 June The National Richmond, Virginia
30 June Ground Zero Spartanburg, South Carolina
1 July The Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
4 July The White Rabbit San Antonio, Texas
5 July Meridian Houston, Texas
6 July House of Blues Dallas, Texas
8 July Club 101 El Paso, Texas
9 July Sunshine Threatre Albuquerque, New Mexico
10 July Marquee Theatre Phoenix, Arizona
11 July House of Blues Los Angeles, California
12 July The Dome Bakersfield, California
13 July Soma San Diego, California
15 July The Fillmore San Francisco, California
17 July Hawthorne Theater Portland
18 July Studio Seven Seattle, Washington
19 July The Big Easy Spokane, Washington
20 July The Big Easy Boise, Idaho
21 July Club NVO Logan, Utah
23 July Cervantes Ballroom Denver, Colorado
24 July Sokol Underground Omaha, Nebraska
25 July First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
26 July Milwaukee, Wisconsin
27 July St Louis, Missouri
28 July House of Blues Chicago, Illinois

http://www.myspace.com/psycroptic

Aussie Update - 22/03/08

Tours 2008

Kataklysm
23rd March - Metalstock Festival, Sydney ALL AGES
25th March - Amplifier Bar, Perth 18+ - The Furor, Arterial Hemorrhage
27th March - Fowlers Live, Adelaide ALL AGES - Double Dragon, Grotesque
28th March - Club Phoenix, Brisbane 18+ - Dawn Of Azazel, Grotesque, The Dead
29th March - East Brunswick Club, Melbourne 18+ - Dawn Of Azazel, Grotesque, Aphotic Dawn

Porcupine Tree
25th April - The Metro, Melbourne
26th April - The Enmore, Sydney
27th April - The Tivoli, Brisbane
www.myspace.com/porcupinetree

Saxon 2008:
30th April - Japan, Tokyo at East
1st May - Japan, Nagoya at Club Quattro
2nd May - Japan, Osaka at Club Quattro
5th May - Australia, Brisbane at The Arena w/ LORD
6th May - Australia, Melbourne at Billboard w/ LORD
7th May - Australia, Sydney at The Forum w/ LORD

Soilwork Aussie tour:
13th May - Brisbane: The Arena
14th May - Sydney: The Manning Bar
15th May - Melbourne: Hi-Fi
17th May - Adelaide: Night Train
18th May - Perth: Metro Fremante

Mayhem Touring Australia Here are the OZ/NZ Tour Dates:
17th May - Auckland: The Transmission Room, supported by NAZXUL
20th May - Melbourne: Billboard The Venue, supported By NAZXUL
22nd May - Sydney: The Metro Theatre, (All ages) supported by NAZXUL & LYCANTHIA
23rd May - Brisbane: The Arena, supported by NAZXUL & PORTAL
24th May - Adelaide: Fowler's Live, (All ages) supported by Nazxul
25th May - Perth: The Amplifier Bar, supported by Nazxul

Children of Bodom Australia / New Zealand Tour
20th June - Brisbane - The Arena (all ages)
22nd June - Melbourne - The Palace Theatre
24th June - Sydney - The Enmore Theatre (all ages)
26th June - Auckland - The Transmission Room (all ages)
28th June - Adelaide - Fowler's Live (all ages)
30th June - Perth - Capitol Theatre

Cog Sharing Space Tour with Jakob
15th May 2008 - Palace Theatre (formally Metro) MELBOURNE, Victoria
16th May 2008 - Enmore Theatre (Licensed all ages) SYDNEY, New South Wales
17th May 2008 - The Tivoli Brisbane, Queensland
22nd May 2008 - Hotel Great Northern BYRON BAY, New South Wales
23rd May 2008 - Coolangatta Hotel COOLANGATTA, Queensland
24th May 2008 - Powerhouse TOOWOOMBA, Queensland
25th May 2008 - Sands Tavern MAROOCHYDORE, Queensland
28th May 2008 - Wollongong Uni Bar WOLLONGONG, New South Wales
29th May 2008 - Uni of Canberra CANBERRA, Australian Capital Territory
30th May 2008 - Newcastle Panthers NEWCASTLE WEST, New South Wales
31st May 2008 - Sawtell RSL SAWTELL, New South Wales
5th June 2008 - Wrest Point Showroom HOBART, Tasmania
6th June 2008 - Siroccos BURNIE, Tasmania
7th June 2008 - Batman Falkner LAUNCESTON, Tasmania
8th June 2008 - Batman Falkner (all ages) LAUNCESTON, Tasmania
11th June 2008 - The Pub BENDIGO, Victoria
12th June 2008 - The Gov (Licensed all ages) HINDMARSH, South Australia
13th June 2008 - The Gov (Over 18s only) HINDMARSH, South Australia
14th June 2008 - The Edge Hotel BURONGA, New South Wales
17th June 2008 - Bundy Sugarland BUNDABERG, Queensland
18th June 2008 - Great Western ROCKHAMPTON, Queensland
19th June 2008 - McGuires Hotel MACKAY, Queensland
20th June 2008 - Bombay Rock TOWNSVILLE, Queensland
21st June 2008 - Brothers Leagues MANUNDA, Queensland
www.myspace.com/cogrockmusic

Creech
March 29th - Musicland Fawkner, Victoria
June 13th - The Enigma Bar Adelaide, South Australia
June 20th - The Barwon Club Geelong, Victoria
June 27th - The Excelsior Hotel Sydney, New South Wales
June 5th - The Bandroom Bendigo, Victoria
July 19th - Federation Square Melbourne, Victoria
www.myspace.com/creechband

Local Gigs - New South Wales

Local metal band DRED will be playing their 1st show for 2008 at The Harp Hotel, 900 Princes Hwy, Tempe with Ironwood and Bane of Isildur this Saturday, the 29th of March 2008. Starts at 8:00 PM, Cost is $10.

Sabretung, Aeturnus Dominion, The Dark Gift and Indisperse.
10 April - Cambridge Hotel Newcastle West, New South Wales
$5 entry
www.myspace.com/aeturnusdominion
www.myspace.com/sabretung

SLAUGHTER IN THE LEWISHAM 2008
Saturday May 10th - 1PM. $12 entry
Featuring:

DRED
HERRATIK
KILLRAZOR
Sword Toward Self
Head Hammer
Intrepid
Mother Eel
Stimulust
Daemon Featol Harvest
Anotnomasia

794 Parramatta rd Lewisham 2049
Lewisham Hotel

www.myspace.com/rockfeastlewisham

Grim Demise, Sabretung, Black Asylum and Darker Half
31st May - Cambridge Hotel (2 Shows, one All Ages, one 18+) Newcastle, New South Wales
$10 entry

Local Gigs - Victoria

The Central Club
29 March - 283 Swan St., Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria
Cost : 15.00
Be'lakor
Nevetherym
Black Like Vengeance
Leicohtica
Darkest Dawn Kightmare

Mammal:
29th March - Calder Park Raceway/ Crusty Demons of Dirt Melbourne, Victoria
4th April -The Peninsula Lounge w/Sleep Parade Moorooduc, Victoria
5th April - Eastbank Centre - nleash The BeastShepparton, Victoria
10th April - The Evelyn Hotel Melbourne, Victoria
www.myspace.com/mammaltheband

Lord
26th April - The Corner Hotel Melbourne, Victoria with; Crimsonfire, Divine Ascension, and Vampora.
www.myspace.com/lordaus

Local Gigs - South Australia

Mammal
11th April - Electric Light Hotel w/BUSHIDO ADELAIDE, South Australia
12th April - Off the Tracks Festival (ALL AGES) Streaky Bay, South Australia

That's all for now, more to come soon!
Mat

Immortal Blashyrkh tour, Australia 2008 - March 15th, The Metro, Sydney

What can be said about this band that hasn't been said before? They've been around for some 18 years and only just now decided to grace Australian fans with their presence, which seems to be the going trend for bands to finally realise that we're here and waiting (Iron Maiden finally realised this too). But, alas they came, we saw, then they left, but not before getting pestered by a crowd of fans at their instore signing at Utopia Records in Sydney, which was quite the experience in itself. But, to the gig.

Upon arriving there was already a sizable crowd waiting outside, and once everyone was let it they all went either to the bar, to the front of the stage or to the merch stand, which seems to be the three most interesting spots one can be before the show even starts. Local metallers Ruins were the support for the evening, and despite their lack of stage presence, they kicked arse musically. I had heard some good things about this band, and it was delivered, which is always a bonus. The band boasts members of Psycroptic and The Amenta, which are both becoming local heroes in the metal scene down under. Ruins are yet another tight act in the Australian metal scene, and I'd recommend you check them out if ever given a chance.

Of course, Immortal were up next, and the crowd was giddy with anticipation as their backdrop was revealed, out came the camera phones to get a pic, and as the crew was preparing the stage for their inevitable arrival people were either sucking up to them with hopes of scoring free sh*t, or yelling for them to "hurry f**k up" (jokes, of coarse). After a good half hour or so wait, Immortal finally came out, Horgh arising triumphantly behind the kit, followed by Abbath and Apollyon running out on stage.

They played songs from all over their discography, including Solarfall, At The Heart of Winter, Damned in Black, Sons of Northern Darkness and so on, and played them all perfectly. I didn't think the night could get any better until Abbath came out mid song with a flaming torch and did a bit of fire breathing for all the Sydney fans! From second row I could feel the heat from these massive fireballs licking the ceiling. Abbath was in a comical mood this evening, having fun with the crowd in between songs, when we got too quiet he'd yell at us to make some noise, and at some point did a scat version of a Didgeridoo, which was a pretty good attempt.
After a few more songs the show was over and people spilled out onto the streets of Sydney very satisfied and jumping around with glee over the fact that they had just seen Immortal, and after an 18 year wait, you'd bloody well hope so.

The Monday after the show was time for the Immortal signing, so I made my way back into the city just for this, and I can say that it was an experience, as I already mentioned. The lineup of people didn't really start to grow until around 5 mins before the band was due to begin, but as expected it was pushed back half an hour, which wasn't too much of a big deal.

Eventually everyone was lead inside the store to line up and out came the band, Abbath, Horgh, Apollyon and Demonaz were all accompanied by cheers from the crowd. They all seemed quite happy to sit there and sign a few things for everyone, I started to think of things I should have taken with me to get signed, but alas I scored a tour poster from the shop owner and got the band to scribble on that, which was awesome. When I asked Apollyon how their stay in Sydney was, he said "It was great, today we went to the zoo". Sounds like fun!
A great way to end an even better weekend. If you ever get a chance to see Immortal, don't pass it up, they certainly give you your moneys worth. I'll definately be there when they return. I just wish I had a camera with me on the night. Always next time though!

Mat

FREE SHOW! Generator @ West Street Live, 25th March

This coming Tuesday, 25th of March, Sheffield rockers Generator will be playing a FREE SHOW at West Street Live, Sheffield. Doors open at 7.30pm. So if you're in the area, make sure you get yourself along!

For more information on the band, get onto their Myspace page: www.myspace.com/thesoundofgenerator

This Weekend! METALSTOCK

Metalstock has finally crept up and awaits all Australian metal fans! This is the best way to spend your Easter long weekend. You'd be foolish to miss this (Yepp, I'm foolish alright).

22/23 Mar​ '0​8
Met​als​toc​k 200​8 is held at the Man​nin​g Bar​, Syd​ney​ Syd​ney​, New​ Sou​th Wal​es

REV​ISE​D LIN​E-U​P and​ RUN​NIN​G ORD​ERS​ for​ MET​ALS​TOC​K 200​8 are​:

SAT​URD​AY Mar​ch 22n​d (3p​m – 12a​m)
Day​sen​d (NS​W) : 11:​20p​m – 12:​00a​m
Alc​hem​ist​ (AC​T) :10​:20​pm – 11:​00p​m
The​ Fur​or (WA​) : 9:2​0pm​ – 10:​00p​m
Ter​ror​ust​ (VI​C) : 8:2​0pm​ – 9:0​0pm​
Fiv​e Sta​r Pri​son​ Cel​l (VI​C) : 7:2​0pm​ – 8:0​0pm​
Ebo​lie​ (NS​W) : 6:3​0pm​ – 7:0​0pm​
Myt​ile​ Vey​ Lor​th (AC​T) : 5:4​0pm​ – 6:1​0pm​
Bla​ck Asy​lum​ (NS​W) : 4:5​0pm​ – 5:2​0pm​
Gro​tes​que​ (WA​) : 4:0​0pm​ – 4:3​0pm​
Nor​se (NS​W) : 3:1​0pm​ – 3:4​0pm​
Doors Open

SUN​DAY​ Mar​ch 23r​d (3p​m -10​pm)​
Kat​akl​ysm​ (CA​NAD​A) : 9:0​0pm​ – 10:​00p​m
Psy​cro​pti​c (TA​S) : 7:5​0pm​ – 8:3​0pm​
Daw​n of Aza​zel​ (NZ​) : 6:5​0pm​ – 7:3​0pm​
Pat​hog​en (WA​) : 5:5​0pm​ – 6:3​0pm​
Ulc​era​te (NZ​) : 4:5​0pm​ – 5:3​0pm​
The​ Dea​d (QL​D) : 4:0​0pm​ – 4:3​0pm​
Bey​ond​ Ter​ror​, Bey​ond​ Gra​ce (NS​W) : 3:1​0pm​ – 3:4​0pm​
Doors Open

MET​ALS​TOC​K 200​8 tickets on sal​e now​ fro​m Mos​hti​x out​let​s and​ Uto​pia​ Rec​ord​s.


www​. mos​hti​x. com​. au or pho​ne 130​0 438​ 849​
htt​p:/​/ww​w. mys​pac​e. com​/da​lkh​ure​cor​ds
htt​p:/​/ww​w. mys​pac​e. com​/me​tal​sto​ck
http://www. myspace. com/soundworks_touring

Type O Negative North American Tour

Type O Negative have announced tour dates for their North American tour, which kicks off in May. The dates so far are as follows:

May 9 2008 8:00P Palladium Worcester, Massachusetts
May 10 2008 8:00P Starland Ballroom Sayreville, New Jersey
May 11 2008 8:00P The Norva Norfolk, Virginia
May 13 2008 8:00P House of Blues Cleveland, Ohio
May 14 2008 8:00P Trocadero Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 16 2008 8:00P Lupo’s Providence, Rhode Island
May 17 2008 8:00P Crocodile Rock Allentown, Pennsylvania
May 18 2008 8:00P Rams Head Baltimore, Maryland
May 20 2008 8:00P Revolution Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
May 21 2008 8:00P House of Blues Orlando, Florida
May 23 2008 8:00P Tabernacle Atlanta, Georgia
May 24 2008 8:00P House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana
May 25 2008 8:00P Verizon Wireless Houston, Texas
May 27 2008 8:00P Palladium Dallas, Texas
May 28 2008 8:00P Sunset Station San Antonio, Texas
May 30 2008 8:00P Marquee Theater Tempe, Arizona
May 31 2008 8:00P House of Blues Las Vegas, Nevada
Jun 1 2008 8:00P Avalon Los Angeles, California
Jun 3 2008 8:00P The Grove Anaheim, California
Jun 4 2008 8:00P Grand Ballroom San Francisco, California
Jun 6 2008 8:00P Roseland Theater Portland, Oregon
Jun 7 2008 8:00P Big Easy Spokane, Washington
Jun 8 2008 8:00P Shrine Auditorium Billings, Montana
Jun 9 2008 8:00P Rushmore Hall Rapid City, South Dakota
Jun 10 2008 8:00P Ogden Theater Denver, Colorado
Jun 12 2008 8:00P Beaumont Kansas City, Kansas
Jun 13 2008 8:00P Pops St. Louis, Missouri
Jun 14 2008 8:00P Rave Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jun 16 2008 8:00P The Myth Maplewood, Minnesota
Jun 17 2008 8:00P The Venue Fargo, North Dakota
Jun 19 2008 8:00P Orbit Room Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jun 20 2008 8:00P Town Ballroom Buffalo, New York
Jun 23 2008 8:00P Headliners Toledo, Ohio
Jun 24 2008 8:00P House of Blues Chicago, Illinois
Jun 25 2008 8:00P Bogarts Cincinnati, Ohio
Jun 27 2008 8:00P Newport Music Hall Columbus, Ohio
Jun 28 2008 8:00P TBD New York, New York
Jun 29 2008 8:00P Magic City Music Hall Johnson City, New York

Here's hoping those b**tards get themselves over to Europe for a few shows in the near future!

Teräsbetoni too "Burly" for Finnish TV

NewsRoom Finland reports that the record company of TERÄSBETONI, the bombastic metal rockers who will represent Finland at the Eurovision song contest in May, has shelved a videothat was supposed to be shown to the media on Thursday (March 13), Finnish tabloids Iltalehti and Ilta-Sanomat reported Friday."We concluded that the goings-on [in the video] were too burly for a Eurovision video," Pekka Ruuska of Warner MusicFinland was quoted as saying by Iltalehti.

Jarkko Ahola, the TERÄSBETONI frontman, said the video featured images like a woman's unclothed chest."The video showed various byproducts of a rock star lifestyle. I thought it was funny as a parody," Ahola was quoted as saying by Ilta-Sanomat.TERÄSBETONI will release its third album, "Myrskyntuoja", on March 19 via Warner Music Finland. The CD's cover artwork can be viewed at this location.

The album was produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, APOCALYPTICA, THE 69 EYES), who previously worked with TERÄSBETONI on the group's last LP, the gold-certified (in Finland) "Vaadimme metallia", which came out in 2006.

"Myrskyntuoja" track listing:

01. Voiman Vartijat
02. Painajainen
03. Missä Miehet Ratsastaa
04. Ukkoshevonen
05. Orjakaleeri
06. Paha Sanoo
07. Teräksen Taakka
08. Metallin Voima
09. Kuumilla Porteilla
10. Viholliselle
11. Huominen Tulla Jo Saa
12. Seiso Suorassa

Source: blabbermouth.net

Sold Out!

Metal festival Wacken has totally sold out! Nope it hasn't booked Fall Out Boy, I do mean the tickets. Apparently they all disappeared yesterday, so unless you have a time machine, or want to pay a fortune on eBay, then I'm afraid if you don't already have your tickets you will need to look elsewhere for your metal fix!

Cog Return!

Cog, one of my long time favourite bands, have returned from recording a second full-length in Weed, America, and are now set to destroy a few more ears with their next Australian tour that starts yesterday!
After seeing and meeting these guys multiple times in the past, I can say for sure that they are one of the top touring acts I Australia at the moment, who can actually replicate, if not perform better live than on CD! Definitely not an act to let slip by you. See them while you can!

13 Mar 2008 - Ferntree Gully Hotel Ferntree Gully Victoria
14 Mar 2008 - Woolshed Exhibition Centre BALLARAT, Victoria
15 Mar 2008 - West Town Hall GEELONG WEST, Victoria
15 May 2008 - Palace Theatre (formally Metro) MELBOURNE, Victoria
16 May 2008 - Enmore Theatre (Licensed all ages) SYDNEY, New South Wales
17 May 2008 - The Tivoli Brisbane, Queensland
22 May 2008 - Hotel Great Northern BYRON BAY, New South Wales
23 May 2008 - Coolangatta Hotel COOLANGATTA, Queensland
24 May 2008 - Powerhouse TOOWOOMBA, Queensland
25 May 2008 - Sands Tavern MAROOCHYDORE, Queensland
28 May 2008 - Wollongong Uni Bar WOLLONGONG, New South Wales
29 May 2008 - Uni of Canberra CANBERRA, Australian Capital Territory
30 May 2008 - Newcastle Panthers NEWCASTLE WEST, New South Wales
31 May 2008 - Sawtell RSL SAWTELL, New South Wales
5 Jun 2008 - Wrest Point Showroom HOBART, Tasmania
6 Jun 2008 - Siroccos BURNIE, Tasmania
7 Jun 2008 - Batman Falkner LAUNCESTON, Tasmania
8 Jun 2008 - Batman Falkner (all ages) LAUNCESTON, Tasmania
11 Jun 2008 - The Pub BENDIGO, Victoria
12 Jun 2008 - The Gov (Licensed all ages) HINDMARSH, South Australia
13 Jun 2008 - The Gov (Over 18s only) HINDMARSH, South Australia
14 Jun 2008 - The Edge Hotel BURONGA, New South Wales
17 Jun 2008 - Bundy Sugarland BUNDABERG, Queensland
18 Jun 2008 - Great Western ROCKHAMPTON, Queensland
19 Jun 2008 - McGuires Hotel MACKAY, Queensland
20 Jun 2008 - Bombay Rock TOWNSVILLE, Queensland
21 Jun 2008 - Brothers Leagues MANUNDA, Queensland

Some supports include NZ bands Kora and Jakob.
Jakob are another artist you cannot miss on this tour. Coming all the way from New Zealand just for these shows, I think it's been quite a while since they were last here, and I must say I've been anxiously awaiting their return. Safe to say, you'll probably find me at the Sydney and Wollongong shows.
You can check out both Cog and Jakob through the links below.

Cog - http://www.myspace.com/cogrockmusic
Jakob - http://www.myspace.com/jakobmusic

Saxon '08

Saxon are touring around the place with ony a few shows left, including a few Japan and Australia dates! This should be a tour not to miss.

Here are the dates:
23.04.2008 - UK, London at St George Day, Shepherds Bush Empire
30.04.2008 - Japan, Tokyo at East
01.05.2008 - Japan, Nagoya at Club Quattro
02.05.2008 - Japan, Osaka at Club Quattro
05.05.2008 - Auatralia, Brisbane at The Arena w/ LORD
06.05.2008 - Auatralia, Melbourne at Billboard w/ LORD
07.05.2008 - Auatralia, Sydney at The Forum w/ LORD
06.06.2008 - Sweden, Sweden Rock
28.06.2008 - Germany, Balingen at Bang Your Head Festival 2008
18.07.2008 - Germany, Osterode at Rock Harz

I'll be trying my best to make the Sydney date. Along with a few other shows. So much to pick from!

Red Sparowes Tour

Although this band is not 'metal' as you say, they are definitely a solid act and very worth the time to check out. For fans of ISIS and any good progressive experimental/instrumental bands (such as Explosions in the Sky). Their album At The Soundless Dawn is definitely at the top of my collection, and they just go to show that you don't need vocals and words to express yourself. This is true musical genius.

Red Sparowes with Russian Circles on All dates.

3/20 - Seattle, WA @ Neumo's
3/21 - Vancouver @ Richard's on Richards
3/22 - Portland, OR @ Berbati's
3/24 - Sacramento, CA @ Blue Lamp
3/25 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Crepe Place
3/26 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill and w/ Holloys
3/27 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echoplex and w/ Holloys
3/28 - San Diego, CA @ The Casbah and w/ Holloys
3/29 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Brickhouse

Don't waste such a good opportunity if you are able to see them!

http://www.myspace.com/redsparowes

New Opeth Song

A new Opeth song has surfaced from their forthcoming album entiled Watershed which is being released on June 3 through Roadrunner Records. This is a live recording from the show they played this past weekend on the 21st anniversary Schizoid Boat in honor of Mellotronen's birthday. The song played is entitled "Heir Apparent" which is the second track on their new album. Sound quality is not that great but the song sounds pretty good.

Children of Bodom Australia / New Zealand Tour!!!

COB have just announced the dates for an Australia and New Zealand tour. It was 2005 the last time they set oot on our shores, and since then their popularity has grown to the point where they're either loved, or hated by many a 'fan', so this could be interesting. With two sold out Sydney shows on their last tour and a very positive reponse fromt he crowd, it seems they've upgraded venue and all for this round, so hopefully their new stuff goes down well with the crowd this time around.

Here are your precious dates:
20.06.2008 Brisbane - The Arena (all ages)/ OZ
22.06.2008 Melbourne - The Palace Theatre / OZ
24.06.2008 Sydney - The Enmore Theatre (all ages)/ OZ
26.06.2008 Auckland - The Transmission Room (all ages)/ NZ
28.06.2008 Adelaide - Fowler's Live (all ages) / OZ
30.06.2008 Perth - Capitol Theatre/ OZ

Metallica Album News!

Metallica have announced that the follow up to 2003's 'St Anger' will be released this September.

The band have been recording the as-yet-untitled record in Los Angeles with producer Rick Rubin.

Speaking to BBC 6 Music, drummer Lars Ulrich said: "We're just finishing up a record, we've got six weeks left and it should be out in September, that's the idea right now."The band are expected to tour this summer, though UK dates are yet to be confirmed.

source: http://www.nme.com/news/metallica/35019

Metaholic Band Contest (edited)

After much positive response, we have decided to go ahead with our version of Eurovision, The Metaholic Band Contest!

So what is it?

Like Eurovision, we are looking to find the best act from each country, but we're doing around the world rather than just Europe! And it will be up to the readers of Metaholic Music to vote for the best act!

How do I join in?

Fans will need to visit the Metaholic Music page (as the poll on Myspace just didn't work) and vote on there firstly for a band to represent each country, then for the overall winner.

Bands will need to add us to their friends to participate in the contest, and you will need to add us before the 20th of March! It will then be down to our Myspace friends to decide whether or not you will represent your country. There needs to be AT LEAST 5 acts from each country for that country to be put forward!

When will the final votes be announced?

We would love to make it coincide with Eurovision, which is 24th of May! But it depends how it all goes. It would be awesome if we could get the results at the same time!

If you need any more information, please don't hesitate to drop us a line.

Remember to add us on Myspace: www.myspace.com/metaholicmusic

Readers Opinions Needed!

Well it's coming up for the annual European pop event of the year... Eurovision! Now what has that got to do with metal other than Lordi winning it the other year? Well, after seeing many a discussion on metal forums, we thought it'd be a great idea to have our own version with metal bands!

Using bands from around the world, rather than just Europe, it would be up to our Myspace friends to choose from 5 bands from each country, and then down to the readers of Metaholic Music to vote for the best overall act!

The bands would have to be on our friends list too (and have tracks on their page), and there would need to be at least 5 from each country for them to take part.

What do you guys think?

Bloodbath Live!!!!

This was the big news mentioned in their myspace bulletin the other day I'm guessing. Here it is as seen on their official page, www.bloodbath.biz.

Bloodbath has been confirmed to co-headline this years Party.San Metal Open Air Festival on Friday the 8th of August. This show will be exclusive for Germany and currently the only show booked so far. This event will mark Bloodbath’s return to the stage with the new line-up and will be the second live appearance ever. Plans have been made to film this show for yet another DVD, so zombies all over the world - start stumble your way to Bad Berka for one of the most brutal nights this summer.

Promoters interested in Bloodbath playing any other festivals? Contact the booking department.

Great news for those who are able to make it there. Sucks to be an Aussie fan at the moment though.

I wanna rock and roll all night

Graspop Metal Meeting Myspace Confirms Saturday headliner as KISS.

Full day line ups are as follows....

Friday

Whitesnake – Def Leppard - Ministry – Morbid Angel – Saxon - TESTAMENT - Yngwie Malsteen – NILE - Obituary – SYMPHONY X - TESLA – DEATHSTARS – BEHEMOTH – BLACK STONE CHERRY


Saturday

Cavalera Conspiracy – Iced Earth - IMMORTAL - Sonata Arctica - My Dying Bride – Helmet - Forbidden – Volbeat - Bring Me The Horizon - Korpiklaani - Dying Fetus – Hollenthon - 36 Crazyfists – AGENT STEEL - Bleeding Through – Novembers Doom - Throwdown - Sabaton


Sunday

In Flames – Apocalyptica - Bullet For My Valentine - Opeth – Avenged Sevenfold – At The Gates – ARCH ENEMY - Madball - Primordial – Soilwork – Rotting Christ – ROSE TATTOO - ALCHEMIST - Converge – Comeback Kid – LAUREN HARRIS

Graspop Metal Meeting 2008 will take place during the last weekend of June: 27,28,29 June at the festivalpark 'De Boeretang' in Dessel, Belgium!

See the site for details: http://www.graspop.be/

Metal, Metal Metal!!!!

Greetings to all, hope everyone is doing well. Here's some news from a few bands from around the globe, that some of you out there may be interested in.

Unleashed

Unleashed have revealed some new info in light of their upcoming release Hammer Battalion. From their Myspace blog:

Warriors !!!

Unleashed are currently hard at work in the studio to record their 9th studio album, Hammer Battalion.

Check in here for some photos from one of the recording sessions.....

They also wanted to take this opportunity to reveal the song titles on Hammer Battalion....

1. The Greatest Of All Lies
2. Long Before Winter's Call
3. Your Children Will Burn
4. Hammer Battalion
5. This Day Belongs To Me
6. Marching Off To War
7. Entering The Hall Of The Slain
8. Black Horizon
9. Carved In Stone
10. Warriors Of Midgard
11. Midsummer Solstice
12. Home Of The Brave
13. I Want You Dead

Bloodbath

Taken from their official Myspace:

We now have t-shirts for our new CD "UNBLESSING THE PURITY" which are shipping immediately. Available in a variety of sizes. Order from Bloodbath.biz.

We also will have another big announcement on Friday at our official web site (bloodbath.biz), so stay tuned.. '

Photos of the shirts:

I'm excited to hear this big news. I'm sure one of us will post it when it's revealed.

Morbid Angel

I hear that Morbid Angel are auditioning guitarists to accompany them on their upcoming tour! worldentertainment@comcast.net is where to contact them if you feel you have what it takes.

The band is also currently working on material for a new release, the first since Heretic was released 5 years ago!! And the first to feature the vocals of the one and only David Vincent, who was on their 1995 release, and one of my favourite records, Domination.

Cryptopsy

The band is currently in the creative mood, working in a new album which should be out soon. To quote band vocalist Matt McGachy, "The studio process has been very fulfilling. We have just recently finished all of the vocal tracks and the samples are in the process of being completed. The songs are just as brutal as on the previous albums while being far more concise. We have even brought in Ex-Ion Dissonance vocalist Gabriel McCaughry to add some vocals to a track called 'Anoint the Dead'. Some of the other tracks on the album are called 'Worship Your Demons', 'The Headsmen' and 'Bemoan the Martyr'."

Cavalera Conspiracy

Those who already know some about these guys need not know more, other than they are touring Europe!

Here are the dates:

May 30 - Electric Weekend Festival - Madrid, Spain
Jun. 01 -Pinkpop Festival - Landgraf, Netherlands
Jun. 02 - Rockhal - Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Jun. 03 - Osnabrueck Hyde Park - Osnabrueck, Germany
Jun. 05 - Bataclan - Paris, France
Jun. 06 - Rock Am Ring - Nurburgring, Germany
Jun. 07 - Rock Im Park - Nurnberg, Germany
Jun. 09 - Stodola - Warsaw, Poland
Jun. 13 - Nova Rock - Austria
Jun. 18 - Paradiso - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jun. 20 - Kobetasonik Festival - Bilboa, Spain
Jun. 21 - Hellfest - Nantes, France
Jun. 22 - Fields Of Rock - Biddinghuizen, Netherlands
Jun. 23 - Docks - Hamburg, Germany
Jun. 24 - Vega - Copenhagen, Denmark
Jun. 26 - Hove Festival - Norway
Jun. 27 - MetalTown Festival - Sweden
Jun. 28 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Belgium
Jul. 01 - Castle Fest - Belgrade, Serbia
Jul. 02 - Dom Sportova - Zagreb, Croatia
Jul. 03 - Lieberec Arena - Czech Republic
Jul. 04 - Hohenems Event Centre - Austria
Jul. 05 - Eurocké enness - Belfort, France
Jul. 06 - With Full Force Festival - Germany
Jul. 06 - Weisbaden Schlachtoe - Germany
Jul. 11 - Evolution Festival - Milan, Italy
Jul. 12 - Zurich Xtra Limmathaus – Switzerland

Black Asylum

Aussie Metallers Black Asylum have released a few new songs on their Myspace page. These guys are good, and after seeing them live myself I can say that someone out there will like them. They are also playing at Australia's Metalstock show. Checkout the Metalstock blog further down for more details on that.

Empyrean

Another local of Australia, has just released a video for their song Pleasure of Another's Pain. Check it out below and see More of the band at www.myspace.com/empyreanband.

Blatherskite

Sydney based Industrial Metal band, bloody amazing live act and awesome guys, are "getting ready to smash out the next album on 28th of April, set for a September release". I am personally really looking forward to this, since I got their mini album Three World, I've been hanging out for more! Check them out at www.myspace.com/blatherskite.

The band is also seeking a new bassist, so if you are Sydney based and can rock out, or know someone who can get in touch with them through myspace.

I could go on, but I'm sure that anything else I'd tell you you'd already know. Keep it heavy, and loud!