Posted: March 11, 2010 at 12:47 (PST)

Nuclear Blast has sent METALEATER this press release:

Canadian extreme metallers KATAKLYSM have completed the song writing process for their new album entitled "Heaven's Venom"! Currently the album is tentatively scheduled for a Fall of 2010 release via Nuclear Blast! Vocalist Maurizio Iacono commented:

"It's done after two years of hard work! We really made sure we had every element covered, going over all the riffs and arrangements hundreds of times to make it the best it could be. Our fans have given us so much over the years and it was time for us, without any label pressure or time limit, to give back with the album they have been waiting for. We think we've accomplished something special, but we are not going to say this is the heaviest or best KATAKLYSM and all that stuff. The fans will decide that. I just know the mission is accomplished when all of us have big cheesy smiles on our faces!

We're going to take a little break now and hit the road with KREATOR, which should be a lot of fun! Come party with us and hang out. As soon as we are back we will give the album one last check up and then start recording this beast. Should be warped up and mixed by this summer. Next year it will be the bands 20th anniversary so you can bet that we will deliver the goods. We promise! Lots of cool surprises ahead. See ya!"

Some tentative song titles appearing on the album include "Soul Made Of Shrapnel", "Blind Savior", "Hail The Renegade" and "Push the Venom".

"Heaven's Venom" will be KATAKLYSM's follow up to their 2008 release, "Prevail". Guitarist J-F Dagenais (MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX) will once again handle the recording process, while Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, SUICIDE SILENCE, WINDS OF PLAGUE, DARK TRANQUILITY) will handle mixing duties this time around.

Posted: March 11, 2010 at 11:45 (PST)

Arizona death metallers HEMOPTYSIS have released the video for their track "Shadow Of Death", featuring Chris Cannella of AUTUMN'S END, N17 and product manager of Jackson Guitars.

Posted: March 11, 2010 at 11:42 (PST)

GRAVE DIGGER have been added to the roster at this year's Sweden Rock festival, scheduled to take place June 9-12, 2010 in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

All the confirmed bands thus far are: AEROSMITH, ALDO NOVA, ALESTORM, ANVIL, BACHMAN & TURNER, BEHEMOTH, BIGELF, BILLY IDOL, CINDERELLA, D-A-D, DANZIG, F.K.Ü., FATES WARNING, GARY MOORE, GRAVE DIGGER, GUNS N' ROSES, JORN, MAGNUM, MASTODON, MOTHER'S FINEST, MASTODON, NAZARETH, OPETH, POINT BLANK, RATT, RAVEN, RICK SPRINGFIELD, SABATON, SAGA, SLAYER, STEEL PANTHER, STEELWING, STRATOVARIUS, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THE QUIREBOYS, U.D.O., UNISONIC, W.A.S.P., WATAIN, WINGER and Y&T.

Posted: March 11, 2010 at 11:41 (PST)

Metal Blade has sent METALEATER this press release:

Metal Blade Records is pleased to announce the signing of Jersey-based aggressive hard rock outfit RETURN TO EARTH featuring the talents of Ron Scalzo, Brett Aveni, and Chris Pennie (current drummer of COHEED & CAMBRIA and former drummer of THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN). RETURN TO EARTH has already finished writing and recording "Automata", the follow-up to the band's 2007 debut "Captains Of Industry", and is set to release the behemoth this summer.

RETURN TO EARTH comments: "After self-releasing our first album, 'Captains Of Industry', and discovering a heavier, more intense sound during the recording sessions for 'Automata', the three of us agreed that the scope of the band's vision would benefit from the support of a bigger, like-minded record label - one that had similar musical influences and an appreciation for our DIY 'studio geek' mentality. Also, a label we felt we could trust and depend upon to promote our songs properly. Metal Blade was always at the top of our very short wish list of potential partners, and so we were thrilled to discover that Brian Slagel and Metal Blade were as enamored with us as we were with them. Signing with Metal Blade is an affirmation of our hard work, and we are psyched to have them in our corner for the release of 'Automata'!"

Brian Slagel adds: "I have been a big fan of Chris Pennie for a long time and we all at Metal Blade are very excited to work with Chris and the rest of RETURN TO EARTH."

RETURN TO EARTH's music is highlighted by the awe-inspiring precision of Pennie's backbeat, Aveni's catchy rock hooks, and Scalzo's sing-and-scream, harmony-heavy vocals.

Explains Scalzo, "We're all passionate about music, and have a shared affinity for classic Metal and modern-day Rock with lush production. We're three guys with three different perspectives - but you can hear all those influences in our own tunes, loud and clear." As with all great bands, when RETURN TO EARTH make music together, the disparate influences and personalities coalesce into a single vision. Adds Scalzo, "Most of all, we each draw inspiration from the other guys' strengths - whether a riff, a rhythm line, or a vocal hook - it doesn't take much to ignite our respective fires, and that usually culminates in something heavy, different, and ultimately, inspirational. We're all really proud of this record."

Check out the following teaser trailer that offers a glimpse into the madness that is RETURN TO EARTH and stay tuned to MetalBlade.tv and RETURN TO EARTH's s MySpace page for more details on release date, MP3s, and videos. Fans can head over to Bald Freak Music's YouTube page to check out footage of the band in the studio as well as the first sneak peak trailer released by RETURN TO EARTH.

Posted: March 11, 2010 at 11:35 (PST)

London, UK-based doomsters ORANGE GOBLIN have announced that due to various circumstances, there will be no new album for the foreseeable future.

The band state on their website: "With everybody's commitments to work, family and other things, we have decided that it is best that we do not commit to any deadline for the next album as we wouldn't want to rush and deliver a record that we are not 100% happy with. Song writing will continue as and when we can but we honestly couldn't say when we will be ready to go into the studio to record again, it will definitely NOT be in 2010. Please rest assured that it will happen but sometimes it is better to stop and think of what is best for ORANGE GOBLIN as a band!"

Following on along these lines, Ben Ward has announced that he has left the band RAVENS CREED. In a statement last month, the ORANGE GOBLIN singer said, “It is with great sadness that I have to report that I am stepping down from my duties as front-man and vocalist for RAVENS CREED. It has reached the point that I can no longer give the band the time and energy that it deserves and I feel that by leaving now it will allow Steve, Jay and Frazer the opportunity to get somebody who is as passionate and dedicated to the band as they all are. I have had a great four years with the band and will leave with a lot of fond memories but right now I believe this is the right thing to do. I wish the band all the success and hope they make me regret this decision! ORANGE GOBLIN has always been my priority and I need to concentrate on that 100%.”

Members of ORANGE GOBLIN will once again be spinning discs at their Metal Disco at this years Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Holland. The festival takes place from 15th to the 18th of April and boasts an amazing line-up over the four days featuring GOATSNAKE, SHRINEBUILDER, ENLSAVED, EYEHATEGOD, YOB, KYLESA, TRIPTYKON, THORRS HAMMER, KARMA TO BURN, COMUS, CHURCH OF MISERY, BRANT BJORK & THE BROS, THE GATES OF SLUMBER, SOURVEIN, DIXIE WITCH and many, many more!!!

ORANGE GOBLIN will be one of the bands donating a track to a new Metal Hammer compilation album paying homage to the masters of Heavy Metal, BLACK SABBATH. OG will contribute their as yet to be recorded cover of "Symptom Of The Universe". Other bands that will be featured include APOCALYPTICA, PRONG, ELECTRIC WIZARD and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY.

Posted: March 11, 2010 at 11:24 (PST)

DEAD MEANS NOTHING have been added to the roster at this year's Wacken Open Air festival, scheduled to take place August 5-7, 2010 in Wacken, Germany.

All the confirmed bands thus far are: 1349, ALICE COOPER, AMORPHIS, ARCH ENEMY, ASTRAL DOORS, ATROCITY, BROILERS, CALIBAN, CANDLEMASS, CANNIBAL CORPSE, CORVUS CORAX, CRUCIFIED BARBARA, DEAD MEANS NOTHING, DEBAUCHERY, DEGRADEAD, DELAIN, DESPISED ICON, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, DIE KASSIERER, EDGUY, END OF GREEN, ENDSTILLE, EQUILIBRIUM, ETERNAL LEGACY, EVILE, FEAR FACTORY, FIDDLER'S GREEN, GHOST BRIGADE, GOJIRA, GRAVE DIGGER, HACKNEYED, HANGGAI, HELLS BELLES, HOLY GRAIL, IHSAHN, ILL NINO, IMPERIUM DEKADENZ, IMMORTAL, IMPERIUM DEKADENZ, IRON MAIDEN, KAMPFAR, KATAKLYSM, LAKE OF TEARS, LETZTE INSTANZ, MAROON, METSATÖLL, MÖTLEY CRÜE, NIGHTMARE, ORDEN OGAN, ORPHANED LAND, OVERKILL, PRIMAL FEAR, RAVEN, SCHELMISH, SECRETS OF THE MOON, SKINNERS, SLAYER, SMOKE BLOW, SOLSTAFIR, STRATOVARIUS, SUICIDAL ANGELS, TARJA TURUNEN , THE DEVIL'S BLOOD, THE NEW BLACK, THE OTHER, TIAMAT, TÝR, U.D.O., UNLEASHED, VARG, VOIVOD and W.A.S.P.

Posted: March 11, 2010 at 11:21 (PST)

STEELHEART have checked in with this bulletin:

"The band is back safe from across the world. The shows were spectacular leaving the fans and the press wanting more. The band was at their best ever.

First time ever STEELHEART performed as a four piece, Mili (Miljenko Matijevic) performed two acoustic songs as well as two songs turning up to eleven with his black beauty Les Paul. The entire trip and concerts were filmed for the documentary film 'Good 2B Alive' by North Sea Films.

We will have more photos for you shortly."

Posted: March 10, 2010 at 11:07 (PST)

Veteran British metallers RAVEN have announced these new North American tour dates:

Sept. 10 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
Sept. 11 - Virginia Beach, VA - Gill's
Sept. 12 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
Sept. 16 - Toronto, ON - Wreck Room
Sept. 17 - Cleveland, OH - Peabodys
Sept. 18 - Chicago, IL - The Abbey Pub
Sept. 19 - Detroit, MI - Blondies
Oct. 1 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Oct. 2 - Vancouver, BC - Red Room
Oct. 3 - Portland, OR - Peters Room
Oct. 22 - Dallas, TX - Trees
Oct. 23 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
Oct. 24 - San Antonio, TX - Scout Bar

Tickets go on sale today exclusively through EnterTheVault.com until April 3, after which they will be available for purchase through all regular ticketing outlets.

Posted: March 10, 2010 at 11:00 (PST)

RATT will be making a guest appearance on the U.S. nationally syndicated radio show Rockline with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, April 21 at 8:30PM PST / 11:30PM EST. Fans can call in and talk live with the band at 800-344-ROCK (7625).

RATT's new album, "Infestation" [cover artwork], is scheduled to be released on April 20 through Roadrunner Records' imprint, Loud & Proud. Here is the complete track listing:

01. Eat Me Up Alive
02. Best Of Me
03. A Little Too Much
04. Look Out Below
05. Last Call
06. Lost Weekend
07. As Good As It Gets
08. Garden Of Eden
09. Take A Big Bite
10. Take Me Home
11. Don't Let Go

Posted: March 10, 2010 at 10:55 (PST)

Florida Death Metal legends MALEVOLENT CREATION have posted their second video clip of the band recording pre-production for their forthcoming 11th studio outing. Watch the clip of drummer/engineer Gus Rios talking about his kit and recording drums for a band new song at following location http://decibelmagazine.com/Content.aspx?ncid=361065.

MALEVOLENT CREATION's latest album, "Doomsday X", was released in the U.S. in July 2007 via Nuclear Blast Records and in Europe in August 2007 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded and engineered at Mercury Recording Studios in Pompano Beach, Florida by longtime friend and producer (and sometimes session member) Gus Rios, and is said to be the most diverse MALEVOLENT CREATION album recorded to date and "without a doubt their fastest!!" Mick Thomson, guitarist for SLIPKNOT, contributed a "ripping" guitar solo to the song "Deliver My Enemy".

Posted: March 10, 2010 at 10:52 (PST)

Century Media has sent METALEATER this press release:

Finnish warmongers TURISAS continue to establish their definitive brand of Battle Metal as they begin tracking for their eagerly awaited third full-length album, which is tentatively set for an early fall release. The group are currently holed up at Sound Supreme Studios in Hämeenlinna, Finland - the same studio where they recorded their previous album "The Varangian Way" (2007). TURISAS have just posted the first part of their ongoing video series documenting the entire recording process.

Vocalist, songwriter and producer Mathias Nygård comments:

"After a nine-month break from touring to fully focus on songwriting, we've finally moved forward and have now started recording. It's going to be a long project and is bound to keep us all busy through the summer, but believe me; it will be worth the wait. With three years between albums, there's been enough time to find a fresh angle and new ideas not to repeat ourselves or albums we've done in the past. The songs rock big time, but the epic elements aren't going anywhere - it's going to sound larger than ever before. The leap forward is going to be just as big as between 'Battle Metal' and 'The Varangian Way'. Stay tuned to our MySpace page for new video reports from the studio and we can’t wait to unleash this beast in a few months."

Posted: March 09, 2010 at 11:28 (PST)

Veteran San Francisco Bay Area thrashers DEATH ANGEL have uploaded their first studio blog.

Hot on the heels of a busy and productive 2009, DEATH ANGEL have been holed up in their Oakland, California studio for the past few months writing songs for their next Nuclear Blast release. The band are currently at Audio Hammer Studios in Sanford, Florida with production genius Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, AUGUST BURNS RED, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, ALL THAT REMAINS, WHITE CHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER) tracking the new record, tentatively scheduled for a September of 2010 release.

The band plans to post regular updates following their progress in the studio on their MySpace page and on their brand new website, so keep an eye out for that.

Posted: March 09, 2010 at 11:22 (PST)

Century Media has sent METALEATER this press release:

FINNTROLL have returned with their highly anticipated new slab of folk-rooted Metal hymns entitled "Nifelvind" that is now available everywhere. It was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland and mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios. The album cover artwork was done again by the band's own guitarist Skrymer and visually captures the true FINNTROLL spirit perfectly. The band will be touring throughout North America in April with MONSORROW, SWALLOW THE SUN and SURVIVORS ZERO=. Head over now to MySpace in order to stream new tracks and view their tour itinerary.

A savage new video for the track, "Solsagan", was recently completed. The eye-popping new clip was produced by Vasara Films (DARK TRANQUILLITY, TURISAS).

The lyrics for "Nifelvind" are still written by the founding member Katla in Swedish. Both Katla and Vreth are part of the Swedish-speaking minority in Finland. "All cultures have similarities in their myths and folklore. Tales of bitter dead walking again, sagas of good and evil and songs of divine ascension," states Katla. "That in some form probably date back to the beginning of speech and song, are a fascinating lore that maybe defines our humanity but also our feelings of loss concerning our contacts to nature and the bestiality that lies within every human being. This album is a celebration of those myths, some new, some ageless. Some true, some complete nonsense. That is the nature of folklore. Under every root and stone lays a story heard but untold."

Posted: March 09, 2010 at 11:16 (PST)

MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has checked in with this latest road report on the band's official forum:

"Checking in from the tour, here in Saskatoon, Canada tonight. The shows have been packed and a real blast. I don't know if its because our fellow Canadian drummer Shawn Drover is in the band but the crowds seem to be exceptionally rowdy and really fired up here north of the border. That's a good thing!

Dave (Mustaine) and I have been doing the past few after-show meet n greets together and the love from the fans has been fantastic. For me, it's been a warm welcome back into the fold. It's also fun to hear stories from so many of them, especially about their experiences with our music and the past MEGADETH shows during their lifetimes. Often their tattoos tell the story.

Back in the USA tomorrow and hitting the mid-west and east coast later in the week."

Posted: March 09, 2010 at 11:13 (PST)

DRAGONFORCE have announced that they have split with lead vocalist ZP Theart. The band have released this collective statement regarding the matter:

“It is with great regret that DRAGONFORCE announce a parting of the ways with singer ZP Theart. This is due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion but the rest of the band sincerely wishes ZP great success with his future projects."

Guitarist Herman Li adds: "While the creative core members have begun writing the fifth album, they have also started a worldwide search for a new vocalist. “We are looking for a powerful, melodic singer to write a new chapter of DRAGONFORCE with us."

All interested individuals wishing to audition for the vacant vocalist spot should apply following the instructions.