News

02.09.2010 - Dreamshade - signed a worldwide deal with Spinefarm/Universal

DREAMSHADE, new melodic death metal sensation from Switzerland, have now signed a worldwide deal with Spinefarm/Universal.

The first long-playing record “What Silence Hides” was already recorded last fall and the release of the album is expected to be end January 2011

The band comments: “We are very happy about the worldwide deal we have signed with the legendary Spinefarm Records / Universal Music. This Finnish label has brought to the top a lot of bands who were among our main influences when we started our own project. It's definitely an honor to be under the same roof where Children Of Bodom, Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Dragonforce, and several other top acts of today's metal scene have been growing during the last decade. Spinefarm has shown great enthusiasm in our music and is willing to bring us to a new level. When we met our A&R Alec and Hannu this summer we appreciated their promotion philosophy, based on giving very much relevance to tours, festivals and live shows. As this is the part we love the most about Dreamshade's experience, we can without doubt feel we are in good hands. We just accomplished a first important step in our career and we are all excited about what it has to come next: we're looking forward to the release of our debut full-length album and can't wait to pack our things and play its songs live. We are sure that working with Spinefarm Records will help us get further than what we may think.”

A&R Alec Hirst-Gee (Spinefarm): “I am very pleased that Spinefarm and Dreamshade have joined forces. Dreamshade is a very talented and hungry debut band already showing maturity and skill in what they do. Attitude, energy, amazing playing, songs that punch you in the face. This group of young lads definitely has a place in today's metal scene with a bright future ahead of them. When I heard them for the first time, they immediately caught my attention with the raw power and force of their songs.
This band is ready to take the world by storm.”

“What Silence Hides” was recorded at Cave Studios in Switzerland, produced by Etan Genini of BlackAce, mixed by Fredrik Nordström at Fredman Studio in Gothenburg, Sweden, and mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound in New York, USA.

Dreamshade was formed in 2006 by guitarists Rocco and Fella. Their first EP “To The Edge Of Reality”, released in 2008, gained an excellent response all over the world. During the last two years the band played several shows including various summer festivals (Metal Camp, Summer Breeze, Metalfest …) and support shows with the big names of the metal scene.

Their music is a combination of melodic death and progressive metal that together with emotional harmonies creates new atmospheres which have never been heard before. A perfect match for those who expect something new and a step forward in melodeath.

Dreamshade are:
Iko – vocals
Fella – guitar
Rocco – guitar
Rawi – keyboard
Ivan – bass
Sera - drums

02.09.2010 - Sonata Arctica - Upcoming South American Tour

After the bad news about Elias and his broken hand at least some good news for all fans who wanted to see Sonata Arctica on their upcoming South American tour:

Elias will be able to play all South American dates: his doctor at the hospital informed him after a second medical examination that his hand will be recovered after 6 weeks, so no problem for him to be on the tour starting October 16th in Mexico.

02.09.2010 - Sonata Arctica - Show in Milan postponed

Sonata Arctica regret to inform their Italian fans that the announced show in Milan at the Alcatraz September 30th, 2010 needs to be postponed. Reason: while doing his daily exercise routine Elias Viljanen (guitar) broke his right hand. Due to this accident he will not be able to play guitar for the next 5 or 6 weeks.

The new date for the show will be now Sunday, February 27th 2011, also at the Alcatraz. Of course all tickets for the show September 30th remain valid for the new date.

Sonata Arctica comment: “It was pretty shocking to hear from Elias about his accident. We are really sorry we need to postpone the show to a later date and want to excuse for any inconveniences this might cause to our fans in Italy and to all fans who had made travel plans from around the world. We really hope to see you all again in February at the Alcataraz”.

30.06.2010 - Tristania - new teaser on youtube

As some of you might know TRISTANIA have posted a new teaser of their upcoming album, RUBICON on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j4xKK34zPs

RUBICON will be released via Napalm Records on the following dates:

25.08.10 – Spain
27.08.10 – Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italia, Sweden
30.08.10 – Rest of Europe
31.08.10 – USA/Canada

(South American dates to be announced)

16.06.2010 - Nevermore - partner with Bloody-Disgusting for exclusive debut of the new "Emptiness Unobstructed" Video!

Seattle’s metal titans NEVERMORE are back and truly better than ever with the much anticipated new full-length release, ”The Obsidian Conspiracy”.

The group has partnered up with the world’s #1 horror site, Bloody-Disgusting.com, for an exclusive, worldwide debut of their new video clip for the track “Emptiness Unobstructed,” which can be viewed now at the link below.
http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/music/748

Dane further states: “Working with director Nigel Crane was a great experience. We spent a day walking around the white cliffs in Dover the day before the London show and we couldn’t possibly be happier with the end result. The live part was shot at the O2 Academy Islington in London and we only performed the song twice that night, so we had to make these takes count, so we went all out. It was pretty amazing that most of the audience knew all of the words even though we were a number of days away from the album’s release. Thanks for checking this out and we hope you enjoy it.”

North American fans can now rejoice as the band are excited to announce their first headlining Stateside tour in almost three years, which kicks off on Sept. 23rd and runs through Nov. 5th. This stellar bill also features Warbringer, Mutiny Within and Hatesphere in the support slots. European fans can see the band live at several festivals in June and July and look forward to more touring soon!

For more info on NEVERMORE, head over to www.myspace.com/nevermorefans!

11.06.2010 - Nevermore - new album “The Obsidian Conspiracy” charts all across Europe!

There can be no doubt that Seattle metal masters NEVERMORE have celebrated a triumphant return with their stunning new opus “The Obsidian Conspiracy” as the album achieved several fantastic chart entries throughout Europe.

First up is a phenomenal #13 in the official German Top 100 album charts, followed by #34 in Austria, #40 in Switzerland, #69 in the Netherlands, #10 in the Dutch alternative charts, #87 in Belgium and #91 in Denmark.

Congratulations!

12.05.2010 - Nevermore - filming new video in London

NEVERMORE just arrived in Europe to get prepared for the tour start this week. All British fans (and those who like to travel) have the chance to be in the new video for "Emptiness Unobstructed" that will be filmed live at the O2 Academy Islington show in London May 18th, 2010. The video will be directed by Nigel Crane who already did the great Paradise Lost video "The Rise Of Denial" for Century Media Records last year. In case you don't have a ticket yet, hurry up to order one of the few left at http://www.ticketweb.co.uk. Special guests for the show are Death Angel and Cauldron.

NEVERMORE’s stunning new album, “The Obsidian Conspiracy”, will be released on the following dates:

GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / AUSTRALIA: Friday, May 28, 2010.
UK / BENELUX / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / PORTUGAL / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, May 31, 2010.
SPAIN / ITALY : Tuesday, June 1, 2010.
SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, June 2, 2010.
NORTH AMERICA: Tuesday, June 8, 2010.

Song snippets of all tracks of the new album can be enjoyed at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgeUKIKxbOo

21.04.2010 - Nevermore - unveil song-snippets of their new album

No big words, just great music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgeUKIKxbOo

"The Obsidian Conspiracy" release dates:
GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / AUSTRALIA: Friday, May 28, 2010.
UK / BENELUX / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / PORTUGAL / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, May 31, 2010.
SPAIN / ITALY : Tuesday, June 1, 2010.
SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, June 2, 2010.
NORTH AMERICA: Tuesday, June 8, 2010.

09.04.2010 - Axel Rudi Pell - 15.05.2010 Bochum / Zeche sold out

The show of the upcoming "The Crest Tour" of AXEL RUDI PELL on May 15th in Bochum, Zeche is sold out.

Tickets for the other shows are still available through the known ticketing outlets.

29.03.2010 - Amorphis - "Forging Europe Tour Part II"

The Finnish metallers AMORPHIS have announced the second part of their "Forging Europe" Tour, dates can be found here.

The current album "Skyforger" was certified GOLD in Finland for sales in excess of 15.000! The album was released in May 2009!

26.03.2010 - Nevermore - post "THE OBSIDIAN CONSPIRACY" cover artwork trailer

One always says that you can’t rush greatness or perfection, and this couldn’t be more true in the case of metal titans NEVERMORE, who last released the highly acclaimed “This Godless Endeavor” in 2005. The Seattle quartet have triumphantly returned with the much anticipated new full-length release, “The Obsidian Conspiracy”, which is what could be their most impressive offering of their illustrious decade plus, heralded career.

“The Obsidian Conspiracy” was recorded with renowned producer Peter Wichers (who previously worked with NEVERMORE vocalist Warrel Dane on his solo debut “Praises to the War Machine”). Longtime friend and collaborator Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Arch Enemy) once again handled mixing and mastering duties. The album is set for June 8th North American release and May 31st European release.

The captivating and dynamic cover art was once again created by the great Travis Smith (Opeth, Katatonia) and can be viewed now at the video link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh_Oa47uenQ

23.03.2010 - Tristania - New album and a new tour this fall

The Norwegian Gothic Metallers of TRISTANIA are working on their yet untitled successor of “Illumination” and will start a new European tour this fall. Check out their tourdates here.

15.03.2010 - Nevermore - Live in Europe

Metal titans NEVERMORE are coming over to Europe. Beside of some high profile festivals, they will also play a handful of headline shows with special guests Death Angel.

Fans of the Seattle legend can expect to hear some new songs of the upcoming album "The Obsidian Conspiracy" which was recorded by producer Peter Wichers (Soilwork) and is being mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Machine Head, Arch Enemy etc.) right now.

The album release is set for May 31st, 2010 in Europe and June 8th, 2010 in North America.

NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis is coming to Europe already a few weeks earlier for a number of Schecter guitar clinic events in March/April 2010, including an appearance at the annual Frankfurt Musikmesse in Germany. This might be the best chance for every fan to get some first hand information about the new NEVERMORE album and Jeff's plans for a follow up to his solo debut "Zero Order Phase" that came out in October 2008 on Century Media Records.

25.02.2010 - Holy Grail - New Band

We are proud to welcome the US-American thrashers of HOLY GRAIL aboard the Artist Roster of Continental Concerts.

In the second half of this year HOLY GRAIL will hit the European mainland for the first time. In early July these sympathic newcomers will give hell to the Finnish at the Tuska Festival and after that they will hit stage at Wacken Festival in early August.

More information on the band see the booking section.

23.02.2010 - Axel Rudi Pell - New Album & Tour

AXEL RUDI PELL will release the new studio album called “The Crest” in the end of April via SPV. 10 brandnew songs which run approx. 57 minutes. In Germany “The Crest” will be released on April 23rd.

“This is definitely our masterpiece so far. It has everything to become a real classic in the long ARP history! A record packed with energy and emotions.”

Already in early May the band will go on tour with the new album in the luggage.

08.12.2009 - Sonata Arctica - Rescheduled Show / Additional Show

Due to the overwhelming success of the show in Switzerland, with over 1500 visitors, SONATA ARCTICA decided to visit Switzerland again in the early February 2010 to bring the Volkshaus in Zurich to tremble.

Further, the show that was cancelled due to Tony Kakko’s infection of his voice chords is rescheduled. Already purchased tickets remain valid.

Here the dates:
07.02.2010 (CH) ZURICH / Volkshaus (additional show)
08.02.2010 (F) PARIS / Elysee Montmartre

19.11.2009 - Sonata Arctica - Shows in Graz, Vienna und Munich cancelled and rescheduled

Due to a heavy infection of his vocal chords, Tony Kakko (voc) had to visit a hospital in Budapest. The show in Graz (18.11.2009) had to be cancelled as well as the two following shows in Vienna (19.11.2009) and in Munich (20.11.2009) as the severity of the infection does not allow him to perform on next few days.

Sonata Arctica regret to disappoint their fans in Graz, Vienna and Munich, but of course these shows will be re-scheduled , new dates above. Tickets for all shows will remain valid.

We hope that Tony will convalesce from his illness fast, so that the tour can go on with the show in Pratteln/Z7 (22.11.2009).

Replacement Dates :

04.02.2010 (A) VIENNA / Gasometer
05.02.2010 (A) GRAZ / Seifenfabrik
06.02.2010 (D) MUNICH / Backstage

All tickets remain valid. Again we apologize for any inconvenience .

22.10.2009 - Evile - cancelled appearance on Amon Amarth tour

Evile have had to regrettably cancel their appearance on the Amon Amarth tour.

Sadly, bassist Mike Alexander passed away on the 5th October while the band were beginning the tour in Lulea, Sweden. The band have returned to the UK, to be with their and Mikes family at this upsetting time.

Ol, Matt and Ben would like to thank fans for the messages of support and Memorials to Mike to date. It is greatly appreciated.

02.10.2009 - Rock Hard Festival 2010

There're five more bands confirmed for the next Rock Hard Festival in 2010.

BLOODBATH (exclusive Germany show!)
SONATA ARCTICA
VRIGIN STEELE (Classic Metal Set!)
ORPHANED LAND
KATATONIA

For further information go to www.rockhardfestival.de

02.10.2009 - Children Of Bodom - #81 in the US Billboardcharts

The metallers of Children Of Bodom have entered the US Billboardcharts on #81 with their latest album "Skeletons In The Closet".

Further chart entries:

#68 Austria
#09 Finland
#78 Germany

02.10.2009 - Sonata Arctica - Chart entries

Here are the latest chart entries for "The Days Of Grays" by the Finnish melodic metallers Sonata Arctica.

# 02 Finland
# 24 Germany
# 26 Switzerland
# 30 Sweden
# 46 Norway
# 50 Netherlands
# 52 Austria

29.09.2009 - Sonata Arctica - Album enters German album charts on # 24

Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA have entered the official German album charts on # 24 with their latest effort called "The Days Of Grays"!

In Finland, the album hit # 2 in its first week of release and was certified GOLD on its day of release already for sales in excess of 15.000 copies.

Chart entries "The Days Of Grays":

Finland: # 2
Germany: # 24
Sweden: # 31
Norway: # 46
Netherlands: # 50

The new SONATA ARCTICA video, "Flag In The Ground", can be viewed below:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kObI4XuTR2o

www.sonataarctica.info
www.myspace.com/sonataarctica
www.nuclearblast.de
www.myspace.com/nuclearblasteurope

26.03.2009 - Rock Hard Festival 2009 - Line-up complete

The line-up of the ROCK HARD FESTIVAL is complete! SAXON is confirmed as last headliner. Biff Byford & Co. will play a Special-Classic-Set. Click here for further information.