MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine posted the following message in the group's official forum earlier today:

"Droogies!

"Well, the 'lil 'vaca' was good, although I couldn't stop thinking about what I had to do when I got back to the zone. It felt like a homecoming going back to the studio. All the team was there and 'TNP' is done.

" 'Peace Sells' was sent off for mastering yesterday, along with two bonus tracks and an additional track for later use in 2006 (I know, it seems like an eternity until then).

"Newsflash: While working on 'Risk' yesterday, I was very surprised and disappointed to see the album split open, guts and all and that Dann Huff had recorded over some of my parts. There were sounds on there that I know were not recorded while I was around. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

"I love 'Risk' and all of the music on it, I stand by it, and once I got over the fury yesterday, I got to work.

"The first song done is 'Breadline' and it is awesome now. I also looked for the lead solo that Marty put down, but Dann never kept it. And for those of you who were wondering about that whole saga, Dann and Bud Prager AND Mike Renault had made clear they wanted it redone. I just did what I was told to do.

"Although, now that I found out Dann redid my parts, I am surprised he didn't redo Marty's parts too. Shit, maybe he redid my part of redoing Marty's part.

"And to all this I say, 'WGAF?'

"It is going to be better, that's all I care about, but I had to give people something to chew on until the next, 'Where's so and so,' or 'Get back you know who,' or 'Dave vs. James vs. Rowan Atkinson vs. . .' thread appears. Jeez!

"And BTW, the reason I am not letting anyone know where I am at, i.e. the JITS slag on me is 1) the studio is not a great studio, 2) I don't have the time, money, or personnel to do this, and 3) I would not be able to avoid letting you all in and saying 'Hello.'

"Then of course you would have to kill them for getting to do what you all may want to do too.

"Anyway, the whole project is coming along great and Jeff Balding wants to come back out March 29th, but I am faced with a dilemma: do I finish the remixes or do I get back to work on the new record?

"For the record, some of you may be thinking, 'Wasn't Jeff in on the re-recording over Dave's tracks' bit since he was the engineer on those records? But I knew otherwise. I talked to him yesterday and we agreed he was caught in the middle of Bud Prager destroying MEGADETH and trying to turn the band into FOREIGNER or an alternative band.

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Band profile:

Megadeth

STRATOVARIUS' split with singer Timo Kotipelto was the result of years of alcohol abuse and non-communication, the vocalist has revealed in an interview with Holland's Lords of Metal. "It lies in the Finnish mentality not to openly talk about problems," Kotipelto said. "That is what ultimately ended STRATOVARIUS. For all those years we never spoke about our problems but kept them to ourselves, which allowed trouble to build up."

According to Kotipelto, problems first arose when STRATOVARIUS mainman Timo Tolkki started drinking heavily during the "Destiny" tour. In the years that followed, the resentment between bandmembers intensified, made worse by Tolkki's insistence on keeping Kotipelto out of the creative process. "Everybody could see the split coming from miles away," the singer admitted.

The tension within the band was largely to blame for the group's decision not to support the "Elements Pt. 2" album with a tour and to take a break instead. "Well, we sure managed to do that," Kotipelto added rather cynically.

The alcohol abuse of various bandmembers contributed to the explosive situation within STRATOVARIUS. Concerts where Timo Tolkki would be drunk onstage, such as the recent Piorno Rock appearance in Spain, complicated matters. The fistfight that eventually ended the co-operation between Tolki and Kotipelto was shrouded in an alcoholic haze. "I do not remember anything of that night," Kotipelto said. After the disastrous performance at Piorno Rock, guitarist Timo Tolkki is contemplating abandoning the remaining festival dates that were booked by the old lineup. "I personally would not mind if those concerts got cancelled," Kotipelto concluded.

Band profile:

Stratovarius

AYREON, the brainchild of Dutch guitarist Arjen Lucassen (ex-BODINE, VENGEANCE), have posted the cover artwork for the "Limited Deluxe" edition of their latest CD, "Ayreon: The Human Equation", here.

"Ayreon: The Human Equation" is due in Europe on May 24 through InsideOut Music. The U.S. will receive the album one day later (May 25). Release dates for other countries will follow shortly. A single containing the radio edit of the song "Day Eleven: Love" plus the full album track "Day Two: Isolation" will precede the album.

In other news, AYREON have announced the "The Human Equation pre-release party" on Sunday, April 18, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Stairway to Heaven in Utrecht, the Netherlands. "There will be a special preview of the album, a showing 'Behind the Scenes' documentary from 'The Human Equation' bonus DVD," according to a post on AYREON's web site. "You can buy the single and all sorts of other stuff before it hits the stores and pre-order the album on the spot!"

Also on the Lucassen-related front, Arjen has agreed to perform "Valley of the Queens" (which originally appeared on AYREON's 1998 release, "Into the Electric Castle") once more with sisters Floor (AFTER FOREVER) and Irene Jansen (KARMA) live. This performance will be part of Floor Jansen's graduation project for the Rock Academy, as she will be the support act for AFTER FOREVER on April 17 at 013 in Tilburg.

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Band profile:

Ayreon

"Valhalla", the new video of the German power metallers GRAVE DIGGER, is now available on the band's official homepage http://www.grave-digger.de in Quicktime format. The clip was filmed in Pratteln (Switzerland), Barcelona (Spain), Lichtenfels (Germany) and Bochum (Germany) during GRAVE DIGGER's "Rheingold World Tour" in January.

In other news, GRAVE DIGGER plan to release a new album on 17th January 2005 via Nuclear Blast. A world tour will follow soon afterwards, starting in April 2005.

Band profile:

Grave Digger

GAMMA RAY's Kai Hansen and BLIND GUARDIAN's Hansi Kürsch are among the guests confirmed to appear on ANGRA's much-anticipated follow-up to 2001's "Rebirth", tentatively due this summer through SPV Records (NTS Records in France).

According to an official press release from NTS, the as-yet-untitled effort "is a conceptual one. It tells a very interesting developed by guitar player Rafael Bittencourt. The writing is extremely well done and the lyrics of each song are tightly connected to the others." Other guests scheduled to appear on the CD include Brazilian musician Milton Nascimento, Douglas Las Casas and Silvia Goes.

As previously reported, much of the initial recording sessions for the new CD took place at Mosh Studios in São Paulo, Brazil under the guidance of producer Dennis Ward (SILENT FORCE, PINK CREAM 69). Ward had previously worked with the group on the acclaimed "Rebirth" album, which had achieved gold status in Brazil for sales in excess of 50,000 copies.

Band profile:

Angra

The following update was posted at KREATOR's official web site:

"The songwriting process of the new KREATOR album is slowly but surely taking form! Those who've already heard some material describe it as complex, intense, fast, violent and melodic."

Commented KREATOR guitarist/vocalist Mille Petrozza: "Dear friends. Writing and arranging a new record is always exciting, interesting, painful and sometimes frustrating. Right now, we are producing demos, collecting ideas, and stuff, listen to riffs, get excited about stuff and throw shit away. It's like doing a puzzle! We've got the rough versions of seven songs so far and the shit sounds fuckin' brutal! Be patient, as soon as there's more details, you'll read 'em here first!"

"If things work out, the cover artwork of the new record will be the realization of a long-planned project finally coming true!" continues the post on the band's web site.

"KREATOR's agents are currently booking selected venues around the globe, where the band will present their newly designed light and stage set in the end of the year. Details soon..."

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Band profile:

Kreator

In an interview with Electricbasement.com, EDGUY guitarist Jens Ludwig explained where the band's odd name came from, "No meaning. We were just very young when we formed this band," he said. "Fourteen years old. Back then, we had this stupid teacher with a similar sounding name. We just had this funny idea of changing it and making the band's name out of it. This stupid name has followed us for 12 years now. We've talked so many times about changing the name, but we can be sure that no band in the world will have the same stupid name as us (laughs)." Read the rest of the interview here:
http://www.electricbasement.com/interview_edguy_march2004.htm

Band profile:

Edguy

Finland's NIGHTWISH have announced the details of the three different versions of their new single, "Nemo", which are planned for release in late April/early May. All three versions are currently on pre-sale at the "Nightwish-Shop" on the band's official web site, Nightwish.com. The details are as follows:

"Normal" version (release date: April 19):

01. Nemo (from the album "Once")
02. Planet Hell (from the album "Once")
03. White Night Fantasy (non-album bonus track)
04. Nemo (orchestral version)
05. Enhanced part: Studio footage

"Collector's Edition Digipack" version (release date: April 26):

01. Nemo (album version)
02. Live To Tell The Tale (non-album track)
03. Nemo (orchestral version)

"DVD" version (release date: May 3):

01. Nemo (full-length stereo mix)
02. Nemo (5.1 mix)
03. Planet Hell (5.1 mix)
04. "Nemo" promotional video
05. The Making of "Nemo"

"Nemo" comes off NIGHTWISH's much-anticipated follow-up to 2002's "Century Child", entitled "Once", due on June 7 through Spinefarm Records. A U.S. release date for the album has yet to be announced. The band recently shot a video for the track with renowned director Antti Jokinen, who has previously directed music videos for such international artists as CELINE DION, EMINEM and SHANIA TWAIN.

NIGHTWISH will launch their world tour in support of "Once", dubbed "Once Upon A Tour 2004-2005", this summer. The trek is expected to last until the autumn of 2005.

Band profile:

Nightwish

NIGHTWISH keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen recently spoke to Get Ready To ROCK! about the songwriting and recording process for the group's new album, "Once". Asked why they chose to record the orchestral parts for the album in London using the London Session Orchestra, Tuomas said, "Well the simple reason is that we really wanted to have the best, you know. It sounds kinda corny, but we wanted to have the best no matter the costs, and our record engineer Mikko Karmila, he had some connections with Pip Williams who is doing the arrangements and he recommended him to us. We contacted him and he was very interested in us and then he booked the orchestra for us. To be honest, the whole thing, the orchestra, it costs like twice as much as the whole previous album altogether. But it doesn't matter because the result is so awesome. So I'm very proud to be working with them."

With regards to whether "Once" was a more difficult album to write than its predecessor, 2002's "Century Child", Tuomas said, " was very difficult and this one was equally difficult, but it's been more fun than ever though. I mean it's been in a very positive spirit, both for me and for the whole band. The whole process has been really smooth even though it has been really difficult and really long but we're all having the time of our lives here. I think that there is a bit of a positive touch to this album, more than before. Just fun, having fun doing what we're doing."

As previously reported, "Nemo", the first single off the group's forthcoming CD, is due on April 19 through Spinefarm Records. The band recently shot a video for the track with renowned director Antti Jokinen, who has previously directed music videos for such international artists as CELINE DION, EMINEM and SHANIA TWAIN. "Once" is scheduled for release on June 7 through Spinefarm. A U.S. release date for the album has yet to be announced.

NIGHTWISH will launch their world tour in support of "Once", dubbed "Once Upon A Tour 2004-2005", this summer. The trek is expected to last until the autumn of 2005.

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Band profile:

Nightwish

CRISIS have finalized the track listing for their new album, "Like Sheep Led To Slaughter", due on May 25 through The End/Children Of Rage Records. It is as follows:

01. Omen
02. Waking the Dead
03. A Graveyard For Bitches
04. Nomad
05. Politics Of Domination
06. Blood Burden
07. Rats In A Maze
08. Secrets Of The Prison House
09. Corpus Apocalypse
10. Study In Cancer
11. Exit Catacomb
12. The Fate

The follow-up to 1997's "The Hollowing" was recorded at Desert Moon Studios in Anaheim, Ca. with legendary producer Billy Anderson (CLUTCH, BRUTAL TRUTH, ORANGE GOBLIN, NEUROSIS, SLEEP) and is slated to include a multimedia section. Singer Karyn Crisis, in collaboration with Steve Conard (CRISIS' webmaster), has completed the artwork for the CD package. Guest vocals on "Study In Cancer" were provided by Daniel Dismal of CREMATORIUM.

In addition to the original members Karyn, Afzaal Nasirudden (guitar) and Gia Chaun Wang (bass), CRISIS' current lineup includes Jwyanza Hobson (guitar) and Josh Florian (drums).

Long-running Canadian thrashers ANNIHILATOR have announced the addition of bassist Sandor de Bretan and drummer Rob Falzano to the group's ranks. Bretan hails from Waters' hometown of Ottawa Canada, while Falzano, a Boston native, came recommended to Water by "All For You" studio drummer Mike Mangini, who was also Falzano's teacher. Mangini will also be "guesting" at some future shows with the band.

As previously reported, ANNIHILATOR are scheduled to release their new album, "All For You", on May 24 through Germany's AFM Records. A five-song EP, entitled "The One", will surface on April 26, and will include two bonus video clips.

"All For You" marks the recording debut with the group of new singer Dave Padden, who replaced previous vocalist Joe Comeau last June.

Band profile:

Annihilator

PARADISE LOST have parted ways with drummer Lee Morris due to "personal and musical differences." No replacement has been named as yet, although the new album will continue to be recorded as previously planned. "We are sorry to see Lee go, and wish him all the best for the future," the band said in a statement. Morris added, "I think it was always going to be difficult integrating myself into an already established set-up, and although we have always had a varying degree of opinions, attitude and ethics on things over the last nine years, we have usually always managed to find a happy medium. However, I think that over the last year, the divide has really grown to a point where compromise is no longer really an option for any of us to maintain a healthy working relationship. I have complete respect for the band on this decision at this stage in their career, and I want to wish them every success on the forthcoming album and thank them for the good times. As for me, I'm not sure what the future has in store yet, but I do believe that all things in life happen for a reason and as one door closes another opens, so here's to new beginnings."

Lee Morris can still be contacted by emailing: lee@paradiselost.co.uk

As previously reported, PARADISE LOST are tentatively scheduled to enter the studio in April with producer Rhys Fulber (FEAR FACTORY, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY) to begin recording the follow-up to 2002's "Symbol Of Life", tentatively due before the end of the year through G.U.N./BMG Records (in Europe). "Symbol Of Life", PARADISE LOST's ninth studio album, was produced by Fulber and was released in the U.S. through Koch Entertainment.

Band profile:

Paradise Lost

DARK FUNERAL have posted the following update at their official website (www.darkfuneral.se):

"The live album entitled De Profundis Clamavi Ad Te Domine (April 19th via Regain) is receiving great response from the media worldwide. The fierce and aggressive scene presence together with the intense response from the South American fans makes this album without a doubt the grimmest black metal live album ever. So be sure not to miss this one.

The album will be released in the following formats: limited CD version packed in slipcase, 1000 copies double gatefold LP and 1000 copies double picture LP.

Other great news are that Dark Funeral will land one song, 'Thus I Have Spoken' (Diabolis Interium/2001) in the sequel of the up-coming Zombie trilogy, Die Zombiejager.

Die Zombiejager is a low-budget splatter/gore movie made by Jonas Wolcher and his great team at Too86 Entertainment (Sweden). Die Zombiejäger is the sequel of the Zombie trilogy, Zombienoid. A full-length movie in German (with a few lines in Swedish, English & Italian) with English subtitles. The movie is set for a release in September 2004."

In other news, as previously reported, Dark Funeral will embark on a mini-tour of Italy with DEFLESHED. Confirmed dates include:

March:
12 - Transilvania Live - Milan, Italy
13 - Krossover - Catania, Italy
14 - Vecchio Mattatoio - Rome, Italy

Band profile:

Dark Funeral

The guys are in the middle of the recording and has so far recorded all the drums, bass and most of the rythm guitars. The basic vocals on five tracks is also finished, as well as the keyboards on some of the tracks. Host of the recording this time is Studio Mega, Sweden (the Crown, Sator, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Beseech etc). The mastering is set to April 30!

Band profile:

Lake Of Tears

King Diamond off - Dio and In Flames on.
-----
Although previously announced, King Diamond will not be appearing at
Tuska-festival. The artist's representative apologizes for the
cancellation that came immediatly after the confirmation and for the fact
that King Diamond will not be able to perform for his finnish fans.
However, the Artist has personal matters which require him to remain on
the U.S. soil.

Despite the cancellation of King Diamond, the old-school metalheads have
a reason to celebrate as the legendary Dio take the stage on Sunday the
18th, led by their charismatic frontman, metal-icon Ronnie James Dio.
This influential veteran has released music since the early seventies and
has made a name for himself by performing vocal duties for Rainbow, Black
Sabbath and for the past two decades, Dio. Dio's latest studioalbum
Killing The Dragon was released in 2002. Last year Dio released an
anthology-album and a dvd titled Evil Or Divine.

The headliner for Friday the 16th of July has now been confirmed to be
one of the most popular Swedish metalbands at the moment, In Flames.
Their new album, Soundtrack To Your Escape will be released worldwide at
the end of March. The current In Flames -album, Reroute To Remain has
been both, an artistic and a commercial success and has made In Flames
one of the most successful bands of their genre.

Also performing at Kaisaniemi Park will be swedish gothgroup Beseech. For
domestic additions, deathmetal supergroup Chaosbreed, newcomer
Trollheim's Grott and melodic-metallers Charon have confirmed their
performances.

The search is still on for a few international artists and several
domestic ones.

Tickets for Tuska 2004 will go on sale in May through www.tiketti.fi,
www.lippupalvelu.fi and this year's new addition, www.menolippu.fi. Each
of them accept creditcards when buying tickets from abroad.

At this time of the year, the Tuska Line-up looks like this:

DIO (USA)
In Flames (SWE)
Nightwish
Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus
Suburban Tribe
Sonata Arctica
Soilwork (SWE)
Diablo
Dark Tranquillity (SWE)
Charon
Mokoma
Dew-Scented (GER)
Impaled Nazarene
Sinergy
Beseech (SWE)
Chaosbreed
Swallow The Sun
Trollheim's Grott
Machine Men
Kilpi
Twilightning

Additional information: www.tuska-festival.fi