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After Forever - Taking A Break
After Forever has posted the following statement on their website:
Dear fans,
as you might have noticed, After Forever experienced a lot in 2007. A new deal with Nuclear Blast and The Entertainment Group, the release of a new album, gigs in Europe and the U.S.A./Canada, all thanks to your support. Unfortunately, 2007 also had a negative side. Sander experienced the symptoms of a burn-out and had to stop playing with After Forever for a few months. After Forever did a good job doing the scheduled gigs with mainly George (ex- Orphanage) as grunter, making possible the album could still be promoted. After that, a European and an American/Canadian tour followed, with Sander this time, and his condition seemed to be ok. Unfortunately, just recently, Sander fell victim to a seizure attack in an airplane, and after research that attack seemed to be stress related. The doctors think this is a very serious matter, and they strongly advised him to not be involved with any After Forever activity for at least a year, to prevent a worse health situation. Because Sander is one of the formers, songwriter and co manager of After Forever, an After Forever without him is no option. The band has been able to solve his absence in 2007 live, but another year full of compromises would not be positive for the quality After Forever wants to offer. After Forever is a band that wants to give 100% and that's just not possible now. With pain in our hearts, we had to decide that After Forever has to take a break of at least a year and hope you will all respect that. It's terrible not to be able to do all the great gigs and activities we were planning, but it's even worse for After Forever to do those things with a compromise. We highly value everything the band has achieved, and we don't want to lose that. We also realise we ask a lot of our fans since we know what our gigs and music means to them. However, we will all still be active in the music scene. Because of this break everybody gets the chance to focus on projects. On our site and myspace sites we'll keep you updated about those projects.
Not a very good start of the year, but thanks a lot for all your support and understanding, for now, for the future, but also for the past year. We won't forget you and hope to meet you again if After Forever returns in full shape!!!
Floor, Sander, Bas, Joost, Luuk and Andre
Dear fans,
as you might have noticed, After Forever experienced a lot in 2007. A new deal with Nuclear Blast and The Entertainment Group, the release of a new album, gigs in Europe and the U.S.A./Canada, all thanks to your support. Unfortunately, 2007 also had a negative side. Sander experienced the symptoms of a burn-out and had to stop playing with After Forever for a few months. After Forever did a good job doing the scheduled gigs with mainly George (ex- Orphanage) as grunter, making possible the album could still be promoted. After that, a European and an American/Canadian tour followed, with Sander this time, and his condition seemed to be ok. Unfortunately, just recently, Sander fell victim to a seizure attack in an airplane, and after research that attack seemed to be stress related. The doctors think this is a very serious matter, and they strongly advised him to not be involved with any After Forever activity for at least a year, to prevent a worse health situation. Because Sander is one of the formers, songwriter and co manager of After Forever, an After Forever without him is no option. The band has been able to solve his absence in 2007 live, but another year full of compromises would not be positive for the quality After Forever wants to offer. After Forever is a band that wants to give 100% and that's just not possible now. With pain in our hearts, we had to decide that After Forever has to take a break of at least a year and hope you will all respect that. It's terrible not to be able to do all the great gigs and activities we were planning, but it's even worse for After Forever to do those things with a compromise. We highly value everything the band has achieved, and we don't want to lose that. We also realise we ask a lot of our fans since we know what our gigs and music means to them. However, we will all still be active in the music scene. Because of this break everybody gets the chance to focus on projects. On our site and myspace sites we'll keep you updated about those projects.
Not a very good start of the year, but thanks a lot for all your support and understanding, for now, for the future, but also for the past year. We won't forget you and hope to meet you again if After Forever returns in full shape!!!
Floor, Sander, Bas, Joost, Luuk and Andre
| Source: | afterforever.com |
| Band profile: | After Forever |
Borknagar - Signs With Indie Recordings
Indie Recordings has announced the signing of Borknagar:
It is with great pride we announce the signing of Progressive Black Metal Legends Borknagar!
Borknagar has for nearly a decade been a leading star in the Black Metal community. Like no other band they have pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the genre, and now they will once again return to the dark side - to their roots, for a darker and heavier album to be released on Indie Recordings. It is an honour to add Borknagar to our rooster.
In a press statement the band comments the signing:
"After nearly a year of negotiating deals with different labels we are now proud to finally reveal the partnership that we have settled for our next 3 albums. In late December 2007 we inked a 3 album deal with the Norwegian label Indie Recordings. After the release of ORIGIN, our 12 years and 6 albums long partnership with Century Media Records came to an end contractually. The years have been a great journey, but sometimes changes are needed to evolve and it was time for a change now. We are really exited to start working with our new partners for the next albums to come. Indie Recordings is a relatively new label, but the crucial staff behind the company has been friends and fans of the band for many years. Their genuine dedication and high level of professionalism makes us totally confident that our collaboration in the future will be prosperous in many ways; for the band, our fans and other associates. We are currently in writing mode for our next album and we are aiming for a late 2008 release. This time around we will be back on track with a massive album including all our core elements that have formed our identity through the years. For our long run fans the album might represent a surprise or two. So beware!"
It is with great pride we announce the signing of Progressive Black Metal Legends Borknagar!
Borknagar has for nearly a decade been a leading star in the Black Metal community. Like no other band they have pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the genre, and now they will once again return to the dark side - to their roots, for a darker and heavier album to be released on Indie Recordings. It is an honour to add Borknagar to our rooster.
In a press statement the band comments the signing:
"After nearly a year of negotiating deals with different labels we are now proud to finally reveal the partnership that we have settled for our next 3 albums. In late December 2007 we inked a 3 album deal with the Norwegian label Indie Recordings. After the release of ORIGIN, our 12 years and 6 albums long partnership with Century Media Records came to an end contractually. The years have been a great journey, but sometimes changes are needed to evolve and it was time for a change now. We are really exited to start working with our new partners for the next albums to come. Indie Recordings is a relatively new label, but the crucial staff behind the company has been friends and fans of the band for many years. Their genuine dedication and high level of professionalism makes us totally confident that our collaboration in the future will be prosperous in many ways; for the band, our fans and other associates. We are currently in writing mode for our next album and we are aiming for a late 2008 release. This time around we will be back on track with a massive album including all our core elements that have formed our identity through the years. For our long run fans the album might represent a surprise or two. So beware!"
| Source: | indierec.no |
| Band profile: | Borknagar |
Amorphis - Confirmed For ProgPower USA IX
Finnish metallers Amorphis have been confirmed as the second headliner of ProgPower USA IX. America's premiere metal festival returns to Center Stage in Atlanta on Sept 26 & 27.
"Amorphis may not fit the stereotypical profile, but they truly are a progressive giant in this scene. From their death metal roots to the current moody atmosphere, they have done it all. Any band that can survive for sixteen years by doing it their own way deserves to be a headliner" said promoter Glenn Harveston.
Amorphis's last performance in the U.S. was in 2003.
"Amorphis may not fit the stereotypical profile, but they truly are a progressive giant in this scene. From their death metal roots to the current moody atmosphere, they have done it all. Any band that can survive for sixteen years by doing it their own way deserves to be a headliner" said promoter Glenn Harveston.
Amorphis's last performance in the U.S. was in 2003.
| Source: | progpowerusa.com |
| Band profile: | Amorphis |
| Event: | ProgPower USA IX |
Detonation - Cancels UK Shows
Detonation has posted the following statement on their myspace blog:
"We regret to announce we have to cancel the UK dates that where scheduled for April. It's been a hard decision to reach since we've been looking forward to playing the UK again, but unfortunately the risks involved (from a business point of view) were too great.
We very much appreciate the efforts made by Dark Balance Records, Boltdown and all bookers involved to organise this tour, and are bummed not to be able to take part. We'd like to stress the cancellation is purely based on the situation Detonation is in at the moment, and does not have anything to do with the bookers, venues or bands we're playing with. We hope to make up for it very soon.
With Romeo Must Die and Boltdown there's still two great bands left on this tour, with one or two guest bands appearing every night, so be sure be visit those shows and support them!"
Read more ››
"We regret to announce we have to cancel the UK dates that where scheduled for April. It's been a hard decision to reach since we've been looking forward to playing the UK again, but unfortunately the risks involved (from a business point of view) were too great.
We very much appreciate the efforts made by Dark Balance Records, Boltdown and all bookers involved to organise this tour, and are bummed not to be able to take part. We'd like to stress the cancellation is purely based on the situation Detonation is in at the moment, and does not have anything to do with the bookers, venues or bands we're playing with. We hope to make up for it very soon.
With Romeo Must Die and Boltdown there's still two great bands left on this tour, with one or two guest bands appearing every night, so be sure be visit those shows and support them!"
Read more ››
| Source: | blog.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Detonation |
In Flames - Upcoming Album Title And Tracklisting Revealed
Swedish metallers In Flames have posted on their myspace blog that their upcoming album entitled "A Sense Of Purpose" artwork and booklet, can be viewed here, was done by Alex Padree who also did the artwork and the booklet for the single.
The release date from Nuclear Blast Records for Europe, and the rest of the World (except for the US) is set for 4 April 2008. The album will be released in the US. However, a label and date is still to be determined.
The album will contain the following tracks:
01. The Mirror's Truth
02. Disconnected
03. Sleepless Again
04. Alias
05. I'm The Highway
06. Delight And Angers
07. Move Through Me
08. The Chosen Pessimist
09. Sober And Irrelevant
10. Condemned
11. Drenched In Fear
12. March To The Shore
Read more ››
The release date from Nuclear Blast Records for Europe, and the rest of the World (except for the US) is set for 4 April 2008. The album will be released in the US. However, a label and date is still to be determined.
The album will contain the following tracks:
01. The Mirror's Truth
02. Disconnected
03. Sleepless Again
04. Alias
05. I'm The Highway
06. Delight And Angers
07. Move Through Me
08. The Chosen Pessimist
09. Sober And Irrelevant
10. Condemned
11. Drenched In Fear
12. March To The Shore
Read more ››
| Source: | blog.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | In Flames |
Threshold - Wins Three Awards In The UK
Progressive metallers Threshold have have won awards for best singer, best drummer and best album track at the Classic Rock Society awards in the UK.
- Best Vocalist: Damian Wilson (Threshold)
- Best Drummer: Johanne James (Threshold)
- Best Album Track: Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams (Threshold)
Johanne James won the best drummer award for the second consecutive year. Damian Wilson won the best vocalist award after returning to the band for last year's tour. The best album track award was won by Richard West's song Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams from Threshold's latest studio album Dead Reckoning.
- Best Vocalist: Damian Wilson (Threshold)
- Best Drummer: Johanne James (Threshold)
- Best Album Track: Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams (Threshold)
Johanne James won the best drummer award for the second consecutive year. Damian Wilson won the best vocalist award after returning to the band for last year's tour. The best album track award was won by Richard West's song Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams from Threshold's latest studio album Dead Reckoning.
| Source: | thresh.net |
| Band profile: | Threshold |
Kalmah - Canadian Tour Announced
Finnish metallers Kalamh have announced the For The Revolution Tour dates in Canada:
23 April - Toronto
24 April - Hamilton
25 April - Sudbury
26 April - Rouyn
27 April - Sag/Lac
28 April - Quebec
29 April - Montreal
30 April - Saint-Hyacinthe
Venues to be announced soon. This will be the band's first time to tour Canada.
23 April - Toronto
24 April - Hamilton
25 April - Sudbury
26 April - Rouyn
27 April - Sag/Lac
28 April - Quebec
29 April - Montreal
30 April - Saint-Hyacinthe
Venues to be announced soon. This will be the band's first time to tour Canada.
| Source: | kalmah.com |
| Band profile: | Kalmah |
Stormwarrior - Upcoming Album Details
Stormwarrior's album "Heading Northe" will be released on 22 February, which will coincide with the band's 10 year anniversary. The release party of the album will be at the Ballroom in Hamburg where Stormwarrior will also be joined by ex-members of the band.
Tracklisting of the album:
01. And The Horde Calleth For Oden
02. Heading Northe
03. Metal Legacy
04. The Holy Cross
05. Iron Gods
06. Ragnarök
07. The Revenge Of Asa Lande
08. Remember The Oathe
09. Lion Of The Northe
10. Into The Battle
Read more ››
Tracklisting of the album:
01. And The Horde Calleth For Oden
02. Heading Northe
03. Metal Legacy
04. The Holy Cross
05. Iron Gods
06. Ragnarök
07. The Revenge Of Asa Lande
08. Remember The Oathe
09. Lion Of The Northe
10. Into The Battle
Read more ››
| Source: | stormwarrior.de |
| Band profile: | Stormwarrior |
Kiuas - New Album Updates
Finnish metallers Kiuas have announced that their upcoming album entitled "The New Dark Age" will be released on 5 March in Finland (TBA in other countries).
Tracklisting for the album is as follows:
01. The Decaying Doctrine
02. Conqueror
03. Kiuas War Anthem
04. The New Dark Age
05. To Excel And Ascend
06. Black Rose Withered
07. After The Storm
08. Of Sacrifice, Loss And Reward
09. The Summoning
10. The Wanderer's Lamentation
11. Towards The Hidden Sanctum
The cover art is the product of the visionary artist/musician Niklas Sundin The picture is an original drawing in the style of renaissance woodcut illustrations, and portrays the members of Kiuas as the four - or in this case five - horsemen of the Apocalypse with a dismal landscape that combines ancient and modern times.
The song "Of Sacrifice, Loss and Reward" will also be released as a Single in Finland in February. The single will feature two other songs as well including the Japan bonus track which won't be otherwise available to fans in Finland.
A video for the song "Conqueror" will be shot on the 18th of February. Owe Lingwall is responsible for the script and direction of the video.
Kiuas will tour Finland intensively in March and April. The tour dates will be announced soon.
Read more ››
Tracklisting for the album is as follows:
01. The Decaying Doctrine
02. Conqueror
03. Kiuas War Anthem
04. The New Dark Age
05. To Excel And Ascend
06. Black Rose Withered
07. After The Storm
08. Of Sacrifice, Loss And Reward
09. The Summoning
10. The Wanderer's Lamentation
11. Towards The Hidden Sanctum
The cover art is the product of the visionary artist/musician Niklas Sundin The picture is an original drawing in the style of renaissance woodcut illustrations, and portrays the members of Kiuas as the four - or in this case five - horsemen of the Apocalypse with a dismal landscape that combines ancient and modern times.
The song "Of Sacrifice, Loss and Reward" will also be released as a Single in Finland in February. The single will feature two other songs as well including the Japan bonus track which won't be otherwise available to fans in Finland.
A video for the song "Conqueror" will be shot on the 18th of February. Owe Lingwall is responsible for the script and direction of the video.
Kiuas will tour Finland intensively in March and April. The tour dates will be announced soon.
Read more ››
| Source: | kiuas.net |
| Band profile: | Kiuas |
Within Temptation - Guitarist Forced To Sit Out Tour
Guitarist Robert Westerholt has posted on the band's website that he will not be joining the rest of the band on the tour that will start on 10 January. Robert explains that reason for this is that he has severely bruised his right thumb, which makes it impossible for him to play guitar.
Within Temptation will be playing with 5 members only, and no new tour member will be filling in Robert's place.
Within Temptation will be playing with 5 members only, and no new tour member will be filling in Robert's place.
| Source: | within-temptation.com |
| Band profile: | Within Temptation |
Manticora - New Keyboardist Announced
Danish metallers Manticora have posted the following announcement on their website:
"After 4 years of searching for a keyboarder that could join the band on the same terms as the rest of the band (not just a session keyboarder), we have finally found the man!! His name is Ronni Clasen, and he is living here in Copenhagen. Ronni is in his late 20'ies, listens to prog and power metal and is extremely talented = he fits Manticora very well, hahaha. Besides, he is a very cool guy to hang around with, so the social aspect is there as well. He has already performed with us at several occasions (Copenhagen, Romania, Germany), and passed the Manticora ritual at our annual X-mas lunch, so we know we have found the right guy for the job. You are welcome to send a big hello to Ronni on our forum. We think he'd appreciate it. Picture and profile will be updated later on, but there should already be some live pictures somewhere on this page.
The Mantidudes"
Read more ››
"After 4 years of searching for a keyboarder that could join the band on the same terms as the rest of the band (not just a session keyboarder), we have finally found the man!! His name is Ronni Clasen, and he is living here in Copenhagen. Ronni is in his late 20'ies, listens to prog and power metal and is extremely talented = he fits Manticora very well, hahaha. Besides, he is a very cool guy to hang around with, so the social aspect is there as well. He has already performed with us at several occasions (Copenhagen, Romania, Germany), and passed the Manticora ritual at our annual X-mas lunch, so we know we have found the right guy for the job. You are welcome to send a big hello to Ronni on our forum. We think he'd appreciate it. Picture and profile will be updated later on, but there should already be some live pictures somewhere on this page.
The Mantidudes"
Read more ››
| Source: | manticora.dk |
| Band profile: | Manticora |
Circus Maximus - To Tour With Symphony X
Progressive metallers Circus Maximus have announced on their website that they will be the main support act for Symphony X's European tour.
The following is the list of dates:
13 Feb Hamburg, Germany at Markthalle
14 Feb Cologne, Germany at Live Music Hall
15 Feb Hellendoorn, Netherlands at Lantaarn
16 Feb Zoetermeer, Netherlands at Boerderij
17 Feb Stuttgart, Germany at Die Röhre
19 Feb Berlin, Germany at Columbia Club
20 Feb Frankfurt, Germany at Batschkapp
21 Feb Nurnberg, Germany at Hirsch
22 Feb Pratteln, Switzerland at Z7
23 Feb Munich, Germany at Backstage Werk
25 Feb Florence, Italy at Viper Club
26 Feb Piacenza, Italy at Fillmore
28 Feb Barcelona, Spain at Razzmatazz 2
29 Feb Madrid, Spain at Sala Heineken
01 Mar Bergara, Spain at Sala Jam
02 Mar Bordeaux, France at Krakatoa
04 Mar Lyon, France at Transbordeur
05 Mar Paris, France at Bataclan
Read more ››
The following is the list of dates:
13 Feb Hamburg, Germany at Markthalle
14 Feb Cologne, Germany at Live Music Hall
15 Feb Hellendoorn, Netherlands at Lantaarn
16 Feb Zoetermeer, Netherlands at Boerderij
17 Feb Stuttgart, Germany at Die Röhre
19 Feb Berlin, Germany at Columbia Club
20 Feb Frankfurt, Germany at Batschkapp
21 Feb Nurnberg, Germany at Hirsch
22 Feb Pratteln, Switzerland at Z7
23 Feb Munich, Germany at Backstage Werk
25 Feb Florence, Italy at Viper Club
26 Feb Piacenza, Italy at Fillmore
28 Feb Barcelona, Spain at Razzmatazz 2
29 Feb Madrid, Spain at Sala Heineken
01 Mar Bergara, Spain at Sala Jam
02 Mar Bordeaux, France at Krakatoa
04 Mar Lyon, France at Transbordeur
05 Mar Paris, France at Bataclan
Read more ››
| Source: | circusmaximussite.com |
| Band profile: | Circus Maximus |
| Event: | Symphony X: European Tour 2008 |
Norther - Announce Finnish Dates
Finnish Extreme Power Metallers Norther have announced on their website new dates for Finland:
16 Feb - Finnish Metal Expo, Helsinki
22 Feb - Nivala, Tuiskula
23 Feb - Hellä, Tampere
In other news, Norther's guitarist Kristian "Kride" Ranta, has updated the band's blog with the following update about their upcoming video:
"So I guess you have all heard the news about our new album N. Hopefully we can also confirm the US release quite soon. We shot our new video some time ago and it is starting to be ready. It's looking damn good and will be something a way cooler than we've ever done before
We did the video with Tunne Productions, check out what other they have done before us. I must say that besides being really pro guys they were also really nice and everything went smoothly.
We will soon start tuning our set to the Finnish Metal Expo. That will be our very first show with the new material from N. We have been negotiating about a possible EU tour (including UK) in the early spring, let's hope that all goes well and we can confirm it soon. So this is all for now but stay tuned.
best. Kride"
More information about the upcoming album can be viewed here.
Read more ››
16 Feb - Finnish Metal Expo, Helsinki
22 Feb - Nivala, Tuiskula
23 Feb - Hellä, Tampere
In other news, Norther's guitarist Kristian "Kride" Ranta, has updated the band's blog with the following update about their upcoming video:
"So I guess you have all heard the news about our new album N. Hopefully we can also confirm the US release quite soon. We shot our new video some time ago and it is starting to be ready. It's looking damn good and will be something a way cooler than we've ever done before
We did the video with Tunne Productions, check out what other they have done before us. I must say that besides being really pro guys they were also really nice and everything went smoothly.We will soon start tuning our set to the Finnish Metal Expo. That will be our very first show with the new material from N. We have been negotiating about a possible EU tour (including UK) in the early spring, let's hope that all goes well and we can confirm it soon. So this is all for now but stay tuned.
best. Kride"
More information about the upcoming album can be viewed here.
Read more ››
| Source: | norther.net |
| Band profile: | Norther |
Dødheimsgard - Vocalist Leaves Band
Kvohst has posted the following on the band's myspace blog:
"After a pretty tough month and some deep contemplation, I have decided to call it a day and check out of the Dødheimsgard asylum. The reasons for my departure are personal and I'd like them to stay that way. My work in DHG and on Supervillain has been a labour of love but, unfortunately, love, as Bukowski once said, can often be "like trying to carry a full garbage can on your back over a rushing river of piss." I can only thank the rest of the band, especially Vicotnik and the fans, for their total support and dedication and for some of the best years of my life. As a fan of the band since I was young, I will continue to support DHG and I hope that you will do the same.
Metal til death
Kvohst"
Read more ››
"After a pretty tough month and some deep contemplation, I have decided to call it a day and check out of the Dødheimsgard asylum. The reasons for my departure are personal and I'd like them to stay that way. My work in DHG and on Supervillain has been a labour of love but, unfortunately, love, as Bukowski once said, can often be "like trying to carry a full garbage can on your back over a rushing river of piss." I can only thank the rest of the band, especially Vicotnik and the fans, for their total support and dedication and for some of the best years of my life. As a fan of the band since I was young, I will continue to support DHG and I hope that you will do the same.
Metal til death
Kvohst"
Read more ››
| Source: | blog.myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Dødheimsgard |
Agalloch - EP Available For Pre-Ordering
Agalloch has recently posted a new song on their myspace page entitled "Sowilo Rune" from their upcoming EP "The White EP." The EP will be released by Vendlus Records on 29 February.
The White EP can be pre-ordered at Vendlus Store. The release is limited to 2000 copies.
Read more ››
The White EP can be pre-ordered at Vendlus Store. The release is limited to 2000 copies.
Read more ››
| Source: | myspace.com |
| Band profile: | Agalloch |