New York death metal veterans IMMOLATION have inked a worldwide, multi-album contract with Nuclear Blast Records. The band's eighth studio LP will be released in early 2010.

Commented the group: "We are looking forward to working with Nuclear Blast, a classic label that has become one of the largest driving forces in metal today. We intend to have a new album out for early next year. Expect the new one to have some of the most dark and intense music we've ever put together!"

Jaap Wagemaker, who works for the A&R department at Nuclear Blast's headquarters in Germany, stated: "Nuclear Blast is very proud to announce the signing of IMMOLATION! Few other bands have the abil ...

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California metallers AGENT STEEL recently entered the studio to record a few new songs for demo purposes for the band's label and management. The group writes on its MySpace page, "We tracked four new AGENT STEEL songs this week in North Hollywood, California. The drums, bass and rhythm guitars are mostly completed! One official title thus far: 'Leave No Trace' (a very dark and moody song; think BLACK SABBATH with a thrashin' speed metal part in the middle) Up next; the mighty Bruce Hall will be recording vocals, and then we anticipate Bernie's [Versailles] arrival to add his guitar wizardry, shreddin' solos, and additional rhythms. The drum sound is pounding; we will make sure the kick, and ...

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Sacramento's DEFTONES — whose bassist Chi Cheng is said to be "in semi-conscious state" following a November 2008 car accident — has issued the following update:

"We want to take a minute and address all of you regarding Chi and our new record.

"First and foremost, we are all still praying and hoping for our brother's and bandmate's recovery. He continues to get hospital care, but often it feels as if we're no closer to knowing what is ultimately going to happen to him as he continues to fight off infections as part of an ongoing battle with his condition. We trust all of you have been following his progress at [the] One Love For Chi [web site]; we have as well. Wh ...

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Swedish black metallers MARDUK have set "Wormwood" as the title of their eleventh album, tentatively due before the end of the year via Regain Records. The CD is being recorded at Endarker Studios in Norrköping, Sweden with engineer/producer Magnus Devo Andersson. The album's release will be followed by a world tour, dubbed "Funeral Nation 2009/2010", which will kick off in Europe.

MARDUK's latest CD, "Rom 5:12", was released in North America in May 2007 via Regain/Koch.

MARDUK was formed by guitarist Morgan Steinmeyer Håkansson with the goal of becoming the "most blasphemous band in the world." The group's musical style started out as straight-forward, death metal-in ...

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British thrashers EVILE will release their new album, "Infected Nations", on September 22 (one day earlier internationally) via Earache Records.

Commented EVILE frontman Matt Drake: "When we did [2007's] 'Enter the Grave' two years ago, it was made up of songs we had been playing for a few years and some written in the excitement of actually getting to record an album. We were happy to just be making noise, but since then, we've learnt a few things and we're more interested in making music.

"EVILE fans can expect to hear a more mature offering, an album that concentrates on all aspects of what each member can do; it's a heck of a lot more focused, more satisfying and w ...

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A new BEHEMOTH track, "Ov Fire And The Void", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song comes off the Polish extreme metallers' ninth full-length studio album, "Evangelion", which is scheduled for release on August 7 in Europe via Nuclear Blast Records and August 11 in North America through Metal Blade. The CD was mixed at Miloco Studios in London, England by Colin Richardson, who has previously worked with MACHINE HEAD, SLIPKNOT, NAPALM DEATH and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, among many others.

"Evangelion" track listing:

01. Daimonos
02. Shemaforash
03. Ov Fire And The Void
04. ...

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According to Sergi Ramos of The Metal Circus, the much-anticipated debut performance by the new band calling itself FEAR FACTORY — featuring original FF members Dino Cazares (guitar) and Burton C. Bell (vocals) alongside bassist Byron Stroud (who played on the last two FEAR FACTORY albums in addition to touring and recording with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and ZIMMERS HOLE) and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, TESTAMENT) — which was scheduled to take place earlier tonight (Sunday, June 21) at the Metalway Festival in Zaragoza, Spain was cancelled at the last minute, reportedly due to legal issues surrounding the use of the FEAR FACTORY name.

NZRock conducted an interview with bassist/vocalist David Vincent of MORBID ANGEL when the band played New Zealand on May 20, 2009.

NZRock: Can you go through the chain of events which led to you rejoining MORBID ANGEL?

David Vincent: Well, I got a call from the band's manager. Basically there was a situation where there was a South American promoter who I was friends with actually. I hadn't seen him in a while but he explained to me that the band had some shows booked down there that they'd already had to postpone twice and there was some issue still unbeknownst to me that the other guy was done or that there was some conflict. Anyway, he asked me if I'd be interested ...

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METAL CHURCH singer Ronny Munroe's recently released "The Fire Within" solo album will be made available in Europe in September via Metal Heaven Records.

Commented Munroe: "After closely looking at a couple other offers, we made the unanimous decision to go with Metal Heaven and owner Georg Siegl, because he and his company were much more 'artist-friendly.' I'm looking forward to a long, prosperous relationship."

The singer previously called the CD, "undoubtedly my best work to date."

Ronny Munroe's solo band includes METAL CHURCH guitarist Rick Van Zandt on guitar.

METAL CHURCH guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof had encouraged Munroe for some time to do ...

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British gothic metal pioneers PARADISE LOST have set "Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us" as the title of their new album, due in September via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren. The highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's "In Requiem" will feature around 10 tracks, including "First Light", "As Horizons End", "Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us", "Frailty" and "My Last Regret".

Commetned vocalist Nick Holmes: "The thoughts behind the title 'Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us' are very much self-explanatory. There is so much division in the world caused by obstructing religious belief. We are all made o ...

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