After a production time of more than two years, German guitarist Hubi Meisel has completed work on his new concept album, "Kailash", which will be released through Lion Music on February 27, 2006. This time the concept story is all about the Himalayas, Tibet and the secrets of ancient Buddhist/Hindu culture and mythology.

Like on his previous concept disc "EmOcean", Hubi Meisel closely co-operated with French keyboardist/composer Vivien Lalu on the new CD. Musicians featured on album include world-class players from five different countries:

Hubi J. Meisel - Vocals
Vivien Lalu (LALU) - Keyboards
Marcel Coenen (SUN CAGED) - Guitars
Jorge Salán (MAGO DE OZ) - Guitars
Daniel Flores (MIND'S EYE) - Drums
Johan Niemann (THERION) – Bass

For more information, visit www.HubiMeisel.com.

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DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND are in talks to possibly open for OPETH on their upcoming U.S. headlining tour beginning in February 2006. No further details are currently available.

DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND recently completed work on their new studio album, "Synchestra", tentatively due in the spring. The making of the album "was a very enjoyable experience for Devin," according to a recent Hevy Devy newsletter. "He worked on this project stress-free and he did practically everything from song writing to mastering and engineering. There are 13 songs on this record, with five or six 'big' songs. 'Synchestra' is a very refreshing change from the rest of ...

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Sweden's KATATONIA have set "The Great Cold Distance" as the title of their seventh full-length album, due on March 13, 2006 via Peaceville Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Viva Emptiness" was recorded at Fascination Street studios in the outskirts of Örebro, Sweden and was mastered at the Cutting Room in Stockholm.

"The Great Cold Distance" track listing:

01. Leaders
02. Deliberation
03. Soil's Song
04. My Twin
05. Consternation
06. Follower
07. Rusted
08. Increase
09. July
10. In The White
11. The Itch
...

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According to the official DIO fan club newsletter, DIO will be working on a new album in January/February and going back on the road sometime in March for an extended South American tour. The band will resume work on the new CD in April/May, with plans to complete the album by the end of the year. The band's management has also confirmed that DIO will be making several European festival appearances during June, July and August. No U.S. tour plans for 2006 have yet been announced.

The current DIO touring lineup includes guitarist Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE), who has been filling in for an injured Craig Goldy since early October. Craig

Israel's MELECHESH have announced the addition of drummer Xul (THANATOS, ABODE OF THE BLESSED, LIAR OF GOLGOTHA) to the group's ranks. "Xul is a tremendously talented drummer with outstanding technical ability," founding member Ashmedi said in a statement.

MELECHESH have been working on new material with Xul for the last year. Prior to joining MELECHESH on a full-time basis, Xul performed with the band at various gigs and festivals where he proved his drumming capabilities by offering flawless and exceptional performances.

Commented Xul: "I am honored to finally be part of this cult. Playing with MELECHESH is an enriching experience both on a musical and on an ideological level."

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Rod Harmon of HeraldTribune.com has issued the following report:

Among prog-metal lovers, the Sarasota-Bradenton band CRIMSON GLORY is semi-legendary, a rival to QUEENSRŸCHE and TOOL — especially in Europe, where its out-of-print albums are highly sought collectors' items.

It's been six years since the band released its last album, and 16 years since it performed with its classic lineup.

That will change in 2006, when CRIMSON GLORY celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first album with reissues of its back catalog, new releases of rare audio and video, ...

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REBELLION, the German band that features in its ranks former GRAVE DIGGER members Uwe Lulis (guitar) and Tomi Göttlich (bass), have parted ways with guitarist Björn Eilen. "Unfortunately, Björn [was forced] to quit the band [because of] health problems, and Simone [Wenzel] has taken his place," the group write on their web site. A photo of the band's new lineup can be found at this location.

REBELLION's latest album, "Sagas of Iceland", was released in May via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Born ...

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EMPEROR's creative core, guitarist Samoth and frontman Ihsahn recently spoke to Terrorizer magazine about their upcoming reunion concerts and their plans for the future. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

On the band's break-up:

Ihsahn: "When we announced the split in 2001, we didn't think we would do anything more with EMPEROR ever again."

Samoth: "At that point, we both had other priorities that we wanted to pursue and we both felt that splitting up EMPEROR was the best thing to do. We really wanted to focus on other things, and felt it was the o ...

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Sam Bagnall, producer of the "Death Metal Murders" special which is scheduled to air tonight on BBC Two, has issued the following report via the BBC News web site:

One man's relentless search for his missing son led him to uncover one of the most shocking crimes in post-war Italy — a tale of satanism and violence that has gripped the country for more than a year.

In January 1998 Fabio Tollis and Chiara Marino, both just 16, disappeared.

They had been drinking at a pub called the Midnight — the centre of the heavy metal s ...

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JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford is strongly rumored to have been tapped to play the role of "Dr. X" on QUEENSRŸCHE's sequel to their platinum 1988 concept album, "Operation: Mindcrime", tentatively titled "Operation: Mindcrime II".

Although there has been no official announcement on the matter, a posting on QUEENSRŸCHE's official web site (dated Nov. 19) reads, "The band is confirming the singer who plays Dr. X by the end of next week. I think you'll be surprised, he is VERY well known and respected."

As previously reported, QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield and guitarist Michael Wilton record ...

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