Stratovarius mastermind, Timo Tolkki, returns with his second solo effort Hymn to Life. The disc is a very personal journey through Tolkki's life expressed through his music. He spent many months in a small studio/house by the sea in Finland recording with the help of Anssi Nykänen on drums and Mika Ervaskari (original Stratovarius keyboard player) on keys. Special guest appearance by Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween) who offered his vocals to "Key to the Universe" and Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation) sings on "Are You the One?" Greek Metal Hammer has rated Hymn to Life an 8 out of 10! See what all the hype is about when the disc is released on February 19th.

After 3 weeks of rehearsing Sinergy have decided to keep session drummer Janne Parviainen as a full-time member of the band. "He has shown tremendous dedication and is by far the best drummer we've ever played with," says the band. New band photos and Janne's "facts & favorites" files will be added to the band's site shortly. Once again, the band would like to thank all the drummers who offered their talents to them and apologize for all the confusion. All the confusion about drummers has not distracted Sinergy from their most important priority, promoting their third album Suicide By My Side. The album (released January 7th in their native Finland) entered the Finnish charts at #18. North American fans can now get their hands on a copy too, the disc was released here on February 5th.

New confirmed artist ....

The mystical legend returns - the most unique metal band from the eighties

W A R L O R D (USA)

featuring original member & songwriter WILLIAM J TSAMIS (of Lordian Guard)
MARK S ZONDER (Fates Warning)
JOACIM CANS (Hammerfall)

Here are all first confirmed artist: 13. Wacken Open Air 2002 > Aug 1 - 3

AMON AMARTH
BLAZE
BLIND GUARDIAN*
CANDLEMASS (REUNION)
CANNIBAL CORPSE
CHILDREN OF BODOM*
CRIMINAL
DESTRUCTION
DIMPLE MINDS
DOMINE*
DORNENREICH
DORO*
EDGUY
EISREGEN

Hero or lunatic?
I guess Casey, Drummer of Kamelot, is a mix of both. After the gig in the Zeche Bochum I got the chance to ask him for the real reason, that kept him from playing the whole tour. Casey: "Well, I had problems with my large toes, yes left and right. The toe nails grew into the toes which hurt not only while I was playing drums." The doc couldn´t schedule an early date for an operation, so Casey deceided to do what needed to be done to play at least the second leg of the tour. First he searched the internet for correct methods for a self-made operation. Then he bought stuff like a scalpel, disinfectant, pads etc..

Casey: "I ...

The band is on hold as vocalist Gaahl has landed in prison - according to a Nuclear Blast press release, "his fist was in the wrong face at the wrong time" - the length of his sentence has not been determined by the court.

If the song doesn't make it to the live album : I (Chris) think I'm gonna shoot myself :)

The Russian act has been picked up by Earache's Elitist Records.

The four cellists of the apocalypse are down to three having parted ways with Max Lilja - according to the band: "Right now we are in no hurry to find anybody to replace Max, since we are not going to have any tours this spring, but we trust that the matter will be solved when the time is right."

J. Read (Conqueror) will be filling in for Hellblaster behind the kit on the tour with Mortician.

Drummer Casey Grillo will be replaced by Rhapsody's Alex Holzwarth on the first nine stops of the European tour.