The art for the second full length album by Dark Empire, Humanity Dethroned (featuring Jens Carlsson of Persuader)is available. Link below.

The newly remastered version of the debut Distant Tides, mastered by Mika Jussila of Finnvox, is available to order through the Dark Empire website. This new version also inlcudes an exclusive bonus track and updated artwork by Gustave Sazes.

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German death metallers NECROPHAGIST have issued the following update:

"NECROPHAGIST is excited to announce drumming phenomenon and luminary Marco Minnemann as the new permanent drummer. Marco will start playing drums for NECROPHAGIST on the upcoming Summer Slaughter Tour starting June 1st 2007, sponsored by Ibanez, Tama and Revolver mag. The band is absolutely stoked to announce that Marco Minnemann will be drumming on the NEW NECROPHAGIST album, due in 2008. We can't wait to work on arranging the new songs with such an incredibly talented, proficient and complete musician/composer. The list of musicians ...

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Hailing from Canton, GA, comes Legion Of Carcaroth. Comprised of the evil spirits Murderous Hammer Of The Five Frosts (guitars), Serpent (vocals), Ghoul (drums), and Moonghost DemonFist (keyboards), this is the soundtrack to killing orcs and slaughtering the faithful.

Click on the attached link for sound samples.

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As BLABBERMOUTH.NET first reported yesterday, it has now been officially confirmed that CANNIBAL CORPSE's Alex Webster will play bass on HATE ETERNAL's new album following the recent departure of Randy Piro Jr.

"I am very excited to be participating in the recording of HATE ETERNAL's next album," Webster says in a statement. "Erik [Rutan, HATE ETERNAL leader] is an amazing guitarist and songwriter, and one of my best friends. As bassist for the new album, I will do my best to make the stronges ...

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Former HATE ETERNAL bassist Randy Piro has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding his departure from the group:

"As you may have heard by now, I have decided to relinquish my bass and vocal duties in HATE ETERNAL. Despite the overall accuracy of the official HATE ETERNAL press release regarding my departure, I feel it is necessary to address this issue personally, and in more detail.

"My reason for leaving HATE ETERNAL is to direct my focus and energy to the GIGAN beast exclusively. ...

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Bassist Michael Nicklassonn from Swedish melodic death metallers DARK TRANQUILLITY has posted the following message on the band's web site:

"I've gotten some mails and questions concerning my health during this tour from fans that are worried about my weight loss and my numbness. The thing is that I just got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes one week before this tour, so I just started with insulin. I'm getting a little better day by day and it's a real struggle for me, but I'm trying to do my best for the band and the fans. I wanted to post this so everyone knows the facts about this. As it is right now my body doesn't work as it's supposed to and that means that I'm ver ...

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Italian folk/power metal band ELVENKING has finished recording its new album and is about to leave for Helsinki, Finland to begin the mixing the effort at Sonic Pump Studios. Due this fall via AFM Records, the CD will feature a guest appearance on two tracks by Swedish guitarist Mike Wead (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, FIREGOD, ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA, CANDLEMASS).

Commented the band: "It's an honor to have Mike soloing on our songs. It's always amazing having one of your heroes playing in your album. And the leads he played are amazing — pure guitar art!"

ELVENKING released its third ...

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Swedish death metal supergroup BLOODBATH has issued the following update:

"BLOODBATH is finally back to put elite death metal on the map. The brand new line-up is shortly to be officially revealed, but has already paved way for a band hungrier than ever to bathe in the blood of a new recording. So in early June, we'll once again enter Fascination Street studios (same place 'Nightmares Made Flesh' was done) to cut a couple of new songs. In good tradition, each member will contribute to the writing with one song each. The final result will be unleashed in the form of a mini-CD scheduled for release in late summer. This affair will be self-financed and releas ...

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Swedish/German extreme metallers ARCH ENEMY have announced that original guitarist Christopher Amott is rejoining the band with immediate effect. The group, having finished an intense 18-month touring cycle all over the world promoting the "Doomsday Machine" album and "Live Apocalypse" DVD, is currently busy working on songs for their new studio album.

Christopher surprised many by departing ARCH ENEMY at the end of the "Doomsday Machine" recording sessions in 2005, having been in the band for 10 years (starting with ARCH ENEMY at age 18). Christopher followed his urge to see the outside world and find what else is out th ...

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California-based female-fronted band OTEP has parted ways with guitarist Karma Cheema (ex-AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE).

Commented OTEP frontwoman Otep Shamaya: "Karma has decided to pursue other opportunities and we are happy to announce the new addition of Aaron on guitar. [Thursday night, March 22] was his first night with us and he did an amazing job. He is a true musical magi of the highest degree."

Check out Aaron's MySpace page at this location.

Otep Shamaya recently issued a statement in response to the persistent rumors that the band has been dro ...

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