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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ICED EARTH mainman Jon Schaffer has sent the following update to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"I just wanted to give you an update of what's happening in ICED EARTH world.

"We just finished mixing and mastering the [new] single, which will be titled 'Overture of the Wicked' and should be released in late May or early June. The four songs that will be featured on this are as follows:

01. Ten Thousand Strong
02. Prophecy
03. Birth of the Wicked
04. The Coming Curse

"'Ten Thousand Strong' will be the song that we will be filming a video for in the following months, most likely in June right around ...

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On March 14, 2007 Delp's family revealed that his death was a suicide and he was found in his apartment by his girlfriend. His family gave no other information. Associated Press reported that, according the the New Hampshire medical examiner, Delp's death was the result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Delp had consideration for the one(s) that found him by leaving notes on doors warning them about the carbon monoxide. Delp sealed the doors of the master bath with towels where two charcoal grills were used to generate the killer gas.

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Brad Delp, the lead singer for the band Boston, was found dead Friday in his home in southern New Hampshire. He was 55. Atkinson police responded to a call for help at 1:20 p.m. and found Delp dead. Police Lt. William Baldwin said in a statement the death was "untimely" and that there was no indication of foul play.

Delp apparently was alone at the time of his death, Baldwin said.

The cause of his death remained under investigation by the Atkinson police and the New Hampshire Medical Examiner's office. Police said an incident report would not be available until Monday.

Delp sang vocals on Boston's 1976 hits "More than a Feeling" and "Longtime." He also sang on Boston's most ...

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Former HAMMERFALL bassist Magnus Rosén has issued a statement explaining his decision to leave the band. It reads as follows:

"Thanks to all the fans around the world who supported the band for 10 years. You all gave me very nice memories after all the concerts we did. It was a pleasure to get such a good audience like you guys! Without you we wouldn't be able to do record so many CDs and make so many tours as we did during the last 10 years. So thank you all.

"It's important for me to tell you that I loved every single second I had on stage during our concerts! To hear your voice, see your happy faces and hear your nice words really made my day!!! It was a ple ...

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STRAPPING YOUNG LAD mastermind Devin Townsend has changed the projected title of his next solo album to "Ziltoid the Omniscient" from the previously announced "The Mighty Masturbator". Devin described the material on the CD as a mix between STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and THE DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND. The album, which will be released under the DEVIN TOWNSEND banner instead of THE DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND, will reportedly be recorded completely by Devin, who is expected to take care of the singing, playing guitar, playing bass, playing all synthesizers and samples, and mixing and producing the CD on his own. Devin has stated on the < ...

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RUSH vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee recently spoke to Revolver magazine (web site) about the group's new album, "Snakes & Arrows", due on May 1 via Atlantic.

"It's hard to describe," said Lee. "It's big, it's bold, and I think it's some of the best work we've done in years. I'm really pleased with the quality of the songs, and there's lots of playing on it."

The upcoming CD promises to be the most organic-sounding RUSH effort in decades, having been influenced by their experience of making "Feedback", the band's 2004 EP of classic-rock covers.

"Playing those s ...

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