CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

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November 2007 Update: Newsletter News: Arch Enemy: Sure, The Black Tyranny tour was probably this year's most justifiably hyped tours all year, and if you missed it you should feel a little empty on the inside because it kicked all kinds of ass. But before you flog yourself check out the infamous Metal Senaz interview with ARCH ENEMY's own Angela Gossow at the Hollywood show on Oct. 13th: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=21662378. It might not allay the pain of missing the reunited Amott brothers shred live but watching two pretty women share an intimate moment before the show can't hurt, right? And if you dig the new album as much as the rest of us at the office, you'll want to check out the video for "Revolution Begins" at the Century Media YouTube Page. The video was shot by renowned director Patric Ullaeus, who has worked with mega-bands like Lacuna Coil and In Flames, so you know this is some well-crafted shite. In case you haven't realized this yet, this new album is a pretty big deal, and we're not just tooting our own horns. Rise of the Tyrant debuted at #87 on the Billboard Top 200 chart (the band's highest position yet) and they're hitting a lot of countries for the first time before the end of the year. The album has been called "far and away the best of the four they've recorded" with Angela by Alternative Press, "a momentous masterpiece of metal" by Outburn and the "most focused and ambitious effort" from the band by Decibel, so you don't have to take our word for it. If you're sick of seeing the same old videos from the same tired bands then you'll want to check out DESPISED ICON's new video for the track, "Furtive Monologue," click the link below. The clip was shot by Jonathan Desbiens, who gave it an eye-catching and trippy spin by interweaving various animated montages through the band's crushing performance shots. The band is currently on tour in their cold Canadian environs with The Locust. They'll be joining The Acacia Strain, Full Blown Chaos and Tony DanzaTap Dance Extravaganza for the "Crashing Through the Holidays" tour starting on Nov. 24th. The buzz behind this band is growing pretty rapidly for a reason: They absolutely crush live and they are just as good live as on record. Considering how savage and relentless their third album, The Ills of Modern Man, sounds, that's quite an accomplishment! Eyes of Eden: You may not recognize the name immediately but if you flip through a few booklets from past Lacuna Coil albums you'll see "Waldemar Sorychta" listed under the producer credits. He's been THE man behind the scenes for Lacuna since the band's inception, even co-writing a significant amount of their songs. His production work also extends to Sentenced, Moonspell and Samael. Obviously, he's got a thing for dark, haunting music, right? Well, he's finally stepping out on guitar with a project of his own, EYES OF EDEN. I could waste a lot of time and energy with flowery language and PR propaganda, but I think Sorychta's history speaks for itself here. The guy knows how to write songs! Throw Gas Lipstick from HIM into the mix on drums, and layer the music with the gifted pipes of 21 year-old Franziska Huth and you've got yourself a recipe for the kind of stuff that should be right up the alley of Lacuna and goth metal fans in general. Their debut album, Faith, is now available at CM Distro at a very cheap price, so if you're into dark, heavy music you can't go wrong in picking it up. Firewind: Power metal might as well be in the same category as Enya, Sting or other lame, totally headbanger-unfriendly artists to most people. Not FIREWIND. These Greek dudes (and a Brit on drums) channel the melody of Scorpions, the aggression of 80s speed metal and the crunch of the new millennium to create a sound all their own. A lot of people, including myself, are waiting anxiously for the follow-up to their third album, and the first available worldwide on Century Media, Allegiance. Well, wait no more, because Gus G. and Mark Cross (ex-Helloween, Metalium) are already in the studio tracking drums and rhythm guitar parts. It's only been a few weeks since they weaved through the States and pretty much gave ProgPower what will undoubtedly be one of its best performances ever (no joke, I was there), so it comes as a pleasant surprise that they're well into constructing a brand spanking new album. If you like melody but can't stand the overly cheesy stuff then this band was formed with you in mind. Look for the new one to be released in spring! Into Eternity: Europe's foremost authorities on everything symphonic, Epica, for a month-long North American tour next spring. I know, I know…INTO ETERNITY have been pimping The Scattering of Ashes since its release last October, but when you've recorded something as epic and grandiose as their fourth album you can't blame them for wanting as many ears to hear it as possible. So if you missed them on their last tour with Edguy, this is your opportunity to hear them with two other absolutely ripping bands. If this tour doesn't fulfill the fantasy of every prog fan worldwide then…you're all pretty insatiable. Thank guitarist Tim Roth for getting wasted with the guys in Symphony X, because it's that kind of drunken camaraderie that led to this tour. Don't miss this traveling circus when it hits your town in April, and be on the lookout for the next INTO ETERNITY album around then, too. It'll be the band's first concept album. Now in the middle of their headlining tour with label mates The Agony Scene as well as A Life Once Lost and Walls of Jericho, CM chart-toppers SUICIDE SILENCE are recruiting karate-kickers nationwide to join them in celebrating the release of their debut album, The Cleansing. With ticket prices being as low as they are you really have no excuse for not seeing this band live. As killer as The Cleansing is, you have to see these guys in-person to know their power, and with this being a headlining tour you'll get to hear more from them than when they were opening for Unearth and Darkest Hour. Vocalist Mitch Lucker's shrieks are beyond piercing, and if you thought the riffs were bludgeoning on record just wait 'til you hear them live. Speaking of bludgeoning, the band just shot a new video for "Bludgeoned to Death" with acclaimed director David Brodsky (Gwar, The Red Chord) to counter-act their video for "The Price of Beauty" being banned by MTV. No, SUICIDE SILENCE really doesn't mess around. Look for that video to be released soon. Imagine being THE AGONIST. You jump from opening for a melodic power metal band like Sonata Arctica and playing to the pocket-protector, huge graphic t-shirt crowd to entertaining an audience psyched to see black metal icons Enslaved with a small one-week window to catch your breath in between. Not exactly taking it easy after releasing their first record, huh? What we might think difficult this band sees as a perfect opportunity to play to varying crowds in the hope that their blend of expertly-crafted melodic death metal, hardcore and straight-up rock will catch on with new faces. Even if a bill featuring Enslaved, technical death metal merchants Arsis and THE AGONIST sounds a little strange, nothing could be further from the truth. You might want to dust off that denim patch jacket you've got hidden between the two sweaters your well-intentioned but completely clueless aunt gave you last holiday season because LA thrashers WARBRINGER will settle for no less than "Total War" when they release their debut album War Without End on Feb. 5th. If you're wondering what this band sounds like you don't have to listen to me give you every cliché in the book to describe a killer thrash band. Just download their demo! The band and MetalSucks are making it available for free at Metalsucks.net so head over there now. I have a feeling this concept of downloading music over the internet isn't a new one to most of you…

September 2007 Update: Newsletter news: After the deployment Circle Of Demons, At All Cost are wrapping up what is only the beginning of your brain confiscation. You can have it back later…maybe. They just released a new video for the title track on their Myspace and it makes out to be a solid semblance of what At All Cost does best: making killer thrash and strong hooks encompassed in a musical maze that has no exit. MTV News' Metal File also has them as a featured artist and touches on how the band fits, or rather doesn't fit, into CM's roster. When you have AC/DC and Daft Punk as listed influences, I don't think you're going to fit on ANYONE's roster for that matter. I better not hear any whiners about how everyone is doing the same thing, because this band is doing what everyone else hasn't even thought to be musically possible. During all the madness of pushing their debut into every toddlers' ears on earth, the boys were able to visit their new headquarters at CM and let us in on their crazy tour life from their crazy…stinky tour van to what they'll be poking at next. Divine Heresy are going to suplex their video on Headbanger's Ball this coming Saturday in support of Bleed The Fifth (OUT NOW!). I know some of you may have plans to get laid that night, but trust me, watching this video will have the same effect anyways. For all you loners, prepare to lose your virginity. On Saturday make sure you push the right buttons no your TV, grab some tissues, steal your mom's lotion, and maybe grab some band aids because this is going to hurt. Metal Injection caught up with the trio (now cuatro) in NY and dived in with questions from how Tim got into the band, to who would win a Philly cheese steak eating contest. While you're on your DH binge, you might want to check out FPE-TV highlight Dino's guitar skills. If you ever labeled Dino as just a rhythm guitarist, you'll be kicking your own ass when you find out how wrong you are. I can do it for you if you want. Also, if you missed the Divine Heresy CD release party, we would like to shove it in your face with some pictures! Damnit…..I missed that one…too sad to type anymore… Century Media is celebrating the arrival of black metal's craziest Trolls to the states by lowering their newest release, Ur Jordens Djup to a mere $10.00 (FREE F"ing shipping). Not to mention downing a keg every day to countdown the days before they start their blitz on the U.S. on the 18th of this month. They haven't hunted the blood of N. American daughters in…wait, have they ever done a lengthy tour out here? I should know this. By golly, I think this may be the first time Finntroll may ever step foot on such places like Virginia or Arizona. Make sure they get a crazy first impression of our lame country so that they'll come back.I didn't know Himsa played tennis. Have you seen this s**t? Himsa's new video shows off how they're not just brutal on stage, but just as killer on the courts featuring the track, Unleash Carnage, from their Century Media debut: Summon In Thunder (September 18th). With only a fraction of the CD revealed, the new album is breaking the boundaries of its genre just as everyone had expected. What everyone didn't expect is a tour package with an arsenal featuring Amon Amarth, Decapitated, and Sonic Syndicate. Don't even try to pretend you predicted that. The tour will commence this coming November after the guys get over their jetlag from being in Europe with Darkest Hour. All the info in the universe can be found on their E-card including the most important thing: how to get the new CD in the first place for a sleazy $8.00 (free shipping). Also available is a T-Shirt package for $15.00 if the CD just won't do. Download it and die! Some of you may actually still be drooling on your keyboard staring blankly at the news given last week for this tour, so let me help you continue that extracurricular activity. Century Media and Ferret are bringing "Pull The Trigger" tour featuring Suicide Silence, Despised Icon, Winds Of Plague, and See You Next Tuesday to the hungry masses starting today! If there's not at least one death during one of these shows, I'd be very…very surprised. The Myspace page for the tour has all the info you need along with a Despised Icon video and a Winds Of Plague video featuring a track from their upcoming CM debut. If there was one, perfect tour package that perfectly pushes Suicide Silence's ear bruising debut, The Cleansing (September 15th), this is definitely not it because these shows will do a lot more than that. If you haven't popped your head out of your buddy's ass by now, you've probably missed the news that The Agony Scene have jumped on the Century Media train and have a debut, Get Damned (Oct. 23), headed straight for your ear canal. For some of you it might come out the other side, but that's not something we can help you with. They're living the road life right now with Misery Signals and spreading the word that their Century Media debut will close out the '07 year for CM with nothing short of a coordinated brick assault, ninja style! They have a track off the record blaring on their Myspace page and it's great to see that they're taking more of their brutal elements from their infamous self-titled CD. Check out their Myspace page for all the upcoming details on pre-ordering this vicious CM release and where to see them on tour. Arch Enemy's Rise Of The Tyrant is slowly rumbling in and if you thought we were going to do a simple pre-order sale, you thought wrong! Exclusive to CMDistro is a package deal that includes a sweet shirt that can't be found or bought anywhere else and of course the new album. We've made this as simply as possible for you, so if you go on our web-shop it should be the first thing that decks you in the face. If you went to go see them on tour with Machine Head and could only watch other rich assholes buy their shirts, now's your chance to get a better deal with Rise Of The Tyrant for a mere $16.00. It's not like we ordered enough shirts to make everyone happy, because then this world would be perfectly peaceful and all our bands would have nothing to scream about anymore, so I would jump on this offer quick. Even if you've been passed out since last week and haven't had a chance to get on At All Cost's Myspace to get your eyes raped by their new music video, it's still there waiting to give you some monkey lovin'. The video for the album's title track "Circle Of Demons" is a strong forefront for new listeners to realize that this musical ride isn't your typical teacup rollercoaster; it'll make you much dizzier. They'll be touring until the end of the year in support of Circle Of Demons with Dead To Fall. "But they don't fit in with that type of music." Yup, well if you've even heard a second of these guys, you'll know they pretty much don't fit in with any musical crowd, but if you're looking for a soundtrack for a drunken, rowdy, party riot, these guys will get her done. Their schizophrenic, thrashed out metal is forcing fans and bands to redefine uniqueness in the modern scene and they have an ass-load of fun doing it. So now that In This Moment obliterated Ozzfest, they have now joined the ranks of Megadeth in the mission of owning every one of your asses by the year's end. With no Gigantour this year, this tour proves that with even one badass support band, it still pushes the same excitement as a fest. The tour is already snowballing through the states and if you're lucky enough to be in Denver this Sunday, they'll be showing their love and signing autographs for all you stalkers. The buzz for their new single, "Beautiful Tragedy" has been blaring on radio charts and is still doing strong enough to bust the ear drums of all today's youth. No, you can't sue them for child abuse. I've said this before, but with Maria's new photos up on their Myspace, I've been getting a lot of requests for Maria's phone number….NO! She's mine!! Kidding, but would you really want a girlfriend that could scream ten times louder than you and kick your ass at the same time? Well actually…Even after their trek with Dream Theater, Into Eternity aren't quite done showing off their hybrid form of progressive metal to the states with a brand new tour starting today! They will be direct support for Edguy along with Echoes Of Eternity and Light This City, but you all know who you'll be going to this show for. The Scattering Of Ashes is still pushing strong and with a reissue out with bonus tracks from their rare self-titled release, there's no reason whatsoever why this one shouldn't be in your collection. That is unless you bought the original and are too poor now to buy the reissue. They recently shot a conceptual video track for "Timeless Winter," which can viewed repeatedly on their E-card and Myspace. For just a conceptual video, it sure looks a lot better than some of the cheesy metal videos you see on the TV. Tim Roth has also made another guitar lesson for all you people bugging him to teach you how to become a shred master. I think I'm still working on the first lesson he ever posted…man I suck maybe I should try a flute…but if you want to become a metal guitar god, these videos are definitely your key. For a closer view of his shredding, you know where to look for tour dates. Or do you?

August 2007 Update: I got this from their newsletter: Arch Enemy are revving their engines for the release of Rise Of The Tyrant with the opening track blasting on their Myspace page. If it doesn't get your ears horny for more I'd suggest digging out that corporate, radio load you've been letting spew in your ear every day. They are also infesting newsstands with a cover feature on Outburn Magazine to prepare the world for the world's loudest musical riot. Tha tis unless you have the world's crappiest speakers. September 25th is quite a ways to wait for Rise Of The Tyrant for A.D.D. folks like myself so AE has joined forces with Machine Head to tour like a deformed, Siamese twin serial killer impaling the U.S. starting early next month. I wouldn't try to make sense of that one…just know that chaos is coming. Behemoth!! As Ozzfest winds down I know some of you are still licking your wounds, and probably other things too, from Behemoth's unmerciful performance but if you could quit bleeding for a second I have some more Behemoth to feed you! Nergal is destroying Gutar World Magazine from the inside out; discussing how he developed the band's black metal sound into a bombardment of chaotic symphonies and also how much more of a badass guitarist he is than you. Well, he didn't say that but don't fight the truth. Go find a scary looking stranger and skip with him as fast as you can to your local newsstands now to check it out! Actually, here's something easier below. But you can't read it and be good, be an ethical Christian and buy the magazine! Or at least steal it. Jesus said so! Canada is lending their craziest party metallers, Blessed By Broken Heart, to the states for an intensive tour with Kittie, Silent Civilian, It Dies Today, and Bring Me The Horizon. Their ignitable hair will be flaming across the U.S.until September 16th to start spicing up the states for their Pedal To The Metal release due in the near future. Prepare your ball-hugging jeans to become even tighter, because the 80's party has moved from your pants to the stage. If party-core was a genre these guys would fit right in, but going any deeper than that would be like explaining transcendental philosophy to a stoned metal head…no point whatsoever. So judge for yourselves...The road life must be like crack for Despised Icon because while they are on their second summer tour with Job For A Cowboy, A Life Once Lost, Darkest Hour, and The Faceless, they have already signed on to their third summer tour strategically designed to kick your face in so hard you'll be sh**ting it out the next day. They will be teaming with Suicide Silence and Winds Of Plague to gang bang every city willing to shed enough blood to have a good time. Sounds fun huh? Check your date with pain at their Myspace page below. Remember that these guys don't get to see their families that often so do them a favor: go out, support, and give them a big wet kiss from their mommies. Then run back in the pit. Divine Heresy are inviting only their most crazy, hardcore fans to come celebrate their record release party for Bleed The Fifth on August 28th at The Whisky in L.A. Ok, ok, if you're a poser you can come too. What better way to hear the CD for the first time LIVE…and TRASHED! Please don't puke in the pit though, people can get hurt in there. Consider this your party invitation for the birth of one of the most anticipated albums CM will put out this year. If you live too far away or are too poor to fly down… um, I'm sure if you take enough acid while listening to the CD you'll start to think you're actually in the circle pit, but if that trip lasts for the rest of your life…your bad. I was going to wait until next week to see how many of you actually did that, but I'll save the five cells left in your brain and let you on a little secret. Make sure you put a diaper on before you read this, but starting next month DH will be touring with Three Inches Of Blood, Static-X, and Shadows Fall! Get all your DH nutirents below. Inching its way to be one of the most successful releases of the year before it's even been released, Suicide Silence's The Cleansing, will be backed by one of the most brutal tour packages to top off the summer tours. Suicide Silence will lead Despised Icon, Winds Of Plague, and See You Next Tuesday on a "no mercy baby" assault across America. The debut CD can be pre-ordered on their Myspace or the link above. Yes, all the limited shirts are gone forever, but have no fear; the pre-orders now will come with a signed poster that you can nail to your chest if it makes you feel better. Also, make sure to stay tuned for the video premiere for one hell of a brutal track, "The Price Of Beauty." I'm sure all you metal heads can relate to that theme… it's hard being gorgeous I know.Better strap your bullet belts back on; a new era of combat thrash is cocked, locked, and aimed for your skull. Adding to the diversity on CM's roster comes a band that will have old school thrashers slitting throats with their spike bands again and new listeners developing a weird urge to start wearing denim vests. Century Media brings you Warbringer! While they were still pooping in their diapers when Slayer and Metallica were pulverizing the scene, the fresh drive of their energetic sound makes it seem like they were head banging since they were just learning to swim in their dads' nut sac. They're finishing up their debut album and then will be bringing war to the masses on a tour with a frontline featuring Exodus, Arsis, and Goatwhore. Check out their war field below. Zimmers Hole, featuring Jed (SYL) and Byron (SYL/Fear Factory), are in the process of recording their debut on Century Media. Man, where the f**k have I been? I had no idea these guys already had material (Bound By Fire and Legion of Flames) out! To get a taste, click on the link below. The wallpaper alone is priceless! I didn't know Jesus and Satan were homies with ZH. Make sure you don't become a retarded poser like me and not be the last person who knows about one of the most psychotic bands in metal. They are currently going through 19 insane induced songs in the studio to add to CM's sole purpose of putting out only quality bands that obliterate the cookie cutter barriers.

Summer Update 2007: I got this from their website under their news section:
WARBRINGER Inks Worldwide Deal With Century Media Records 08/08/2007
In an era when vintage metal t-shirts are in vogue and bands worshiping at the altar of every crossover band that released a demo or EP in the ’80s are crawling out of the woodwork, LA thrashers WARBRINGER are cauterizing the competition with a sound that recalls all the classics without being derivative. Never before has the evil, no-holds barred sound of Baloff-era Exodus, Slayer’s Hell Awaits, and Kreator’s Pleasure to Kill been revived and revitalized for the 21st century in such a strikingly inspired and pure fashion. After recording their self-released EP to unanimous rave reviews, appearing on the Speed Kills…Again! compilation, playing to thrash-starved crowds across the west coast and attracting serious label interest, they’re ready to take the next step with their full-length debut courtesy of their new home worldwide, Century Media Records. Vocalist John Kevill states: “Before we even had this band we all had bought a bunch of metal albums released on CM, so for us to be on this label that has had all these bands we like on it is just awesome!" When pressed about the band’s sound, Kevill had the following to say: “We try to keep our songs very compact and tend not have a ton of repetition. Thrash-wise, our primary influence is stuff like mid-era Sacrifice, early Slayer, Demolition Hammer, and Kreator. Heavy and fast! We often have an old-school death metal undertone to our music as well." Check out the band’s MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/warbringer. Coinciding with a national tour in January with Exodus, the band will see the release of their currently untitled debut album. With an even stronger lineup than the EP reflects, the band is already excited about its release. Bill Metoyer, who helped shape legendary albums from the likes of Slayer, D.R.I., Sacred Reich, Hirax, Corrosion of Conformity, Trouble and Flotsam and Jetsam, is now in the studio with Kevill, John Laux (guitar), Adam Carroll (guitar), Andy Laux (bass) and Ryan Bates (drums) producing one of the most vicious debuts that will have longtime metal fans reminiscing and allow younger fans who missed out on the original magic to experience a band that they can call their own. “Working with Bill has been excellent," Kevill states. “He completely gets the kind of sound we are going for. He's an easy guy to work with and has a lot of good input on how to make things sound right. The album has been coming along at a very nice, steady pace and we think it's sounding great so far." While WARBRINGER has built a rabid local fan base playing with others in the LA thrash revival scene, they’re set to join Exodus, Arsis and Goatwhore on a national tour in January. Having already completed a west coast tour with Daath and several shows with Exodus, these young thrash warriors (4 out of the 5 aren’t even legal drinking age) are prepared to bring their definitive brand of violent combat thrash to audiences nationwide. “We've been a lot more confident about our live show recently," Kevill says. “We can't wait to take it on the road!"

ARCH ENEMY Lands Outburn Magazine Cover Feature; The Concept Behind Rise of The Tyrant 08/07/2007
The anticipation surrounding the new ARCH ENEMY album, Rise of The Tyrant, is at an all-time high as the release date of Sept. 25th draws near. If the initial press reactions are any indication of the album’s success then this offering is clearly destined to be the group’s defining moment. ARCH ENEMY are currently featured on the cover of Outburn Magazine’s new issue, which is now on stands. Click the link below to check it out. http://www.centurymedia.com/us/images/artists/arch_enemy/OUTBURN40.jpg
The crushing opening track, “Blood On Your Hands," from Rise of The Tyrant, is currently available on the band's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/archenemy. ARCH ENEMY mastermind Michael Amott (guitars) further describes the meaning behind the album’s concept: “When Angela (Gossow) brought in the lyrics to what is musically the most extreme song on the album, I immediately loved the title she had for it. ‘Rise of The Tyrant.’ It had power, it had grace and it sounded like the music we were writing. We quickly decided to also name the album Rise of The Tyrant – after all, we do aspire to dominate the metal scene with this album! “Later, I had the idea of adding the sample from the old ‘Caligula’ film at the front of the song. Caligula, the Roman Emperor known for his extreme extravagance, eccentricity, depravity and cruelty, perfectly enhanced the atmosphere of total megalomania that we were looking for. “Although, we have never delved into the marshy lands of a full-blown concept album, we do tend to write a few songs on each album that are connected lyrically and sometimes also musically. With Rise of The Tyrant we threw in all the ideas and creativity that we could conjure – we wanted to make the most action packed and intense album of our career! This album is the final result of two years hard yet satisfying work." ARCH ENEMY will make their much-anticipated return to the U.S. in the fall of 2007 on the “The Black Tyranny Tour" co-headlining with Machine Head as Rise of The Tyrant ultimately redefines the genre they helped to create. See the tour section for their complete itinerary.

SUICIDE SILENCE Announces Headlining U.S. Tour 08/06/2007
SUICIDE SILENCE are currently gearing up for a headlining U.S. tour with Despised Icon as direct support and Winds of Plague and See You Next Tuesday occupying the opening slots. The trek, which kicks off on Sept. 2nd and runs through Sept. 26th, officially kicks off the worldwide touring campaign for their much anticipated debut album, The Cleansing, which is set for a Sept. 15th release. Mitch Lucker (vocals) states: It’s great to be headlining again, and we’re extremely excited about the tour package we’ve put together. We’ll be playing some new material from The Cleansing on these dates, so come out and give it a listen. It’s gonna be a party! The group will immediately follow up this headlining run by joining up with Unearth, Darkest Hour and August Burns Red for a month-long U.S. tour, which kicks off on Sept. 27th. See their official MySpace page www.myspace.com/suicidesilence for their current tour itinerary. A video for the track "The Price of Beauty" was recently shot with acclaimed director Matt Bass (The Esoteric, Black Dahlia Murder). Look for it to make its online debut later this month. The Cleansing was recorded with acclaimed producer John Travis (Static-X), while the renowned Tue Madsen (Himsa, The Haunted) handled mixing duties. A special Pre-Order rate is now available through Smartpunk.com (see the link below). http://www.smartpunk.com/category.php?page=search2&bandid=6274&stype=bandid
SUICIDE SILENCE adheres to no preconceived notions and refuses to be pigeonholed into any specific genre. The juxtaposition of each member's talents creates an explosive yet exciting result that is sure to keep the entire scene on their toes. Expect the boundaries of conventionality to be shattered in 2007 with this dynamic debut release.

ZIMMERS HOLE Signs Worldwide Deal With Century Media Records; Enters The Studio 08/03/2007
Vancouver’s ZIMMERS HOLE have signed a worldwide deal with Century Media Records and will be entering the studio today to begin tracking their third full-length release. This band are no strangers to the underground metal community, as the lineup features Byron Stroud (Fear Factory, SYL) on bass and Jed Simon (Tenet, SYL) on guitars, along with Chris "The Heathen" Valagao (vocals) and Steve Wheeler (drums). Byron and Jed further comment: “Now with ZH signing a fresh, new deal with Century Media, we have decided to give this band our full and undivided attention. No more 'side-project' status here; the men of the Hole are fired up like a city on fire and we entered Vancouver’s famed Armoury Studios today to begin tracking the new release. “We currently have 19 songs on the table for the new album and some tentative song titles include, 'The Dark Church of Whatever,’ 'We Rule The Fucking Land,’ Flight Of The Knight Bat' and 'Hair Doesn't Grow on Steel.' As you can see, it's all about having a good time with The Hole. Make no mistake though, we are very serious about our love of metal; it made us who we are, and we wear our influences on our sleeves proudly. “We are now more focused than ever before and are so excited about the new album. So excited in fact, that the combined length of our erections may just reach out and touch ya!" Born in 1991, ZIMMERS HOLE (known by many as just “The Hole") has been Byron and Jed’s significant other band when not busy with Strapping Young Lad or Fear Factory. In the beginning, it was always just a way of spending the weekend drinking far too much and writing absurd songs. As time went on, the group “matured" somewhat, although maturity is highly overrated as far as these guys go, but two remarkable albums (Bound By Fire and Legion of Flames), a series of successful tours and a string of absolutely unforgettable shows soon followed, putting the mighty ZH on the lips of many. This album will be ZIMMERS HOLE’s first release with proper worldwide distribution, and they are determined to make a definitive statement: Beware of The Hole next spring. Official MySpace Page - http://www.myspace.com/zimmershole

DIVINE HERESY Announces Special Record Release Show; Completes New Video 08/02/2007
DIVINE HERESY -- the new band of former Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares – will celebrate the release of their highly acclaimed debut album, Bleed The Fifth, with a special record release show at The Whisky in Los Angeles on Tuesday, August 28th. This event marks their second performance with new bassist Joe Payne (ex-Nile), so you definitely don’t want to miss witnessing them in this type of intimate setting. Tickets can be purchased now at http://www.ticketmaster.com. Cazares states: “I began my musical career in Los Angeles and I felt that there was no better place to launch the debut release from my new band DIVINE HERESY than in my hometown. The Whisky is the perfect-sized venue for this record release show so we can get close to the fans and give them the most intense performance we possibly can. This is going to be a night to remember, and we look forward to spending it with our closest friends and fans. We hope to see you all there, and we can’t wait to hear people’s reactions to the new material." With the Aug. 28th release of the debut album from DIVINE HERESY quickly approaching, the group has launched a MySpace pre-order package. For only $11.99, fans can receive the band's debut CD, Bleed The Fifth, an exclusive t-shirt and a DIVINE HERESY "PikCARD." The materials can be viewed and ordered at http://www.myspace.com/divineheresyband. DIVINE HERESY recently shot a video with acclaimed director Christoffer "Salzy" Salzgeber (Damageplan, Soulfly) for the track "Failed Creation." Look for it to make its debut online later this month. Also expect a major U.S. fall touring announcement in the coming weeks.

Metal Injection Post New Interviews With CM Artists 08/02/2007
Metal Injection has posted it's coverage of the New England Metalfest, and as usual, Century Media is represented in full force with interviews featuring BEHEMOTH, DESPISED ICON and SUICIDE SILENCE. Watch all the chaos at http://www.metalinjection.net/tv/nemf.shtml

ARCH ENEMY Post The New Track “Blood On Your Hands" Online 08/01/2007
Great news ARCH ENEMY fans as the band gives you a first insight of their upcoming full-length opus Rise Of The Tyrant, set for release on September 25th. The crushing opening track, Blood On Your Hands, has just been posted on the band’s official MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/archenemy. ARCH ENEMY mastermind Michael Amott (guitars) states: I know there is a lot of excitement out there amongst the fans to hear this new album, so we thought it would be cool to give you all a sneak preview. ‘Blood On Your Hands’ is the opening track on Rise of The Tyrant and it kicks the album off with a huge bang! It’s a full on, no holds barred slab of classic ARCH ENEMY where the whole band is going for it 110%. The song was a blast to write and record and now we are looking forward to playing it live. To me it captures all aspects of ARCH ENEMY perfectly with just about as much guitar as it’s possible to cram into four and a half minutes. Enjoy!

IN THIS MOMENT On The Brink Of Commercial Success 08/01/2007
The buzz on IN THIS MOMENT right now is undeniable, as the band are currently taking the masses by storm on Ozzfest, garnering legions of new fans each day, while their new single for the track “Beautiful Tragedy" continues to climb the Active Rock radio charts. The song is currently Top 50 on the Active Rock charts with big support coming from outlets like Sirius Satellite Radio's "Octane," Seattle's KFNK and Madison's WJJO. The single has gathered over 1,500 commercially monitored spins and nearly three million in monitored audience. In a constant effort to give more back to their die-hard fans, IN THIS MOMENT have created a platform that encourages people to call in from Ozzfest or talk about the shows that passed so far this summer. The band are open to hearing any comments with regard to what people might have liked about the show, the songs they want to hear etc. Various members will be calling in from the road to give everyone updates on Ozzfest and the off-date shows every other day, so be sure to check out http://www.xanga.com/InThisMoment frequently for new info or to leave a message. Ozzfest marks the biggest U.S. run of the group's career, which leads them into a massive North American trek as direct support to the legendary Megadeth this Sept. See below for their summer touring itinerary. IN THIS MOMENT’s track for “Prayers" is also featured on the soundtrack The Hills Have Eyes 2:The Album, which was released this week. They are featured alongside such acclaimed acts as Atreyu, Shadows Fall and The Dillinger Escape Plan, among others. The group's captivating new video for the track, "Beautiful Tragedy," directed by Robert Hall (Josh Todd), can now be streamed on the band’s official MySpace page www.myspace.com/inthismoment.

AT ALL COST Unleashes New Album, Post New E-Card and Continues Touring 07/31/2007
AT ALL COST’s stunning new album, Circle of Demons, is now available and was met with massive acclaim from press worldwide, including such major outlets as Metal Hammer, Rock Sound and Kerrang! The group have just posted the new track, Leaving Forever, on their official MySpace page www.myspace.com/atallcost, which also features some older tracks and video clips, so check it out now. They will shoot a new video for the album’s title cut, “Circle of Demons,? in the coming weeks. After just completing a massive six-week U.S. trek with One Dead Three Wounded, AT ALL COST continues their touring onslaught on August 7th, which keeps them on the road for the next month. See their MySpace page for their complete tour routing. Click the link below to check out their new E-Card. http://www.centurymedia.com/Splash/atallcost/circleofdemons/. Trey Ramirez (guitars, vocals) states: “Tuesday, July 31st marks the release of Circle of Demons, our second record. We are very excited to begin touring in support of it and luckily it already seems like people are open and receptive. Our touring will be constant and we hope to get overseas as soon as possible. Our current lineup is the strongest and most cohesive it's ever been in our five-year history. It's great that we now have the necessary platform to reach the masses, and we can't wait to play for you all." AT ALL COST encompasses the definition of diversity, imposing no limitations to their songwriting while blending together a propulsive blend of thrash and hard rock laden with captivating hooks. This is most evident on their dynamic new offering, Circle of Demons, which is definitely going to help them carve out their own special niche within the scene. In 2007, AT ALL COST set their sights high and delivers an album that will easily set itself apart from the pack.

SUICIDE SILENCE Embark On Fall Tour With Unearth; Shoot New Video 07/30/2007
As the anticipation surrounding the debut release of one of metal’s most promising new acts, SUICIDE SILENCE, continues to build leading up to their Sept. 18th release date the group has lined up an extremely busy fall touring schedule. They kick off their worldwide touring cycle for The Cleansing by joining up with Unearth, Darkest Hour and August Burns Red for a month-long U.S. trek, which kicks off on Sept. 28th. Be sure to visit their official MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/suicidesilence for their current tour itinerary. SUICIDE SILENCE shot a video for The Price of Beauty this past weekend with acclaimed director Matt Bass (The Esoteric, Black Dahlia Murder). Mitch Lucker (vocals) states: “All I can say is that the treatment is pretty grotesque and we filmed in some very creepy locations. This was the first budgeted music video we’d ever done and we were very detailed in our approach. We’ll be putting some behind-the-scenes footage online sometime next week so be on the lookout. “We’re also very excited to announce that we’ll be hitting the road with Unearth, Darkest Hour and August Burns this fall. It’s going to be a great tour, so please come out and support all the bands. We hope to see you all soon." SUICIDE SILENCE adheres to no preconceived notions and refuses to be pigeonholed into any specific genre. The juxtaposition of each member's talents creates an explosive yet exciting result that is sure to keep the entire scene on their toes. Expect the boundaries of conventionality to be shattered in 2007 with this dynamic debut release.

DIVINE HERESY Launches Exclusive Pre-Order, Posts New Videos 07/27/2007
With the Aug. 28 release of the debut album from DIVINE HERESY -- the new band of former Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares -- quickly approaching, the group has launched a MySpace pre-order package. For only $11.99, fans can receive the band's debut CD, Bleed The Fifth, an exclusive t-shirt and a DIVINE HERESY "PikCARD." The materials can be viewed and ordered at http://www.myspace.com/divineheresyband. The striking Bleed The Fifth cover art, created by acclaimed artist Joachim Luetke (Dimmu Borgir, Arch Enemy, Marilyn Manson), and track listing can also now be viewed at the band's official MySpace page. Meanwhile, the group has also posted three new videos on their official YouTube page, http://www.youtube.com/DivineHeresy, which features Cazares and Tim Yeung (drums) jamming the track "Bleed The Fifth," in addition to an in-depth interview with Yeung. DIVINE HERESY has chosen acclaimed director Christoffer "Salzy" Salzgeber (Damageplan, Soulfly) to shoot their first video for the track "Failed Creation," which is set to take place this weekend. Expect a major U.S. fall touring announcement in the coming weeks.

ARSONISTS GET ALL THE GIRLS Post New Track Online; New Tourdates Announced 07/27/2007
The most notorious pack of degenerates from Santa Cruz, ARSONISTS GET ALL THE GIRLS, have posted the vicious title track from their much-anticipated Century Media debut, The Game of Life, on their official MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/agatg. This phenomenal new offering was produced by Zach Ohren of Castle Ultimate (Animosity, Light This City) and offers 12 uniquely dense, hard-hitting songs, such as “Shoe Shine For Neptune,? which can also be streamed now on their MySpace page. A video for the track will also be shot in the coming weeks. The disc is set for an August 14th release. The group recently wrapped up the month-long “Captain America Is Dead Tour? with Elysia and Knights of the Abyss. They will embark on a week long west coast stint with Dear Life early next month. Dates and additional show information can be found on their MySpace page. Drawing from influences as varied as Despised Icon, Cryptopsy, Dream Theater and Between the Buried and Me, ARSONISTS GET ALL THE GIRLS offer a smorgasbord of sound sure to satisfy the musical munchies of those looking for something different. At the very least, The Game of Life offers its own take on what happens when a gay train derails on its way to straight town (we don't know what that means, either...but we like it).

BEHEMOTH Scores An Impressive Billboard Top 200 Debut 07/26/2007
Polish extreme metal titans BEHEMOTH have now undoubtedly proved that they are one of the leading forces in metal today as their highly acclaimed new album, The Apostasy, debuted at #149 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. This entry also marks Century Media’s fifth highest Billboard Top 200 debut. This is a phenomenal feat for a band of this caliber and a further testament to their undying work ethic over the past few years throughout the U.S. The band will return to North America on a massive co-headlining tour this fall; details will follow in the coming weeks. Nergal states: I just received a phone call from our label telling me that we debuted at #149 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Well, let me say that this is not only a huge day for us, but for extreme metal as a whole. When we were arriving to the U.S. shores 4-5 years ago I would have never guessed that we would end up on the Billboard charts. We’ve invested so much in this band throughout the years and it’s great to see it result in something this massive. However, this amazing accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of our die-hard U.S. fans and the great Century Media staff who helped bring us to this level. I’m seriously thrilled beyond belief and this is just the beginning. Horns up! BEHEMOTH has already being hailed as this year's breakthrough artist due primarily to their unrelenting energy, savage brutality and uncompromising vision. The group go onstage at 4:15PM everyday in the direct support, non-rotating slot right before second stage headliners Hatebreed, so fans can expect a lengthy set backed with their biggest stage production yet. See the tour section for their remaining summer itinerary. The group recently shot a new video for the track, "Prometherion," with acclaimed director SOREN (All That Remains, Unearth). Look for it everywhere early next month. While most bands struggle to evolve and stay vital within the extreme music genre, BEHEMOTH manages to do so effortlessly. The Apostasy is destined to continue the legacy.

ARCH ENEMY Unveil New Album Cover Artwork; Post New Video Message 07/25/2007
Metal maestros ARCH ENEMY are proud to present the artwork for their upcoming, highly anticipated new masterpiece Rise of The Tyrant, which will be unleashed in U.S. on September 25th, 2007. Click the link below to check it out. http://www.centurymedia.com/us/images/artists/archenemy/aetyrant.jpg. Also, feel free to visit http://www.archenemy.net to view a personal video message from Michael Amott (guitars) in regards to the upcoming album. ARCH ENEMY mastermind Michael Amott comments on the artwork created for the new album by Niklas Sundin / Cabin Fever Media: This time around I turned to Niklas Sundin to bring the Rise of The Tyrant imagery to life, and what a splendid job he did! I am always amazed by this man’s imagination and talent, and his seemingly never-ending patience in dealing with me! We worked closely on the project from the beginning and what we ended up with is something somewhat different to what we have done in the past: Less colours, quite clandestine and very sinister! Wonderful! The track ‘Rise of The Tyrant’ is musically the most extreme song we recorded and Angela’s lyrics fitted perfectly the mood of the music so we decided this had to be the name of the album. The cover reflects the atmosphere of total megalomania inspired by that song. The booklet artwork is really lending itself towards intense merchandise and stage production ideas, all of which will be revealed soon. But for now, stare into the all-seeing eye of the rising tyrant! Furthermore the band has announced details of some of their upcoming live activities. Prior to crushing Europe in Nov/Dec. 2007 on The Black Crusade Tour with Machine Head, Trivium, Dragonforce and Shadows Fall, ARCH ENEMY will head out on The Black Tyranny Tour, a US co-headline run with Machine Head, visit Australia with Trivium and Machine Head, as well as perform an exclusive show at London club The Barfly on August 17th, so get your necks prepared for some of the heaviest live shows in 2007!

INTO ETERNITY Kicks Off Massive North American Tour Alongside Dream Theater 07/25/2007
INTO ETERNITY kicked off a massive a month-long summer North American tour yesterday alongside the legendary Dream Theater. This trek is the opportunity the group has been waiting for since their inception, and a perfect chance to reach a new, open-minded audience that has yet to bear witness to their perfect blend of technicality, memorable songwriting and traditional heavy metal. See the tour section for the complete routing. This trek marks INTO ETERNITY's fourth run in support of their critically acclaimed new album, The Scattering of Ashes, and coincides with the launch of their new single for the epic, "Timeless Winter." A riveting conceptual video for the track was shot by up-and-coming director Don Thompson, and its stunning imagery is sure to help it stand apart from the pack. The video is featured in the group's new E-Card, which also has all of Tim Roth's YouTube guitar lessons, in addition to a new photo gallery. Click the link below to check it out. http://www.centurymedia.com/Splash/IntoEternity/thescatteringofashes/. Roth (guitars, vocals) further describes his excitement over the upcoming tour: "I still can't believe I'm going to be saying this, but we are blown away to be on tour with Dream Theater! There would be no INTO ETERNITY, without DT's influence on our music. The progressive sound that we have comes directly from them. There is no question that they are one of our favorite bands of all time. We look forward to seeing you all soon." Over the last two years, INTO ETERNITY has evolved from an obscure Canadian unit into an internationally respected phenomenon who has toured with the likes of Megadeth, Lamb of God, Opeth, Nevermore, Destruction and Edguy, among countless others. The Scattering of Ashes is a landmark metal release and it won't be much longer until the entire rock/metal community takes notice.

DIVINE HERESY Post New Album Cover Art and Track Listing Online; Announce New Bass Player 07/20/2007
The anticipation surrounding the release of DIVINE HERESY's phenomenal debut offering, Bleed The Fifth, continues to build leading up to its August 28th release. The album's striking cover art, created by acclaimed artist Joachim Luetke (Dimmu Borgir, Arch Enemy, Marilyn Manson), and track listing can now be viewed on the band's official MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/divineheresyband. DIVINE HERESY has just welcomed Joe Payne (ex-Nile) into the band as their new bass player, and his sheer intensity and enthusiasm has added a new dynamic to the group's already devastating arsenal. Expect a major U.S. fall touring announcement to be make in the coming weeks. The group has chosen acclaimed director Christoffer "Salzy" Salzgeber (Damageplan, Soulfly) to shoot their first video for the track "Failed Creation," later this month.

IN THIS MOMENT Turn Heads At Ozzfest; New Video Available Now 07/20/2007
Ozzfest is off to a roaring start and it has undoubtedly been the perfect catalyst for IN THIS MOMENT to spread their music to the masses as each 20-minute performance has been met with rousing ovations. This tour marks the biggest U.S. run of the group’s career, which leads them into a massive North American trek as direct support to the legendary Megadeth this Sept. See the tour section for their complete itinerary. The group’s captivating new video for the track, Beautiful Tragedy, is set for make its Headbangers Ball debut this Sat. July 21st on MTV2 at 11PM EST/8PM PST. Directed by Robert Hall (Josh Todd), the video features lead singer Maria Brink falling asleep in a bathtub and slipping into a surreal nightmare where a dark, evil figures looms amidst the burnt landscapes. For those who can’t wait to see it feel free to head over to http://www.myspace.com/inthismoment to check it out now. Chris Howorth states: Ozzfest has been amazing and everyday is packed. The crowds have been so loud! If the first week is an indication of how the rest of the tour is going to be, it is going to be one of the best tours to date. To follow Ozzfest up with being direct support for Megadeth is a dream. They’re one of my favorite bands of all time. We’re really excited to be playing. A lot of Megadeth fans will discover us for the first time.

BEHEMOTH Already Being Hailed This Year’s Ozzfest Breakthrough Artist 07/19/2007
After only a handful of Ozzfest performances Polish extreme metal titans BEHEMOTH are already being hailed as this year’s breakthrough artist due primarily to their unrelenting energy, savage brutality and uncompromising vision. The group go onstage at 4:15PM everyday in the direct support, non-rotating slot right before second stage headliners Hatebreed, so fans can expect a lengthy set backed with their biggest stage production yet. Their much anticipated and critically acclaimed new album, The Apostasy, is now available in stores. Nergal (vocals, guitars) states: “Ozzfest just started and I can tell you it feels great! We got a lot of new equipment and a new road crew that I’m really happy with, so it’s all working fine. The first few shows were better than I expected though it’s always a struggle to go on in the sun wearing all this gear, armor and masks. I wanted to thank all the people out there who came down and spent the whole day in the heat. You seriously rock. This is the ultimate metal tour and we couldn’t be happier about being a part of it. BEHEMOTH also shot a new video for the track, Prometherion, with acclaimed director SOREN (All That Remains, Unearth) yesterday in Los Angeles. Look for it everywhere early next month. SOREN states: “Somewhere between the ideal of heaven and reality of hell falls the new BEHEMOTH video. An expression of the fallenness of man and the will to crawl through our own painful condition towards hope. This is a painful video to make and watch. To celebrate the fact that Ozzfest is free this year, BEHEMOTH wants to keep things free with their very own giveaway to the Ultimate BEHEMOTH fan. One lucky winner will take home the entire BEHEMOTH merchandise line (look below for all that you can win). Not to mention, they can wear all that gear while listening to the entire BEHEMOTH music catalog as they play the tunes on their very own autographed ESP Guitar. That's right, ONE winner will take home the entire summer BEHEMOTH merch line in addition BEHEMOTH’s music catalog as well as an autographed ESP EX 50 guitar (with case). So as to not ignore the other fans who gave it a shot, the band would like to give 5 additional people an autographed "Lies" poster and autographed copy of their latest release The Apostasy. Check out Ozzfest.com http://ozzfest.com/contest/landing_page/1 for more info. While most bands struggle to evolve and stay vital within the extreme music genre, BEHEMOTH manages to do so effortlessly. The Apostasy is destined to continue the legacy.

HIMSA Post New Track Online; Embark On European Tour 07/19/2007
Like a voracious hellion, the mighty HIMSA have returned to annihilate the masses with their scathing new metal assault, Summon In Thunder, which is set for a Sept. 18th release. The scathing new track, "Big Timber," can now be streamed on the band's official MySpace page www.myspace.com/himsa. The group will also head overseas this September for a month-long European tour alongside As I Lay Dying, Darkest Hour and Maroon. A U.S. fall tour announcement will also be made in the coming weeks. Johnny Pettibone states; "Summon in Thunder - History has repeated itself in nature's vicious circle, giving a warning to the deterioration and collapse of humanity around us all. The heaviness of inspiration and failure, the strive to succeed and the pain of defeat. A call of cleansing for man's evils throughout the ages be it political, environmental, religious, or individual mental being. We all are guilty in the journey of survival." Summon In Thunder will also include such exclusive extras as a video for the track "Unleash Carnage," a 15-minute making-of-the-album documentary, photo gallery and a bonus disc featuring tracks from an array of Century Media's most promising new artists. The Seattle-based metal quintet's ferocious blend of melodic, unrelenting thrash speed mixed with old-school influences results in a savage, unique and uncompromising sound that is welcome, refreshing and undeniable. This scorching new effort (and debut Century Media offering) also marks the return of original guitarist, Sammi Curr, to the fold. With Curr rejoining and collaborating with Kirby Johnson (guitars), the group's integrity and passion were at an all-time high, resulting in their most dynamic, yet devastating material yet. In 2007, HIMSA are destined to leave a definitive mark on the genre.

ARCH ENEMY Announces Massive Co-Headlining U.S. Tour 07/17/2007
The onslaught that is "The Black Tyranny Tour" begins Friday, September 7th and will rip a swath across North America well into October! With Machine Head and ARCH ENEMY both performing full headlining sets and Throwdown and Sanctity supporting, you won't want to miss this tour! Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn states: "Man, it's just an endless stream of good news here in Machine Head-land, we are so fucking stoked to be going out with some of our favorite bands, here in the U.S., on what is sure to be THE most brutal metal tour of the Fall! Machine Head, Arch Enemy, Throwdown and Sanctity are going to bring the pain to you motherfuckers, and carnage will have no rules on this tour. Beware The Black Tyranny!!!" ARCH ENEMY’s Angela Gossow adds, "ARCH ENEMY teaming up with Machine Head in the U.S. is a big FUCK YOU to everybody who dwells in the past! We certainly aren't! Instead we’re looking forward to crushing the U.S. together and leaving nothing but a tangled wreck of molten metal in our wake!" Gossow continues, "As an added bonus for Arch Enemy fans, this will be the first time in three years that the (recently reunited) Amott brothers will be bringing their insane dual-guitar shredding to American soil! I am very excited to get back on stage and celebrate the sheer power of extreme music, all wrapped up in this fantastic tour package!" Be sure to check out http://www.myspace.com/archenemy for additional info and tour updates. ARCH ENEMY’s phenomenal new masterpiece, Rise of The Tyrant, is set for a Sept. 25th release. “The Black Tyranny Tour? promises night after pummeling night of power from some of metal's finest. From the first note to the last, “The Black Tyranny Tour? will be spoken of long after it crushes your town, so if there is one show this year that you can't afford to miss, this is it. Prepare, The Black Tyranny is coming your way!

AVANTASIA- The Metal Opera
Either I'm starting to really like power metal (which isn't the case) or this is just good. This isn't cheesy. There are a couple parts that sound a little gay, but for the most part, this is great! The singers voice isn't annoying to me, it's very tolerable. I don't care for most of the parts that have the backing vocals, but other than that, I have no complaints (which is unusual).

BLIND GUARDIAN- A Night at the Opera
For some reason, I don't really like these guys and I don't like Iced Earth, but yet, I love Demon's and Wizards. Go figure. Anyway, power metal. I can't get into this. I don't even really care for the music too much either. Not my thing.

CARNAL FORGE- Please…Die!
Wow, that singer is flying. Death thrash metal. These guys are nuts! I can't believe how fast they are. I think these guys are up there with the Haunted, and I love them.

EBONY TEARS- Evil as Hell
This is really good. I am liking this. The drums sound sooo sweet. The double bass just sounds awesome. The vocals remind me of Bret Hoffmann, from old Malevolent. Fast, tight, just great sounding. This is a keeper.

ENTWINE- Gone
The singer has a familiar voice, like something I heard off the radio. The voice just gets on my nerves after a little while. It doesn't really change too much, always sounds the sound. The CD says this is melodic gothic metal. There are keyboards in this too. Not my thing.

GOD FORBID- Determination
The anticipated album from the guys over the river from me is finally out! The singer has so many different ranges that he does with his voice. Keeps it from sounding the same the entire album. This is so heavy. This isn't death metal, just some really good heavy metal.

ICED EARTH- Horror Show
This guys are soo good, too bad I don't like them. They are really technical, and they have an awesome sound. I just can't get into them for some reason. What is really weird, I love Demon's and Wizards. Go figure.

IMPIOUS- Terror Succeeds
I have been a fan of these guys since I first heard them years ago. They are just amazing. They have a bunch of songs out on comp CD's, but I believe this is their second full length. I think they are death metal, but I'm sure people can argue with me on that. They are fast. I have to admit, I like Evilized better, but this is still one of my top ten for the year.

IN THY DREAMS- Highest Beauty
Damn, by the title, I thought this was going to be some cheesy goth metal. I was wrong! This has an Arch Enemy sound mixed with some death metal. It has the real technical guitar work too. The drummer is flying.

KRISIUN- Ageless Venomous
Wow, there is no need for me to review this. If you haven't heard of these guys, you have some serious problems. The drummer is faster than anyone I have ever heard. It's technical, fast, and just amazing.

LULLACRY- Be My God
This is rock with a girl singer. The guitar riffs to me, are like a mix between 80's and 90's rock. The girl has an awesome voice though. This doesn't sound like Lacuna or the Gathering. The snare drum is piercing loud. I dig this a lot.

MOONSPELL- Darkness and Hope
I was never a big fan of these guys. Fernando's vocals sound like Pete Steele from Type O (who I can't stand). I guess if you are into this, it is good, but this isn't for me. I think it is gothic metal.

NAGLFAR- Ex Inferis
This is an EP. There are two new songs on this, a cover of a Massacre song and two songs from a 7" they put out. This is black metal. The drummer is real fast. I can only listen to this in small doses; his voice gets a little annoying to me. But hell, if you are a black metal fan, I'm sure you will be into this..

ONWARD- Reawaken
Augh, I wish these guys would have stayed asleep. I like the music, but the vocals, if he gets any higher he could sign in an opera. It's power metal to me, but the music has a 80's sound to it. No thank you, I'll pass on this album.

SHADOW
Wow, as soon as I put this in, the guitars reminded me of Shadows Fall. The vocals are different though. I'm not sure how to describe them. It is a mix of death metal, but she has the black metal voice too. This isn't black metal, it sounds like the Swedish metal, except they are from Japan.

DISMAL EUPHONY-Python Zero
I'm not sure if I like this. I'm leaning towards no. The music is really good, they are like a melodic, but fast death metal band. She is really signing, not using death metal vocals. There is a guy signing though and he is singing in death metal. For some reason I'm just not getting into this.

NARNIA-Desert Land
This isn't too bad. Power metal. Guitar solos. Something you would have heard in the 80's. The singer reminds me of Don Dokken. The songs are a little long for my liking, but other than that, it is a good CD.

…AND OCEANS- A.M.G.O.D.
I'm really not into this at all. The keyboards sound really different, I have never heard the sound they are using before. They are a pretty technical band, but this isn't for me. The vocals kinda sound like something I would hear in a black/death metal band.

CARNAL FORGE-Firedemon
Damn, this is good. This is some death metal, but the signer doesn't have low vocals or anything. They are higher. The band is real fast. I would suggest everyone getting this for the collection.

CRYPTOPSY-And Then You'll Beg
Can we say amazing?!?!? This is great. The drummer is faster than anything I have heard in a long time. Fast death metal, the singer has low vocals. Track 3 is the fastest song ever!

DARKANE-Insanity
As soon as this started, it just reminded me of something I would have heard in the movie Gladiator or something. So I thought pretty much this CD was going to suck. But to my surprise, this kicks some serious ass. I can do without the intro's, but once it starts, it is heavy! This has a mix of something I would have heard in the 80's, and the sound of today. This singers vocal range is all over the place. This is a great CD, I suggest it to everyone!

EYEHATEGOD Confederacy of Ruined Lives
This kinda reminds me of something that I would get from Relapse. This is more their genre of music. Real raw sounding. The music almost reminds me of Clutch, not that they sound like them, but the guitars sound like something I would hear off a Clutch album.

THE FORSAKEN-Manifest of Hate
Woo dog, this rules. A big change from all the power metal I have been listening to. Wow, I don't know what to say, this is really good. The music is really good, they are technical. I think I would put this in death metal, but the singer doesn't have those growling vocals. They are a little higher. I really like track 2 the best.

NEVERMORE- Dead Heart in a Dead World
I saw these guys live a couple times and they didn't do it for me live. They aren't doing it for me while I'm listening to the CD either. Don't get me wrong, musically they are amazing, the drummer is great, but I'm not a fan of the singer. If I remember, he used to play in Santuary.

NIGHTWISH-Wishmaker
Nope, this is not for me. There is a chick singer and she has an awesome voice, but I don't like it. She could probably be a opera singer if she wanted. The music is pretty cool, real heavy. Something I would hear on a power metal CD.

ONWARD-Evermoving
Hmmm…I'm not sure if I like this or not. Normally I wouldn't, cause the vocals are those power metal singing vocals I can't stand. But I'm turning a new leaf and slowly coming around to that music. I would call this CD power metal. It's metal music, real good, some parts are really technical.

TAD MOROSE-Undead
This is also power metal, but I don't like this as much as Onward. The music isn't as good I don't think. This reminds me of something I would have heard in the 80's. There are a couple good parts, but not my thing.

A TRIBUTE TO JUDAS PRIEST-Delivering the Goods
his is alright. I was never a huge JP fan, so I couldn't tell you what sounds good. Mostly power metal bands on this CD. We got Gamma Ray, Rage, Virgin Steele, Saxon, Forbidden, Blind Guardian and a bunch more. This is for all Priest fans.

2001 CENTURY MEDIA SAMPLER
By Joe Barnes
Those opinions of young Joseph, DO NOT represent the opinions of the owner of this site. Just wanted to make that clear. Send hate mail to: JoeJackel442@yahoo.com

SHADOWS FALLl: "Crushing Belial"
Half good, half awful. This song pretty much sucked from the beginning. The punk ballad sounding main verse was pretty catchy, but then the shitty acoustic part ruined anything this song had. Then it started sucking again like the beginning of the song did.
NEVERMORE: "Inside Four Walls"
Definitely liked. His vocals aren't bad at all. Everyone had it made out to be worse than what it actually was. This song kinda reminds me of listening to Bush-era 'Thrax and Armored Saint: great riffs and melodic vocals. I'll definitely be getting some Nevermore.
CRYPTOPSY: "Voice of Unreason"
Already own the album with this song, but I will comment. Lately "And Then You'll Beg" has been played nearly daily. Although I found it to be disappointing at first, I really like it now. It's one of those albums that just keep getting better until they're one of the best.
SENTENCED: "Broken"
I didn't hear anything good about this song. It was pretty much just plain ol' gay.
THE GATHERING: "Shot to Pieces"
Once again, nothing ear catching. This was the first song that I couldn't sit all the way through.
JAG PANZER: "King at a Price"
The riffs on this song were pretty good. The vocals were a bit too power metal for me to enjoy. The song was just far too typical. There was nothing innovative in this song. If someone gave me a Jag Panzer album, I'd take it. However, I'd never pay money for this.
STUCK MOJO: "Raise the Deadman"
The singer really sucked. The production sucked. The riffs were occasionally good, but they didn't really write anything. They just rehashed a bunch of shit. The verse-chorus-verse-chorus circle nauseatedme. *Skip*
EYEHATEGOD: "Jack Ass in the Will of God"
Now we're getting into some good shit. This is far, FAR better than
anything on the "Dopesick" album, which was rather boring. The vocals are much better now. The song is more dependent upon good riffs as opposed to a bunch of noise, as EHG is known for. I'll most likely get this album.
DARK TRANQUILITY: "The Wonders at Your Feet"
As soon as this song kicked in with they keyboard, I knew something would be wrong. It never got better. I could probably listen to this on someone else's time, in their car or house, but my equipment isn't allowed to do this to me. Goth sucks. *Skip*
BORKNAGAR: "The Presence Is Ominous"
We measure things by what we already know. Yet I cannot measure this song. Never before, have my speakers produced such gayness. My ears are scarred. This is AWFUL!! *Skip*
NEVERMORE: "Believe in Nothing"
Ahh, back to some good stuff. Well, it wasn't as good as I would have liked t to be. This song was somewhat disappointing after hearing "Inside Four Walls", but it was a great relief following Borknagar.
SHADOWS FALL: "The First Noble Truth"
This one didn't seem to be as bad as the other SF song, but the singer sucks and I just can't get into any of this mess. *Skip*
ANGEL DUST: "Enjoy!"
I put this track on with intentions of following the instructions that the song title suggests. This song is decent, especially considering some of the other crap I've encountered on this disc. I kinda like the industrial sound, but like any industrial band, there's a lot of repetition. This is another one of those bands that I wouldn't purchase an album by, but I would own a copy if I didn't pay the money.
NOCTURAL RITES: "Sinner's Cross"
What's the deal with all of these power metal bands still striving out there? People are still listening to this crap? *skip*
CARNAL FORGE: "I Smell Like Death"
This song rocked. I don't know if it's because the rest of this sampler has been really bad or what, but I may check this band out. They're pretty heavy and the vocals aren't that bad.
OLD MAN'S CHILD: "The Black Endless Void"
Awful. I should have skipped it just because of the names of the band and the song. *skip*
ONWARD: "Last Sunset (Unmastered)"
More power metal. *skip*
GOD FORBID: "Wicked (Demo Version)"
God Forbid anyone to actually like this band.

ARCH ENEMY -Burning Bridges
This is the first CD I have heard from these guys and from the title, I was dreading listening to them, because I thought they were going to be some cheesy power metal band. BOY was I wrong. I'm kicking myself in the ass for not listening to this sooner. This is great! Clean vocals, they aren't death metal or anything. The drummer is really great, his double bass is incredible. Pure metal, fucking great CD. Lots of cool riffs and solos.

CRYPTOPSY- Whisper Supremacy
Ever since I have been in the underground, all I have heard has been Cryptopsy this and Cryptopsy that. Rightfully so, I can understand why now. They are so fast, the drummer is one of the best ones out there. The music is so heavy, it blew me away the first time I heard it. Definitely one for the collection.

DARK TRANQUILITY-Projector
I'm still wondering if I like this band or not. There are some really cool parts in this CD and there are some real gay parts too. The vocals are more of a blackish metal more than death, but they aren't doing any high pitched stuff either. It is hard to explain. Then this singer also sings, he is singing with this real deep voice. I'm not a fan of that. This isn't horrible or anything, the music is great. This is something I could listen to once a month or something.

KRISIUN- Conquerors of Armageddon
If you haven't heard of these guys at all, then you have a problem. The drummer is one of the best ones I have ever heard. His double kick just flies. This is the only release I have from this death metal band from Brazil and if the others are anything like this, I have to get the whole collection.

LACUNA COIL-In a Reverie
I'm a huge fan of these guys. I heard them this summer and I instantly fell in love. If you are a fan of the Gathering at all, you MUST get this album, or anything for that matter that these guys have out. Unlike the Gathering, there are two singers, a female and a male, but both of them have incredible voices. I like it best when she is singing though. The music isn't that heavy at all, but it is just so good. I'm telling you, if you are into female vocals, you have to get this.

MERAUDER-Five Deadly Venoms
I have been a fan of these guys for a while. I'll never forget meeting one of these guys and I was with Master Zebub and he introduced me as "the girl he sleep with". How embarrassing!! Anyhow, this is a follow up to their last CD, Master Killer. This is hard core. No getting around it, if you are fan of the music, you'll like it, if not, don't bother. The vocals are scratchy, almost remind me of Snapcase, maybe, I'm not sure if that is the band I'm thinking of. They just want to make me move. Some groove parts, some heavy parts, just a great CD all around. But like I said, if you aren't a hard core, you aren't going to like this!

MY OWN VICTIM-The Weapon
These guys fucking rule!!! They are one of my favorite hard core bands. I was so excited to get this album when it came out and I was not disappointed. If you are into hard core at all, pick this up, it fucking rules!!!

SHADOWS FALL - Of One Blood
I can do this review in my sleep, since I listen to the CD so much. I love it! It's metal music, with clean vocals mixed in with death vocals and actual singing. Some of the songs are redone from their "Somber Eyes to the Sky" CD which was released in 1997. Read the interview, buy their CD and keep them number one on the charts!

SOILWORK-The Chainhear Machine
I have heard nothing except good things about this band and now I know why. This is really good. I think they are a bit technical with all the changes to tempo and melody. The vocals remind me of the singer from Arch Enemy. His voice sounds similar.