Century Media Records has set a May 31 European release date (June 8 in North America) for "The Obsidian Conspiracy", the long-awaited new album from Seattle metallers NEVERMORE. The drum tracks for "The Obsidian Conspiracy" were completed in the group's hometown of Seattle with SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers, who previously worked with Dane on the singer's solo debut, "Praises to the War Machine". Longtime friend and collaborator Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, ARCH ENEMY, EXODUS, MACHINE HEAD) once again handled mixing duties. The following songs (among others) were laid down during the recording sessions for the follow-up to 2005's "This Godless Endeavor":
* "Emptiness Unobstructed"
* "Without Morals"
* "And The Maiden Spoke"
* "Termination Proclamation"
* "The Obsidian Conspiracy"
* "The Blue Marble and the New Soul"
* "She Comes in Colors"
* "The Day You Built The Wall"
* "Poison Throne"
* "Beautiful Mistake"
* "The Crystal Ship" (THE DOORS cover)
* "Transmission" (THE TEA PARTY cover)

Black Sabbath, one of the most prominent and influential faces of the 70’s Rock topography were, by the decade’s end, a band in disarray. Once the masters of their own reality; the Birmingham four-piece were now battle weary veterans, wearing the deep scars of a near ten year album-tour-album cycle. Black Sabbath’s latest album, Never Say Die!, released in September 1978, would transpire to be their final studio recording with Ozzy Osbourne, who in less than a year, would no longer be with the band.  The loss of the iconic voice might have signalled the end of the band. But, that wasn’t to be the case… Ronnie James Dio, Rainbow’s founding lead vocalist whose lion’s roar had taken the band to gold and platinum status also parted company with his band. Several phone calls later and a chance meeting in, of all places, the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, Iommi invited Dio to join the remaining members of Black Sabbath for an impromptu rehearsal. Within fifteen minutes and one brand new song later (‘Children Of The Sea’), a new era of Black Sabbath was born. The resultant album releases over the next few years proved without question, that this match was one without peer and succeeded without question in carrying the name of Black Sabbath (later with Vinnie Appice replacing Bill Ward on drums) proudly into the new decade. With an accompanying soundtrack featuring some of the most exciting and dramatic Heavy Metal to ever grace a studio or stage, Black Sabbath rose once more to a place of highest regard within elite Rock circles.

Cult psychedelic/stoner rock band Sun Dial celebrate their 20th anniversary by returning from the wilderness with a brand new self-titled studio album, released April 26th. Back in the early 1990s, Sun Dial were a critics' favourite, the perfect assemblage of grunge, shoegazing and moody late 60s psychedelia. After a lengthy sabbatical, they're back with an album that effortlessly straddles stoner rock, grunge and even metal in places.  Founded by Gary Ramon, Sun Dial carved out a niche with an uncompromising zeal and their own unique imprint. Now with long-term collaborator (and ex-Chapterhouse bassist) Russell Barrett on board, they have returned with a brand new studio album (their first since 2003's Zen For Sale), their own label Shrunken Head (under the umbrella of Cherry Red) and a career-spanning 20th anniversary anthology, Processed For DNA, which has already received praise in the music press in magazines such as The Sunday Times and Record Collector.  This self-titled new album is darker, heavier and with a relentless focus brought about by personal adversity and the determination to show the band's musical talent with no tricks/studio gimmicks. This hardcore approach has led them to what they believe to be their best and most essential release. After being signed to Beggars Banquet (and Atlantic in the States) in the mid-1990s, Sun Dial threatened to be a traditional band, flying round the world on an album-tour-album treadmill. That brief flirtation with mainstream success had followed widespread critical acclaim for debut  album Other Way Out, recorded on a shoestring budget and an improvised set-up. Issued in 1990, Other Way Out was a mixture of late Sixties psychedelia (think early Pink Floyd), the raw power of The Stooges and seventies punk rock. The album attracted rave reviews, prompting Ramon to develop Sun Dial as a live band while hardening and tightening their sound. After some scotched sessions (which were belatedly issued in 1994 as Return Journey), second album Reflecter was issued in 1992. It fared well in the Indie charts, leading to the Beggars  Banquet/Atlantic deal. That relationship fathered two excellent albums. Libertine (1993) mixed elements of grunge and an echo of the contemporary shoegazing sound with Sun Dial’s own psychedelic rock sensibilities. 1995’s Acid Yantra was a heavier departure,

Red Sparowes is a Los Angeles based instrumental group known for its epic, heavy and sprawling sounds heard over the course of two full length albums -- At The Soundless Dawn (2005) and Every Red Heart Shines Toward the Red Sun (2006) both on Neurot Recordings -- three split discs and the recently released Aphorisms (2008) digital EP. The band consists of current and former members of Isis, Halifax Pier, Pleasure Forever, Angel Hair, Made Out of Babies and The VSS.  Red Sparowes was formed in 2003 by guitarist Clifford Meyer (also of Isis), bassist/pedal steel player Greg Burns (ex-Halifax Pier), guitarist Josh Graham, bassist/guitarist Jeff Caxide (Isis) and drummer Dana Berkowitz. Caxide and Berkowitz relocated in 2004, leaving the band. Drummer David Clifford (ex-Pleasure Forever, ex-The VSS) and guitarist Andy Arahood (ex-Angel Hair) joined shortly thereafter in the fall of 2004. The band toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe following the release of At The Soundless Dawn. A split EP release with Gregor Samsa was released in 2005 on Robotic Empire and the Black Tar Prophecies Vol. 1 split EP with Grails followed in 2006 on the same label.  Red Sparowes second full-length release, Every Red Heart Shines Toward the Red Sun, was recorded at Prairie Sun and Louder Studios in San Francisco with producer Tim Green (Comets On Fire, The Fucking Champs, The Melvins). The album was released in September 2006 and the

Having spent much of 2009 supporting Metallica on their World Magnetic Tour, and a number of 2008 shows no less, sharing the stage/drums with Lars Ulrich; The Sword are back in the Studio recording their Third LP on Kemado Records.  Speaking to fans about the recording of the album, The Sword’s Trivett Wingo had the following to say…  “Sword fans everywhere, since you wouldn't stop asking for a new album, we figured we'd write some songs and give you what you deserve. Last week we started recording our as yet untitled third full length with producer and engineer Matt Bayles here in Austin. We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves and of course you'll be the judge, but let's say we have a strong intuition that this will be our best release to date.” Wingo went on to elaborate, “We've never attempted something quite on this scale as far as song-writing and sheer sonic magnificence go and we're a little worried it might be TOO AWESOME for you to handle. While you're waiting for this baby to drop, you can check out our show at Stubb's on March 16th with Year Long Disaster and some old school metal band called Motörhead...”  Before forging the blade, the swordsmiths underwent fasting and ritual purification. They then worked at their anvils in white clothes, like the robes of the priests. Their efforts were well rewarded. The final result was a blade of unparalleled craftsmanship. Its edge is made of metal so hard that it holds razor

"12 Gauge", the new album from Finnish metallers KALMAH, entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 15. The CD, which which was made available in Japan on February 24, was recorded between June and August 2009 at Tico Tico studio in Kemi, Finland and was mastered at the Cutting Room in Sweden. Nine new songs and one cover version were laid down during the sessions which "went [smoothly], as always, even though this time the recordings were done in three different time periods within a half a year," according to the band. "12 Gauge" track listing:

01. Rust Never Sleeps
02. One Of Fail
03. Bullets Are Blind
04. Swampwar
05. Better Not To Tell
06. Hook The Monster
07. Godeye
08. 12 Gauge
09. Sacramentum

"Invocation", the new album from German thrashers DEW-SCENTED, will be released in North America on May 25 via Prosthetic Records. Recorded by Jörg Uken at Soundlodge studios (GOD DETHRONED, SINISTER, DESPONDENCY) in Rhauderfehn, Germany, the CD marks the first appearance of drummer Marc-Andree Dieken (ex-OBSCENITY), and guitar team Michael Borchers and Martin Walczak, alongside long-term members, vocalist Leif Jensen and bassist Alexander Pahl. "Invocation" will feature cover artwork by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.com. Commented Jensen: "DEW-SCENTED are honored to announce that our new album, 'Invocation', will be released via Prosthetic Records in North America! The label's dedicated staff, their outstandingly classy and pretty open-minded musical taste for all things extreme as well as the quality work delivered for cool bands like LAMB OF GOD, GOJIRA, SKELETONWITCH, ALL THAT REMAINS and BENEATH THE MASSACRE make us happy and proud to be teaming up with them as new partner for our upcoming releases! We look forward to unleashing 'Invocation' upon the thrashing masses in North America soon!" Formed in 1992, DEW-SCENTED has released seven previous full-lengths on labels such as Nuclear Blast, Grind Syndicate and Steamhammer/SPV. The band has toured with a who's who of extreme music, including CANNIBAL CORPSE, NAPALM DEATH, BEHEMOTH, KREATOR, SODOM and OVERKILL. "Invocation" will be released in Europe on Metal Blade Records. DEW-SCENTED is:

Swedish black metallers WATAIN will release the "Reaping Death" single in picture-disc and CD formats in April. The picture-disc version features, besides the new track "Reaping Death", a rendering of a classic track by the both cursed and highly revered DEATH SS from Italy, along with some additional items. This seven-inch single will be printed in 1,300 copies. The CD version comes with the April issue of Sweden Rock Magazine, which also features a six-page WATAIN interview about the new album and everything around it. It features a cover of BATHORY's "The Return of Darkness and Evil", as a sign of WATAIN's return and also, of course, in reference to WATAIN's BATHORY tribute show that will be held on Saturday, June 11 at Sweden Rock Festival. Both the picture disc and the Sweden Rock issue with the free CD single will be available for pre-order through www.watainmerch.com but bear in mind that shipping date for both CD and picture EP will not be until April 30, Walpurgisnacht. According to WATAIN, "the cover piece for 'Reaping Death' is based upon the myth of Cain, the firstborn Murderer. The illustration depicts triumphant Cain upon his slain 'brother' Abel, undergoing the transformation from a slave of creation to a Lord of Uncreation. Behind him burns the fire of Lucifer, and his children dance around it in joyful ecstasy. With the murder of Abel, the gates of Death were opened for the first time, by an act of lawless will. The song 'Reaping Death' is a celebration of this act, a hymn to the hungry fire that dwell within the hearts of the bloodline of Cain." After spending two "intense" months at Necromorbus Studio (NOMINON, AVERSE SEFIRA, FUNERAL MIST, NEX, ONDSKAPT, MORK GRYNING, ADORIOR) in Alvik, Sweden, WATAIN recently completed work on its as-yet-untitled fourth album, to be released by Season Of Mist on June 7.

A nine-minute video teaser for "Lustdriven", the fourth album from Finnish power metallers KIUAS, can be viewed below. Due on March 31 via Spinefarm Records, the CD was produced at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki by Janne Joutsenniemi, who previously worked with the band on the pre-production of their last album, "The New Dark Age". Mikko Karmila mixed the album at Finnvox studios while the mastering duties were handled by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers. "Lustdriven" track listing:

01. Kiuassault
02. Cry Little Angel
03. Of Lust, Love and Human Nature
04. Aftermath
05. Lights Are Many
06. The Visionary
07. Heart and Will
08. The Quickening
09. Summer's End
10. Winter's Sting

Swedish metallers THE HAUNTED will release a live DVD/CD, "Road Kill", in Europe on April 19 and in North America on June 8 via Century Media. This crushing live release will be available as a DVD+CD as well as a stand-alone CD and digital download. The audio-only release contain the full live-show as well as five previously unreleased or rare studio tracks from the "Versus" recording sessions. According to a press release, "Road Kill" features an in-depth, very unique on-the-road documentary, footage of THE HAUNTED's intense live performance and the band's recent promotional video clips. The live show was captured on February 13, 2009 at Melkweg in Amsterdam, Holland by Fabchannel and its sound was mixed and mastered by THE HAUNTED's longtime producer Tue Madsen (SICK OF IT ALL, DARK TRANQUILLITY, HEAVEN SHALL BURN).THE HAUNTED guitarist Anders Björler, who produced the documentary, commented: "'Road Kill' is 10 years of touring compressed into a 65-minute documentary feature. It's rough, dirty, honest and to the point."After working almost two years on and off on this film, I am pleased it will finally see the light of day." Vocalist Peter Dolving added: "This DVD is a slice of life, a peek into what it's like being on the road with THE HAUNTED. "Buy it, watch and enjoy. When you are dead and buried you won't be able to, will you?" Check out a trailer for "Road Kill" below. THE HAUNTED is preparing to hit the road in Europe as the support act for SLAYER. In addition, the group will make several festival appearances this summer. THE HAUNTED recently signed a new worldwide deal with Century Media Records. The band's last three albums — "rEVOLVEr", "The Dead Eye" and "Versus" — were released through the German label. Peter Dolving told the German edition of the Metal

DELAIN — the Dutch gothic rock/metal project founded by ex-WITHIN TEMPTATION keyboardist Martijn Westerholt (brother of WITHIN TEMPTATION's Robert Westerholt) — has announced the addition of bassist Otto "The Baron" Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (DETONATION) to the group's ranks. He will make his live debut with DELAIN on the band's upcoming U.K. tour, which is scheduled to kick off on March 21 in London. Otto "The Baron" Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (pictured below) joins DELAIN as the replacement for Rob van der Loo, who will perform with DELAIN for the last time on April 8 in Breda, Holland. DELAIN's second album, "April Rain", was released in North America on June 30, 2009 via Sensory Records (with U.S. distribution through Ryko and Canadian distribution through Sonic Unyon). The North American version of the album features a bonus track — "Come Closer" — which was previously only available on the limited-edition digipack version of the LP. DELAIN last year parted ways with guitarist Ronald Landa due to musical differences. He has since been replaced by Ewout Pieters. "April Rain" benefits from the return of NIGHTWISH bassist/vocalist Marco Hietala who sings male vocals on two tracks, as well as world-renowned cellist Maria Ahn.

21 of South Africa's top metal bands will perform at the MotherFUDD festival, set to take place March 12-14, 2010 at Malonjeni Guest Resort, South Africa. The event will also host what it claims to be "the first-ever official Guinness World Record for most people headbanging simultaneously" on March 13. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
AGRO
ALL FORLORN
ARCHITECTURE OF AGGRESSION
BILE OF MAN
CHROMIUM
EMPERIUM
EREBUS
FRAGMENTED CHILDREN
HAGGIS AND BONG
INSTRAMETAL
JUGGERNAUGHT
LOATHE

In the underbelly of the Pretoria metal scene, at Full Moon Lounge, a venue that has become the local watering hole of leather-clad-spiked-gauntlet-wearing-children-of-darkness, AOA launched their brand new controversial album, Acts of God: 4000 years of Phallusy. The album takes on the three major monotheistic religions; Christianity, Judaism and Islam; and offers a different perspective on their ideology and influential grasp on society, modern and old. Deciding to document the full experience, we arrived quite early and were surprisingly met by hordes of fans eagerly awaiting the evening's proceedings, Black Labels in hand, devil horns in the air, so we had no choice but to blend in and get the party going. Couple tequilas later and after a rather blasphemous, yet amusing welcome speech by MC Chris van der Walt; long-time friends, and fellow Pretorians, RhutZ and Bile of Man opened up the event and got the crowd warmed up. That's if you can classify moshing your balls off "warming-up". Architecture came on to a screaming crowd, the anticipation had built up to a volcano of energy waiting to erupt at the first hint of a chord, and when that chord struck, chaos fell upon Full Moon. The pit went ballistic, the whole place seemed to start shaking, which could've also been the effect of countless labels and tequilas, but let's just credit the crowd for now. AOA's set consisted of the full new album, which is technical death metal at its brutal-est, and a couple all-time favourites, ending with what could only be described as the AOA anthem, GodKill. Pre-releasing the album

Unique American Extreme Metal outfit NACHTMYSTIUM have just confirmed dates for their upcoming European Tour in March/April 2010. The Band will be debuting new material from their forthcoming album ‘Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. II’ which is set for release in June 2010. Having been around for a decade, Nachtmystium have progressed their distinctive raw sound by stepping away from it and embracing different influences within their sound, evolving into a more psychedelic and experimental territory. Nachtmystium will also appear at a number of selected European Festivals this year – please see dates below:

March
19.03 - (UK) Fighting Cocks, Kingston
20.03 - (UK) iBar, Bournemouth
21.03 - (UK) The Croft, Bristol
22.03 - (UK) Central Station, Wrexham
23.03 - (UK) Moho Live, Manchester
24.03 - (UK) Ivory Blacks, Glasgow
25.03 - (UK) The Well, Leeds
26.03 - (UK) Rock City Basement, Nottingham
27.03 - (UK) Islington Academy, London
28.03 - (UK) Engine Room, Brighton
29.03 - (BE) The Frontline, Ghent
30.03 - (D) Markthalle, Hamburg
31.03 - (DK) The Rock, Copenhagen

Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut album “Highball Roller” in 2009, Sorry And The Sinatras are set to tour the UK in April 2010. the band are signed to Undergroove, the label behind acts such as The Ghost Of A Thousand, Hexes, Minus The Bear and Johnny Truant. Formed by frontman / guitarist Scott Sorry – who currently also plays a mean bass with UK rock legends The Wildhearts – Sorry And The Sinatras specialize in high octane, kick-ass punk rock – high on flair, punishing, driving riffs, and spit ‘n’ sawdust professionalism. SATS also features fellow Americans Lenny Thomas (drums) and Roger ‘Rag’ Segal (bass / vocals), as well as UK guitarist Dave Kerr. The Anglo-American twist gives this quartet a musical chemistry that is truly reflected in ‘Highball Roller’. ‘Highball Roller’ is an honest, in-your-face punk rock ‘n’ roll record that reflect this quartet’s personalities – unpolished, missing teeth and self-medicated! It’s an album born out of years of searching for and finding dreams. Says Scott: “Lyrically this record is about the years of couch surfing, addictions, heartache, and restlessness spent chasing a dream. It’s about guilt and coming to terms with the shit you’ve done while letting go of the shit you had no control over and laughing your ass off in the process. It’s not about feeling sorry for yourself, but embracing how chaotic life can get. These are the most honest songs we’ve ever written.” From the opening, infectious track ‘Black & Blue’, through the vitriolic snarl and fury of ‘Burns City Burns’, to the raucous anthems ‘Hated Heart’ and ‘Riverside’, to the aural cacophony of closer ‘She’s So Vaudeville’, Sorry And The Sinatras demonstrate just how good rock music can be.

Hard Rock Hell IV, proudly sponsored by Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Rock Radio will take place back at Prestatyn Sands, on 3rd / 5th December 2010, actually, after last years sold out Thursday night, it will start on the 2nd for the Die Hard HRH Loyal. The Line up and theme has again been down to the punters vote (HRH Vets), which will be leaked out over the next few months, it will contain, Glam, Sleaze, NWOBHM, Young Blood, Thrash, Metal and loads of Classic Rock. It will stage about 60 bands over the three days, so be rest assured you’ll get, yet again, another 360 HRH experience. Combine that with the crowd and camaraderie that goes down there and you get an idea what HRH is all about. All three of HRH’s previous events have sold out in record speed and this one has sold more than 40% in the first 6 hours of going on sale. HRH has had the honour of many legends and heroes over the years which have included, Twisted Sister, Saxon, Black Label Society, Thin Lizzy, Queensryche, W.A.S.P, Monster Magnet to name a few. This years will boast some special exclusives and one off performances. First bands up include; New Jersey legends Skid Row and German Axe hero Michael Schenker’s MSG, start the stage soiree followed by a Sleaze n Glam trio which includes Enuff Z Nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd and LA Guns…There will be quite a few boys from the NWOBHM era, so to start with we have a rare appearance from TANK and the legendary Diamond Head. This years HRH has been themed as …”Pirates from Prestatyn”…again the peoples choice, so you can expect some wild dressing up all through the weekend. VIP packages include the Thursday night as per last year but has already SOLD OUT, For anyone who’s booking Silver or Gold, they can add this on for a simple 25 GBP per person , which will get you another nights accom, plus loads more bands and nutty fancy dress fun. HRH IV is on sale already and is unbelievably already over 40% sold,
 

On April 6th the two brand new AVANTASIA albums "The Wicked Symphony" and "Angel Of Babylon" will be released via Nuclear Blast records. With previous efforts immediately hitting the charts in over 15 countries, expectations are high for this latest work. Like the former masterpieces, there will be breathtaking performances of numerous guest stars for the fans. This time around, names include like Klaus Meine (Scorpions), Eric Singer (KISS), Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween), Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest), Jon Oliva (Savatage), Bob Catley (Magnum), Jorn Lande (Masterplan), Russell Allen (Symphony X), Jens Johansson (ex-DIO, Stratovarius), Andre Matos (ex-Angra), Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS, ex-Meat Loaf) and many more.  Produced by Sascha Paeth, the result is a stunning collection of epic rock, spread over two albums - ”The Wicked Symphony” and ”Angel Of Babylon”. The two albums be released separately, but also in a deluxe edition featuring both albums in two digibooks with two beautiful booklets plus an additional book with interview, history, biography, linernotes and the download code for exclusive bonus material. Now is your chance to listen to the first track off the album, a short edit-version of the track "Dying For An Angel" featuring Klaus Meine of the Scorpions as guest vocalist, Tobias on vocals and bass, Sascha Paeth on guitars and Eric Singer (KISS) on drums. Click on www.tobiassamet.com and let it rock!

We want to inform you of an outstanding project we are working on to commemorate the life and achievements of legendary performer, arranger, producer and musician Mick Ronson. Mick was born in Hull, England on the 26th May 1946 and played in many legendary bands including David Bowie's band, Spiders From Mars as well as along side Bob Dylan. He arranged numerous songs, co-produced Lou Reed's Transformer, played guitar on many of our most beloved records and was voted one of the Top 100 Guitar Players of All Time by Rolling Stone. Mick died of cancer on 29th April 1993 and to commemorate his life and legacy we are organizing three fundraising events around his birthday this year to raise funds to site a permanent tribute of Mick in his hometown of Hull. Working with Mick’s wife, Suzi Ronson, daughter, Lisa Ronson, the Hull City Council, Mick’s immediate family and adoring friends and fans, we are looking to attract the very best quality bands to headline and take part in one of the three events in June. 

Dates:
4th June – Large Hull Venue TBC (up to 1600 capacity in consultation with main act)
5th June – Springhead, Hull (250 capacity)
6th June – The Welly, Hull (650 capacity)

NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon has issued the following update via her official blog: "I have held a little secret for you all for some time now, but today I feel I want to share it with you all. "As you all know, I am very private and don't want to share to much about my personal life, but due to some speculations and since I am so happy I have decided to tell my secret: "Last autumn in the middle of my demo recordings of my solo album, I started to feel very, very tired and also nauseated. I took a pregnancy test and guess if me and my boyfriend [Johan, which some fan sites have speculated is actually bassist Johan Husgafvel of the Swedish metal band PAIN, although Anette has never publicly confirmed this — Ed.] was really surprised to see that I had gotten pregnant. Since I had decided to not have any more children than my son [eight-year-old Seth], it was totally not planned, but after the very first shock, it felt really, really good. "Now I have almost done half the pregnancy and I am feeling extremely good, but it's due to this I decided to not do the solo this year. I am sure you all can understand this decision better now and I do promise to release the songs at another time."  A short question-and-answer session with Olzon about her pregnancy follows below.....