Artisan News Service recently conducted an interview with vocalist Bruce Dickinson and bassist Steve Harris of British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN about the success of the band's fifteenth studio album, "The Final Frontier", which was released on EMI Records worldwide on August 16 (excluding USA, released by UMe on August 17). Having recorded "The Final Frontier" at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas earlier this year, in an historic first for the band, they released "El Dorado", a track from "The Final Frontier", as a free download on the eve of the opening date of their North American tour to huge excitement from their massive fanbase. Following this a cutting-edge video was released for the opening track, "The Final Frontier", produced by the award-winning production company Darkside Animation Films ("Lost in Space", "Gladiator" and "Black Hawk Down") and two innovative computer games were created as companion releases to the album. They recently completed one of the most successful North American tours of the summer, playing to over 350,000 fans there across 25 concerts, and followed that success across Europe, where they headlined a series of major festivals, including the huge Sonisphere events in the U.K., Sweden and Finland, alongside their own shows, playing to hundreds of thousands more fans. They will hit the road again in 2011 with further extensive touring, headline dates on the Soundwave series of major festivals in Australia already being on sale for February and further shows to be announced over the coming months. MAIDEN are on blistering form and ready to take their music into 2011 and beyond.

"Take The Devil In Me", the new video from LEAVES' EYES — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of ATROCITY — can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's latest album, "Njord", which was re-released in May as a "special fan edition," containing three previously unreleased tracks — "At Heaven's End", "Angus and the Swan" and an acoustic version of "Irish Rain". The set also features an appearance by Liv's sister, Carmen Elise Espenaes from MIDNATTSOL, as a guest vocalist on "Irish Rain". The special fan edition comes with a noble matt and glossy foil printed slipcase, which is strictly limited. The "special fan edition" of "Njord" consists of the "Njord" digipack, including two bonus tracks, as well as the brand new bonus CD "At Heaven's End", which contains seven non-album tracks, and the "My Destiny" video.

U.D.O., the German metal band led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, has set "Rev Raptor" as the title of its new album, due on January 14, 2011 via AFM Records. 17 new songs were written for the CD, with 11 of them set to appear on the final product. On March 27, 2010, Jason Saulnier of the "Good Time Metal Oldies" radio show conducted an interview with Dirkschneider. You can now listen to the chat below. U.D.O.'s latest album, "Dominator", entered the official chart in Germany at position No. 27. This marks the highest German chart entry in U.D.O.'s history. A limited-edition single, "Infected", preceded the full-length CD in June 2009. The single was released as a limited edition of 2,222 pieces worldwide and included the title track, two non-album cuts, a remix and a live song. On the same day U.D.O. played at the Bang Your Head!!! festival in Balingen, Germany as a co-headliner. U.D.O.'s previous studio album, "Mastercutor", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 39.

Finnish doom metallers SWALLOW THE SUN will team up with SÓLSTAFIR and MAR DE GRISES for a European tour in December. "New Moon", the fifth album from SWALLOW THE SUN, landed at position No. 148 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists (defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200). "New Moon" entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 10. The CD, which was released on November 10, 2009 via Spinefarm Records, was recorded at Fascination Street studios in Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with such acts as KATATONIA, OPETH, PARADISE LOST and AMON AMARTH. Kai Hahto (WINTERSUN, ex-ROTTEN SOUND) has been recruited to play drums on the album following the recent departure of longtime skinsman Pasi Pasanen.

Artisan News Service recently spoke to former PANTERA and current HELLYEAH drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott about the upcoming deluxe 20th-anniversary edition of PANTERA's classic major-label debut, "Cowboys From Hell". Watch the chat below. A previously unreleased PANTERA track, "The Will to Survive", can now be streamed on the band's official Facebook page (at "music" tab). Also available is a custom "Cowboys From Hell" 20th-anniversary edition listening party featuring the following songs:

* Cowboys From Hell (Disc 1)
* Psycho Holiday (Disc 1)
* The Art Of Shredding (Disc 1)
* Cemetery Gates (Live) [Disc 2]
* Primal Concrete Sledge (Live) [Disc 2]
* Heresy (Live) [Disc 2]
* Shattered (Demo) [Disc 3]
* Message In Blood (Demo) [Disc 3]
* Domination (Demo) [Disc 3]

Do you wonder what SABATON did in the studio about one month ago? Do you wonder why Primo Victoria, Attero Dominatus, Metalizer and Art of War is so hard to get these days? This is why... To be able to continue to do what we all love, meaning to continue to play music and to tour the world, we have now purchased the rights to the SABATON music. And to celebrate this we want to make them available again to all of you in a unique cooperation between SABATON, Nuclear Blast and Black Lodge. Now what does this mean?? Well, first it means that when you buy a SABATON album, more of the money spent on the albums will actually go to SABATON and second it means that we want to celebrate this by making the first four albums available again, but in really cool new versions! We give you... The SABATON RE-ARMED Editions and here is a sample of one bonus track! The 4 first original albums of Sabaton, complete with new artwork, new booklets, posters and of course: New music! We have digged deep into the treasury of SABATON to find unique, strange, funny and unexpected songs. Every album on the RE-ARMED editions will feature new tracks and they will include some old demos, some coversongs, some live versions of songs, some really old and unheard songs and some completely new songs recorded in Studio Abyss. They will all be re-released on the 27th September 2010 & can from today be pre-ordered right here

Swiss Thrashers CATARACT have launched a landing page that includes pre-order deals for the new album Killing The Eternal and that is featuring a brand new song.  Surf over to http://www.metalblade.com/cataract/  and listen to 'Reap The Outcasts', the first single taken off the new album Killing The Eternal!  Comments CATARACT: 'Reap The Outcasts' is a great representation of our new full length "Killing The Eternal"! It has a lot of variation packed in one song; crushing guitars and pounding drums alongside pissed off vocals. It's one of the last songs we wrote before we went to the studio and it sums up very well what Cataract is all about, from our very first album up to the last one. "Killing The Eternal" is all about catching the intense feeling of a live show, strip off the unnecessary lengths and deliver Cataract's trademarks in one hard hitting bit. Enjoy! Killing The Eternal was recorded at the Antfarm studios in Aarhus, Denmark under the direction of long-time band producer Tue Madsen.  The limited first Digipak edition of Killing The Eternal will feature 13 songs including the bonus track 'Spawned By Illusions'.

Yarrrrrr scallywags, finally New Jersey pirate thrash armada SWASHBUCKLE just uploaded a brand new song from their highly anticipated upcoming album 'Crime Always Pays…' to the bands MySpace profile (www.myspace.com/swashbuckle). "At the Bottom of a Glass" will give you a first impression of what you can expect on the Heidenfest tour, starting next week.  Commented Commodore Redrum: “Alright fuckers, here's the calm before the storm... you'll find this album's touch of class "At the Bottom of a Glass". Next week, we redecorate our pirate ship with brain matter as we thrash all your faces into a wall. Ye be warned... But for now, GO DRINK YOURSELF STUPID!” You heard the man – be aware – on Monday, September 6, another song will be unleashed set to thrash you brain into your butthole! ARRR! Also for those of you who loved last years SWASHBUCKLE online game – stage 2 has just been uploaded to the Nuclear Blast games channel (http://www.nuclearblast.de/games/swashbuckle2/)! The one leading the highscore on September 24, 2010 will receive a really cool and rare BUCKLE item – a original Admiral Nobeard pirate hat that’s been worn on Paganfest Europe, Paganfest USA and in the “Cruise Ship Terror” video as well! (Check the pic attached and please publish along with this news!!) Last but not least, the pirates three have also uploaded another video trailer in support of “Crime Always Pays…” – prepare for some hilarious shit and check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kl5-VWWh8c

Since news on Nergal's recent health issues has been released, the band, management, and label has received an overwhelming response from fans and bands all over the world asking how they can directly help Nergal. In response to everyone offering his or her help in terms of setting up benefits and shows to raise money for the frontman of the Polish blackened death metal band BEHEMOTH, Nergal has issued the following statement: "I haven't intended to manifest myself in any way and, especially at this stage, to share my feelings or any other news with the world for obvious reasons. It is simply too early for it. But it was YOU who provoked me to say a few words. Regarding my personal low opinion of humankind, I'm shocked by the reaction to my illness. I actually expected NOTHING yet received feedback which surpassed all expectations. I want to ensure you I read EACH mail I receive, although I'm unable to reply to all of them. The power of your words is pure magic and I thank you all for it. You are a gigantic indestructible army that truly inspires me in this difficult time. The fact is that a fight with this illness is going to last for many months. Most of this time I will spend in hospital and I will go through various psychophysical states. If you know the history of Behemoth you also know we achieved everything by hard work and a steely determination. The same goes for my private life. I happen to be a strong son of a bitch. I have no faith but rely on a 100% victory and I am sure I will get out of it stronger than ever. Sun Tzu in his 'Art of War' said that if you know your enemy and yourself the result of a thousand battles will not surprise you… I enter the ring with this Nietzschean attitude and I will leave it as a winner, as usual. Just watch and see! So I want to emphasize that Behemoth will by no means goes through any hibernation state. Obviously all concert plans must be postponed until some unknown point in the future, but things are happening! Lately our newest video for '…Alas, Lord is Upon Me' has premiered and stirred up quite a storm in mass media, which fills us with utter pride. Plus we've just finished the project of our new DVD; Evangelia Heretika is a three disc release, a real encyclopedia of Behemoth with nearly 5 hours of material and a bonus audio CD that will be out in November (Metal Blade US - Nuclear Blast Europe).

Roadrunner Records have announced that they have signed American rock band ALTER BRIDGE. The band will be represented by Roadrunner worldwide, with the exception of North America (an announcement regarding North America will be released in the near future). Songwriter/guitarist Mark Tremonti comments, "There is a real sense of excitement in the Alter Bridge camp to be able to partner-up with Roadrunner. With their proven track record worldwide and the hard work we have put in touring internationally, it seems like the perfect combination." Wally van Middendorp, Roadrunner’s Snr VP International, states, “I am extremely pleased that we have added Alter Bridge to our international artist roster and I am confident the band will reach the next level with their upcoming record.” Alter Bridge’s first release with Roadrunner will be their forthcoming third studio album, succinctly titled AB III. Set for release on October 11 with Michael “Elvis” Baskette producing, the band – completed by vocalist/guitarist/song writer Myles Kennedy (who also fronts Slash’s touring band), bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips.
The full track listing is set to be:  
Slip To The Void
Isolation

On Friday, July 30 at 4:28 p.m. Swedish time, NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon gave birth to her second child (and first with her current boyfriend, bassist Johan Husgafvel of the Swedish metal band PAIN). He was 52 centimeters tall and he weighed in at 3930 grams. Olzon, 39, also has a nine-year-old son, Seth, with her now-ex-husband. A partial photo of Olzon's new son can be found on her official blog. The other members of NIGHTWISH are in "the deepest countryside of Finland" working on material for their new studio album, which they will begin to record on October 15 for a late 2011 release. NIGHTWISH manager Ewo Pohjola of King Foo Entertainment Ltd told Finland's MTV3 that singer Olzon's pregnancy would not affect the band's plan to begin recording its new studio album. In an interview with the Finnish web site Rytmi.com, Olzon stated about NIGHTWISH's current recording plans, "I do have to go as soon as possible to Finland for rehearsals with the [NIGHTWISH] boys after I have delivered my child and then we'll stay there for a couple of weeks working with the new songs. After that the album will start to be recorded but since we always record all the instruments, orchestra and choirs before I go in and do my vocals, I don't have any big pressure to do anything in the fall. I will, of course, go and visit the recordings when it feels OK to do so, but otherwise my recordings aren't gonna be happening until 2011." Regarding how she will handle touring with NIGHTWISH while tending to a newborn child at home, Olzon said, "It will work out just fine. "We have all decided that the last world tour was too intense in the planning and we will take it a bit easier this time. Planning is everything, and I have a great father to my baby who will take care of her/him when the day comes and I also have a nanny who can come with me if that is needed at some points. "I don't stress over these things 'cause I know everything is gonna be just fine. "The last tour was so hard and still it worked out with my son being at home." NIGHTWISH played a special homecoming show in September 2009 at the sold-out, 11,000-capacity Hartwall Arena in Helsinki to mark the end of the band's colossal "Dark Passion Play" two-year world tour. NIGHTWISH is not expected to play any more shows until the release of the band's next studio album.

Bassist B-Force has left Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL. The band's guitarist, Lord Ahriman, said in a statement, "I wish to thank [B-Force] for the six fantastic years he'd been with us on bass. It's been a pleasure indeed working together." Commented B-Force: "After six awesome and crazy years with DARK FUNERAL, I have decided to leave the band. It's my own decision to leave one of the best band/friends in the world, but I feel that I need to move forward in life and do something else music-wise. There are absolutely NO hard feelings between me and DARK FUNERAL. We are and will continue to be good friends! "I want to thank the band and all the fans all over the world. You kick ass everywhere I've been playing with the band. I thank you all. May the dark forces be with you." DARK FUNERAL has already found "a new and totally amazing bassist; a bassist who lives and breathes DARK FUNERAL in its purest form," according to Lord Ahriman. "We will, however, wait until everything is settled before we present him to all of you, so please be patient." DARK FUNERAL played its final show with vocalist Magnus "Masse" Broberg (a.k.a. Emperor Magus Caligula) on August 21, 2010 at the Summer Breeze festival in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. "Since this was a very special performance in many ways, we not only put on our biggest pyro show ever, we also captured this gig with 10 cameras (including one crane)," said Lord Ahriman. "So you can be sure to expect a DVD release from this killer show in the near future." Broberg announced his departure from DARK FUNERAL last month, explaining that "my life has taken a new turn lately, and I am also getting married this year, whereof my priorities in life lie somewhere else." Guitarist and founding member Lord Ahriman added, "I understand when people change course and get new priorities in life. And I fully respect that. Life moves on, after all, and so will DARK FUNERAL. "Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus", the latest album from DARK FUNERAL, was released in North America on January 26, 2010 via Regain Records. The CD, which was made available in most European countries between November 18, 2009 and November 27, 2009, was recorded at Abyss Studio in Grangärde, Sweden with famed engineer and legendary producer Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, HYPOCRISY). Nine songs are featured on the effort, which is being described in a press release as "the band's most technical and varied album to date. And while still being true to their roots, they have taken a great step forward in the evolution of their brand of fine Swedish black metal. 'Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus' is, from the very beginning to the end, a hell ride you simply don't want to miss!"

British vocalist Tony Mills (ex-SHY), who currently fronts Norway's most famous hard rock sons TNT, suffered a heart attack at Oslo airport Saturday afternoon (August 28) on his way to a gig with the rest of the band. Mills is now in recovery and will be moved out of intensive care today (Monday, August 30). Mills, 47, wishes to thank all the personnel who helped him at Oslo airport and in the intensive unit at the hospital. He and the rest of TNT also want to express their gratitude to all the fans and friends for their support in the last two days. "I look forward to coming back and singing!" says Mills. TNT released its latest album, "Atlantis", in September 2008 in Scandinavia (via Bonnier-Amigo). The CD was mixed by Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, PRETTY MAIDS, JORN) and features the bonus track "Substitute". The band's previous CD, "The New Territory", entered the Norwegian chart at position No. 11 back in May 2007 and was the group's first to feature Mills following the departure of Tony Harnell.

Following on from the sad news about the Behemoth frontman Nergal’s illness & his need for a bone marrow donor we have had a lot of people asking how they can register as a donor so that they can help those in need. We would like to direct you to Anthony Nolan, who run the UK’s largest bone marrow donor register. All you need to do to become a donor is join the register by going to this address: http://www.anthonynolan.org/

Do it today and and you could help save someones life. Thankyou.
 

If you like your Black Metal there are two French festivals that you could do worse than pay a visit to. The first is the BLACK METAL IS RISING VI, to take place Saturday, October 16th at 1:30pm at the Glaz’art (PARIS). Tickets cost 22Euros presale or 25Euros on the door.
The second event is NORDIC BLACK MASS “UNHOLY BLACK METAL CELEBRATION“ on Friday October 29th 2010 at 6pm at the KORIGAN (Luynes). Tickets for this event cost 20Euro pre-sale or 25Euro on the door.
BLACK METAL IS RISING VI line-up:
OFERMOD
DARKENED NOCTURN SLAUGHTERCULT
BLEEDING FIST
MORTIFERA
CHRISTICIDE
NYSEIUS
OSCULUM INFAME
TOTALSELFHATRED

BEHEMOTH leader Nergal has just found out he needs a marrow transplant to fight the sickness he has recently been diagnosed with (leukemia). In light of this he wants to remind everyone about the need to be on the marrow registry. The more people get tested and donate, the more of a chance for life there is for him and people in the same situation. BEHEMOTH and Metal Blade would like to thank everyone for their support and well wishes during this difficult time. The best thing we can all do right now is learn about the marrow donation process, not only help save one of metal's leaders, but to also help save countless others out there struggling with the same disease.
To learn more about how you can register to donate marrow check out: http://www.marrow.org/
Fans wanting to help out, register for the marrow program, or have questions on running a marrow drive may contact the organization Music Saves Lives by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit Music Saves Lives at http://www.musicsaveslives.org/ Music Saves Lives is the bridge between music, entertainment and important life-saving causes. We bring a simple concept; connect the music and entertainment, we all love, to a life saving community action. MSL has focused efforts on blood donation and the marrow registry, reaching out by sharing facts, educating and empowering. We educate about the importanceof simple life saving actions they can participate in. These simple actions, like donating blood, running a blood drive, and registering for the marrow program to save those with leukemia, all connect back to the community.

Century Media's recent progressive metal signings TesseracT are to support The Devin Townsend Project on both the East and West coast legs of his US tour this October and November. This follows a UK tour in September with dates including the Basick Records Birthday Party and the Big Finger Festival. The band end the year performing at the Great India Rock festival - a three day travelling event which sees the band playing in Pune, Delhi and Bangalore. This is what the band had to say about their touring plans this autumn:
“Along with our own shows this autumn in the UK and India, we’re delighted to be tagging along with Devin Townsend on his headline tour across the US and Canada this autumn. To be supporting such a giant of creativity and musical diversity is simply a dream for us. We cannot thank him enough to allow us to ride his coat-tails during October and November.”

UK dates:
09th September Sub 89 - Reading, UK - with The Arusha Accord
24th September Lounge Bar - Alton, UK - with Heights
25th September Basick’s 5th Birthday Party - UBSU - Luton, UK

One of the most notorious names in the black metal underground for nearly a decade and a half, SATANIC WARMASTER makes its triumphant, moonlight-gleaming return with Nachzerer. The Finnish warrior’s first full-length album in five years, the highly anticipated Nachzerer comprises all the usual uncompromising and close-minded SATANIC WARMASTER elements – freezing primitive speed, solemn war-torn marches, and above all fiery and hideous execution – but distilled to their blackest, most potent essence.
Nachzerer is available now on CD and is soon to be released on vinyl.

Track listing for SATANIC WARMASTER's Nachzerer:

1. Intro
2. Satan's Werewolf
3. Vampires
4. Warmaster Returns

ARCHITECTS are to tour this Autumn, headlining a UK tour with Norma Jean as well as their labelmates DEVIL SOLD HIS SOUL. They are also to make their much anticipated return to the US alongside Atreyu, Bless The Fall, Chiodos and Endless Hallway. This massive touring package kicks off on October 20th and runs through November 27th.
Architects have also recently wrapped up the recording process for their new album with renowned producer Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan) and look for that to be released early next year. In the meantime, a special tour edition of “Hollow Crown” is now available. The special tour edition comes shrink-wrapped with a full Bonus-DVD that includes a 24min. documentary (filmed and edited by the band), “Early Grave” and “Follow The Water” video-clips, “Hollow Crown” remix by the band and an animated photo-gallery.

Tour Dates (inc. new dates in Ireland)
w/ Devil Sold His Soul, Norma Jean, Lower Than Atlantis:

30.09.2010 Leeds - Cockpit
01.10.2010 Birmingham - O2 Academy 2
02.10.2010 Manchester - Club Academy
03.10.2010 Glasgow - Garage
04.10.2010 Newcastle - O2 Academy 2
06.10.2010 Nottingham - Rescue Rooms
07.10.2010 Norwich - Waterfront

News has broken today via Metal Underground that Behemoth frontman and lead guitarist Nergal's illness has been confirmed to be leukemia. According to the Polish celebrity news site TVP, the disease has advanced to the point where chemotherapy can no longer be an effective treatment and can only be cured through a bone marrow transplant. Within the country of Poland, there are only 100,000 donors out of a population of 38,192,000. Nergal's fiance Doda has already donated her bone marrow but it's unknown if her bone marrow will provide a DNA match. Other Polish artists are currently organizing concerts to help raise awareness of Nergal's condition although no artists or concert dates have as yet been announced. Nergal is currently undergoing a multi-stage, months-long treatment at Gdansk Medical University Hospital and all Behemoth tour dates indefinitely canceled for the foreseeable future.