Warbringer Recording New Album

California thrash act Warbringer has issued the following statement about their upcoming album and show dates:

While earning a reputation as road warriors, Warbringer have spent the last two months home working on new material that will comprise their second album. The five-piece are now prepared to enter the studio in January to record the follow-up to "War Without End", voted by Revolver as one of the best albums of 2008.

In mid-January Warbringer will play four shows in California previewing new material, including a show in Anaheim during NAMM, before entering Sharkbite Studios (Machine Head, High On Fire) in Oakland January 19th with Exodus guitarist Gary Holt producing. The album will be mixed by Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Light This City, Braindrill) at Castle Ultimate.

Guitarist John Laux comments, "Since our last tour we've lead a very successful and creative campaign in the jam room collaborating on our next record. While staying true to our identity we have plenty of new tricks up our sleeves, including things we learned on the road, as well as showcasing [newest member] Nic Ritter's explosive drumming. We're thrilled to be tracking in the Bay Area and we couldn't be more confident with Gary Holt as our producer to help us bring our music to life in a recorded format. Besides being a legend in the thrash scene, Exodus have always managed to produce records with a killer punch regardless of dismal musical climates. Also, we think Zack's experience in mixing and mastering will be excellent as he's worked on a number of very LOUD and FAST records."

Meanwhile Gary Holt had to this offer, "I am stoked to be producing the latest Warbringer record. I had a chance to hang out at rehearsal and listen to the new songs and their latest stuff is crushing! People will not be disappointed, that's a fact! The young guns are definitely stepping it up a notch or ten and it promises to be intense!"

Upon completion metal's most lethal live band will immediately hit the road beginning February 10th alongside Soilwork, Darkane and Swallow the Sun through the end of March leading straight into shows with Kreator, Exodus and Belphegor through May. Yes, the band will be playing over 100 North American shows to set up the new release while they continue to support their debut on what they've dubbed The Tour Without End. Warbringer's new untitled affair is expected to be released in late May and the band plan to tour well into 2010.

01-14 The Whisky - Hollywood, CA
01-16 The Jumping Turtle – San Marcos, CA
01-17 Chain Reaction – Anaheim, CA
01-18 Gilman Street – Berkeley, CA

Hirax Finishing Work On New Album "El Rostro De La Muerte"

Bay Area based thrashers Hirax has posted the following message online:

"Hello Metal Friends

"We hope all is well with you! We are taking time out to send you some gifts and updated news about the band. Hirax is in heavy writing mode to finish up our new epic CD/vinyl release El Rostro de la Muerte (The Face Of Death). This will be the heaviest album that Hirax has ever recorded.We are very excited because the new songs are some of the best work that we have ever done! Expect El Rostro de la Muerte to be released Spring 2009.Then the band will hit the road and the touring will begin!!

"Thank you to everyone for all of the support! We look forward to seeing all of you in the upcoming year 2009!"

Suicidal Angels Enters The Studio

Greek thrash metallers, Suicidal Angels, issues the following update revealing details on their upcoming album:

"As it is now confirmed, we can announce that everything's set for the recording of the second Suicidal Angels album! Recordings will be held at 'Prophecy and Music Factory Studios' in Germany, under the direction of producer R.D. Liapakis, who, as many might know, is an accomplished fellow Greek musician and recording engineer, lead singer of the heavy metal group Mystic Prophecy."

"The yet untitled record will contain 9 tracks of pure thrash metal, which we can't wait to play live by the way! It will be recorded in March and released (hopefully) later in 2009. One of the songs, 'Jesus Lies,' has already been performed live in various occasions and can also be heard through our upcoming DVD, 'Live Domination,' the production of which has been unfortunately hampered by some artwork issues, that will very soon be resolved. This song will give you an idea of the straight-in-your-face approach we have adopted while writing new material, that we hope you like."

"So everything's rolling and March draws near! Moreover, the plans for a 2009 European tour are in motion, many shows have already been confirmed and we can't wait to see you all again and have a hell of a time. More on our upcoming tour will be posted soon, as the final details will be worked out early in 2009."

Solstice Issues Recording Update

Florida death metal band Solstice has issued the following update about their upcoming album:

"We're done tracking guitars, bass and vocals. Only guitar solos remain and those are about half way. We should be ready to mix and master in about 3 weeks and then we WILL have some new music on the player.

Bass playing is outstanding as is the bass tone, Garrett really put on a show for us and done with extremely limited rehearsal.

We'll be updating again soon."

Insanity

Legendary San Francisco Death / Thrashers Insanity are back! The band already started jamming again on October 4 and 5 and just played their first show at Thee Parkside in San Francisco on December 14 with local acts PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE, FOG OF WAR and DIMENSIONS OF GORE opening. The new line-up consists of Dave Gorsuch (guitar / vocals), Juan Casarez (drums), Ivan Munguia (guitar) and Nathan Green (bass / vocals). Here's an official statement from the band about their upcoming new album "Visions Of Apocalypse": "The tracks on this album are the last studio recordings of Bud Mills on drums. Originally intended to be pre-production tracks (recorded over the period of a year on three different drum sets and transferred digitally as the studio was closing), long hours have gone into mixing and pre-mastering the album as the band intended on re-recording it in 2007 but Bud became ill and died of cancer on November 14th, 2007. This album is being released to honor his memory and his impact in 1985 as a pioneer in the evolution of extreme drumming."

For more info check out www.myspace.com/insanity

Dark Funeral Frontman Emperor Magus Caligula Joins Sanctification, Replaces Kristoffer Hell

Dark Funeral frontman Emperor Magus Caligula has replaced Sanctification's Kristoffer Hell. Here is the update from the band:

"There has been some changes in the SANCTIFICATION camp lately and it is with sad eyes we can inform you that Kristoffer Hell (Vocals, bass) has left the band. Kristoffer took the role as singer and bass player during the recording of the upcoming album "Black Reign" since Mohlin didn't have the time that is needed for the band.

"Mr Hell feels that he has other things in life that is more important at this moment and we support him all the way on that.

"We wish him the best in the future and thank him for a remarkable effort on this album! The band is far from over and we have a new line up for the upcoming live shows so stay tuned for more info on that soon!

"Me and Markus has decided to let you guys in on the new session members. We were not going to tell you yet but it will be official on another site today anyway, so here we go!

Vocals: Masse Broberg (aka Emperor Magus Caligula)
Guitar: Tomas Elofsson
Guitar: Markus Edvardsson
Bass: Andreas Mellkvist (from Oltued)
Drums: Tony Westermark (from Soreption)

"That is the new line up for now. Masse will arrive here (Östersund) on Friday to start rehearse with us and Me and Andreas are in full rehearsal mode. Tony just have to finish his recording with Soreption and then he will team up with the rest of us.

"We are also happy to announce that we are set for the 2009 edition of the House Of Metal festival here in Sweden! Some of the bands that are booked so far are: Danko Jones, The Haunted, Opeth, Torture Division, Sanctification, Mustasch."

Suicidal Angels Parts Ways With Bassist Sotiris

Greek thrash metal act Suicidal Angels has posted the following message online:

"We regretfully announce that our bass player Sotiris decided to leave the band due to personal reasons.

"It was a tough decision and he struggled for months before making it, but in the end he just believed it to be the best choice.

"Sotiris joined the band in 2006 and was the band's bass player for many important concerts and all European tours up to now. He also was part of the line-up for the band's debut album, Eternal Domination, and can be seen performing on stage in Suicidal Angels' upcoming DVD, Live Domination, and various videos uploaded on YouTube. Together with the rest of the band, he tried hard to promote Suicidal Angels' music and helped make the group a better live act.

"Suicidal Angels would like to thank Sotiris for his contribution in the two years he was the band's bass player. We respect his decision and wish him the best for his personal as well as professional life.

"Suicidal Angels will go on as scheduled, regarding the recording of their second album in Spring 2009. More news on that will be posted very soon.

"Regarding live appearances, you have probably gathered that the bass player position is now open. It is possible, however not 100% sure, that Sotiris will play the gig with DEW-SCENTED in February. We have already considered some candidates for the job he leaves behind and we'll have more on this in the next few days."

Whiplash Signs To Pulverized Records

Reunited New Jersey thrash metal act Whiplash has signed a new record deal with Pulverized Records. The label will release the bands comeback album, "Unborn Again" around July of next year if all goes as planned, with recording expected to begin in March. The album will also include a free bonus DVD which will chronicle the the recording of the new album.

Guitarist/vocalist Tony Portaro states: "We are thrilled to be working with Calvin and everyone at Pulverised Records. Their enthusiasm surrounding the Unborn Again project is unmatched by any of the labels that we have worked with in the past. It will also be my pleasure to work side by side with the Harris Johns and although the actual recording of Unborn Again will not begin until March of 2009, we are eagerly anticipating mixing and mastering with him at Spiderhouse in April."

Interview: Karnarium

This is the interview with Swedish Deathmetalers Karnarium.

1.- First of all, how is Gothenburg nowadays musically speaking?
-A lot of people are making metal music here, but the bigger part of these people are into "deathcore" or whatever it's called nowadays, or they are into nu-metal or I don't know.. hell, fucken boring anyway, too much cheese as always.
I suggest you listen to Chronic Torment, far from new haha but doing good shit. they need more attention.

2.- If you could choose 3 bands that you think most define your sound, which bands would they be?
- How about if Raven(uk) and Immolation started a band together, and they in their turn started a side-projekt with members from saxon AND pungent Stench?! That band would be a clear influence on karnarium. The other two would then be Gorgoroth, iron maiden and old rotting christ.

3.- What was the main reason behind choosing Death Metal?
- Sadomasochism.



4.- Who is the mind behind the lyrics or do you all participate?
- Funeral Whore writes all lyriikks.

5.- Can you tell us alittle about your name?
- It starts with the letter K. it is from the latin word carnarium.

6.- How is your relationship with Blood Harvest your current label?
- Well, he's kinda slow in answering mails but apart from that he's kool.

7.- Do you think that the band has evolved in any particular aspect comparing it 10 years ago?
- Well yeah, we are better musicians. the lyrics have been a bit more complex up and down, and well..put it like this: if Karnarium were to be a single human, he would be a deranged drewling semi-autistic borderlining sociopath with hybris, but with a radiance of brilliance and glory comparable to the ancient days of Ur! That's our evolution. hahahaha praise the abomination!



8.- Tell us about those great new songs you have uploaded man, would that be part of your next work?
- Yes they will be on the album, they are typical Karnarium songs, but might come across as somewhat weirder musikallyy and lyriikally.

9.- Have you toured recently?
- No, hahahaha.

10.- Besides music how is living in Gothenburg?
- Grey, boring, miserable, cold. quite stupid also most of the time.

11.- Last but not least, when are you coming to Mexico?
- Hahaha, never?

12.- Anything you wanna add?
- Yes thank you for this interview, hello to all putrid punks in Mexico.

You can check this guys on:
www.myspace.com/karnarium
www.geocities.com/karnarium/

Memorial: Chuck Schuldiner

AC/DC Announces Stadium Shows

AC/DC has announced two stadium shows in the United Kingdom for next summer. The band will perform at Wembley Stadium in London and Hampden Park in Glasgow.

The bands U.K. tour dates are now as follows:

April
14 - London O2 (Sold Out)
16 – London O2 (Sold Out)
21 - Manchester MEN Arena (Sold Out)
23 - Birmingham LG Arena (Sold Out)

June
26 - London - Wembley Stadium
30 - Glasgow Hampden Park

Deicide And Vital Remains Announces Tour Dates

Tour dates have been confirmed for the huge trek headlined by Deicide. Also on the bill will be Vital Remains and Order Of Ennead.

The first batch of tour dates are as follows:

February
8 - Club Loaded - Farmingdale, NY
14 - Harpo's - Detroit, MI
16 - Iliff Park Saloon - Aurora, CO
17 - Club Vegas - Salt Lake City, UT
18 - Big City Nightclub - Farmington, NM
20 - Voodoo Lounge - San Jose, CA
21 - Angels Roadhouse - Yucaipa, CA
22 - Key Club - West Hollywood, CA

Dimebag Darrel 20/08/1966 - 8/12/2004

WE MIST YOU.

Interview: Dirges (Colombia)

This is the Interview with Dirges from Colombia.

1.- To begin with tell us about the history of Dirges. How you knew each other and where does the mane come from?
- Ok. The band was initially formed in 98 but was consolidated in 99. Was an idea of a group of friends who always had clear the idea to play thrash metal. The name Dirges was an idea of Tormento, the actual drummer and singer of the band who proposed it, and referinf to its meaning, immediately took acceptance of all members, perfectly fitting for what it meant. Those beginnings where tough in search of the proper musicians and for lack of instruments, but today and in almost 10 years that have passed, things are coming real good.

2.- What is the meaning of Dirges?
- Dirges it´s the name of solemn chants that in ancient times where used to accompany the warriors who died in battle towards their last path. Those chants represent the last homage that was made as a tribute to the snatched lifes in battle.
That is Dirges.

3.- As in all Latinamerica you know it exists the lack of support, how much difficult was for you to record your first demo Thrash Metal?
- Pretty much! But at that time I was not in the band, I was friend of all them dough, and I knew how things where progressing.
Thrash Metal had several difficulties (instruments and $$$) and when the band finally recorded it they were not satisfied with the result, and at the time we went back to mastered it again the record was already deleted. That first demo has never been released officially, it was distribuited from one friend to another ans so on. Eventhough the band´s discontent, today it’s a great piece and very demanded on live shows. We are planning that at the end of the year will be edited at last in CD format.



4.- You have a very peculiar sound I can hear black and thrash metal influences, could you name some bands considered as references?
- It´s weird, but a lot of people say we have black influences but we never planned like that: nevertheless we considered influenced by those first works of Kreator (Endless Pain), Destruction (Sentence of Death), Sodom (In the Sign of Evil), Venom (Welcome to hell), Slayer (Show no Mercy) and others with that same gloomy vibe. Prsonally i´m fan of Desaster that has the same gloomy vibe and which combines thrash and black perfectly.

5.- Now how has been the musical evolution since that first demo until After the Devastation?
- Our evolution has been essentialy on experience over the years. We do not make the same mistakes on recording sessions and we search to improve the execution skills more than technic aspects that until these days we want to preserve without letting new tendencies affect the sound of the band.

6.- Speaking of errors and technic affairs, how is the composition process in a Dirges´song?
- We all take part on it and we all look forward to agree at the moment we finish a song. Occasionally ideas take places on rehearsals, one simple song take several rehearsals we have clear that no matter how much time it takes to finish one song we have to persevere and search that special touch.




7.- People in Witchtrap and Luciferian told us that in Colombia tere is a strong metal scene, do mutual support exists in all Colombia or just local bands in your zone?
- Sure, fortunately that support exists cause it makes distribution easier we are very good friends and that same friendship has made a bigger support. I think the main problem is the lack of support by the general public that has no fate on the scene.

8.- What can you tell us about After the Devastation what inspires you to write the lyrics on the album?
- The songs in After the Devastation have a particular theme: the passion, energy and force that metal transmit to us, that is the most recurrent topic.
And it is so simply cause using an instrument to play metal music is an experience to be proud of, songs like Thrash Metal, Solo la Muerte, Guerreros de Maldad and No Comienza el Final, are examples of it, we speak also about war that for Dirges (taking in count what the word means) and also our reality it is impossible not to play; this seems to be tipical but I think that it´s inescapable.
Reffering to recording time Uh! It was very long.
It took near a year and a half cause there were $ and self esteem problems. We had to put money that is already back in our hands cause the CD is selling good, in that aspect it´s a total bummer for us…but things had gone the right way.




9.- How does people react in a Dirges live show?
- Brutal man! That is something we wouldn´t change at all, the support has been excellent, people singing the songs; speaking by ourselves each one of us break a leg an stage and that make people respond enormously. Think there is a great chemistry between the band and audience and I dare to say we are prophets on our land.

10.- Have you ever found in a comic or really problematic situation on stage?
- Problematic, never, we are aware that we all make mistakes, I believe there are more comic situations in rehearsals at the beginning it was traumatic but now is funny.
The first drum set was made of kitchen recipients jajajaja, the bass pedal moved everywhere, there were some funny shit going on.

11.- What are the plans in a near future for Dirges?
- We are actually working on the second production and the next year we´ll be in the studio recording it. We hope a South American tour will be confirmed but nothing is sure, the tour includes: Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, possibly Chile and Argentina. Touching other issues the next month After the Devastation will be released on LP by Utterly Somber Creation from U.S.

12.- If you have the oportunity to create a Metal Festival, tell me 5 bands with you like to share stage, Colombian or Inter national bands.
- Uff... from Colombia with Masacre and International mm a lot... Kreator, Desaster, Death (R.I.P. old Chuck), Megadeth, Bewitched... i don´t know, complicated.

13.- Could you recommend us some Colombian bands?
- Runner Hell (Heavy Metal), Schizofrenia (Brutal Death Metal), Satanachia (Black Metal), Revenge (Heavy Metal), Yoght Sothoth (Death Metal).

14.- Do you have other bands beside Dirges?
- Yes, with Julio (Black Arrow) guitarrist of Dirges we play in Runner Hell, Heavy/Speed Metal in the vein of Exciter, excellent.

15.- For last, Anything to say?
- Thank you so much brother for the interview and the support to the band, we hope play soon in Mexico and visit our Myspace, leave some comment. A strong greeting for all the Metalheads.

You can check this guys on:
www.dirges.cjb.net
www.myspace.com/dirges

Loudness drummer Munetaka Higuchi passed away

Munetaka Higuchi passed away on Sunday, November 30 around 10:00 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) at a hospital in Osaka, Japan. He was 49 years old. Higuchi was diagnosed with liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) in April 2008. He had reportedly undergone two rounds of chemotherapy treatment and an operation to remove part of his liver. Rest in peace Munetaka.

Acid Drinkers Guitarist Aleksander "Olass" Mendyk Passes Away At Age 29

Polish Thrash Metal/Crossover band Acid Drinkers has announced that their guitarist Aleksander "Olass" Mendyk passed away yesterday at the tender age of 29. No further details have been made available at the moment. The band released a box set earlier this year through Metal Mind Productions.

Whiplash posts More New Demo Material Online

eunited, New Jersey thrash metal outfit Whiplash has posted a new demo online of a song entitled, "SNUFF" on their Myspace page. You can check it out by heading to this location www.myspace.com/whiplashusa . The band will be entering the studio in March to begin recording a brand new album which is called, "Unborn Again" which will also include a bonus DVD. You can check out the bands latest video blogs below.