News!

The MCD of Australia's oldschool Thrashers HELLBRINGER (formerly FORGERY) will be released on vinyl through Iron Pegasus Records sometime in August. www.myspace.com/hellbringeraus

Wendy Dio, wife / manager of RONNIE JAMES DIO has just released the following statement to Blabbermouth.net: "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. (on Sunday) 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever." Rest in peace, Ronnie! You will always be remembered!

Blabbermouth.net also reported that DEBBIE ABONO, well-respected and much-loved manager and promotional machine behind some of San Francisco Bay Area's strongest Metal bands (POSSESSED, FORBIDDEN, EXODUS, VIO-LENCE, SKINLAB), passed away today (Sunday, May 16) as well at appoximately 9:59 a.m. PST after a battle with cancer. Rest in peace, Debbie!

According to Modern Drummer, ex - TWISTED SISTER drummer JOE MARKOWSKI (aka "Fast" Joey Brighton) died on April 14. He was 57 years old. Markowski was well known in the New York area as a drum teacher in the '70s, working out of VANILLA FUDGE drummer Carmine Appice's Oceanside drum studio. Top drummers - including Bobby Rondinelli (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW) and Joe Franco (GOOD RATS, TWISTED SISTER) - studied with Markowski, who himself had played with the GOOD RATS and TWISTED SISTER.

'Venomous Habitations', a track from Florida Death Metal masters DIABOLIC's upcoming new full-length album "Excisions Of Exorcisms", has been uploaded to the Deathgasm myspace player at www.myspace.com/deathgasmrecords

Nicola Costantini, editor of the great ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SVENSK DÖDSMETALL, has been very busy working on a worthy follow-up release. Here's some quotes of a blog he just posted: "What I’m proudly announcing here, is a new edition of the Svensk Encyclopedia. This will be by no means a reissue, but something really new. So beware, I'm returning with a new massive book! This will have 50% of the old material and 50% new for a whole package of more or less 400 A4 pages. Every single old article has been re-arranged in a different way and enriched with a different approach, with more in-depth details, different artwork and so on." Among others, the most relevant new features include new interviews with DISSECTION's Peter Palmdahl (about the early days with Jon since kindergarten to the very first days of DISSECTION), DISMEMBER's David Blomqvist (prepare to see tons of photos of the very first days of DISMEMBER: first gig, first time in Sunlight, days with the NIHILIST guys), Jens Näsström (regarding the "Projections Of A Stained Mind" history), a list of all MORBID bootlegs (courtesy of Joakim Westerlund), Johan 'Liiva' Axelsson (in depth on FURBOWL, DEVOURMENT and more amazing details about CARNAGE), Anders Nyström (a very very long interview about KATATONIA's early days when they were still called MELANCHOLIUM), Martin Larsson (about HOUSE OF USHER), Jocke 'Grave' Göthberg (on DARKIFIED, GRIMORIUM), Orvar Säfström (on NIRVANA 2002 and more details about his time in ENTOMBED), Janne Rudberg (on EXHUMED, MORPHEUS and MASTICATION), David Isberg aka 'Unholy Emperor' tells the story of his metal affair with Christoffer Johnsson in PROCREATION and OPETH, Sandro Cajander (on MEFISTO), Patrik Jensen (recalling his first attempts in SÉANCE, ORCHRISTE and SATANIC SLAUGHTER) and Willy Wilhelmsson (on RABBITS CARROT). Nicola has covered all the bands from Eskilstuna (MACRODEX, CHRONIC DECAY, DEATH RIPPER, ASMODEUS) and the Mjölby-Motala-Linköping area (SALVATION, BELSEBUB, LUCIFER, NEFARIOUS, FUNERAL FEAST) as well as many other new chats with CEMETARY, GODDEFIED, CABAL, LUCIFER, ABSURD, SARCASM, ABHOTH, EMBALMED, MEGA SLAUGHTER, EXCRETION, MACRODEX, INTERNAL DECAY, SACRETOMIA, ALTAR, INCARDINE, SUFFER, CEMETARY, UNCANNY, DECAMERON, RUNEMAGICK-MASTICATOR, MACABRE END, VIRGIN SIN, BRAINDEAD, DION FORTUNE, MALFEITOR, DEAD END, ATROCITY, SCYPOZOA, NOCTURNAL RITES, MIDAS TOUCH… and more to come. The new edition will also have different artwork, courtesy of Daniel Desecrator from Chile and the title will probably be "Encyclopedia Of Svensk DödsMetall... The Return", unless someone comes up with a better idea. It'll probably be printed in a very small amount of copies only (300 or something), so you better reserve yourself a copy! No release date has been set as of yet, but expect something for the end of this year or within the first months of 2011. We'll keep you posted! More info and updates you will always find at www.myspace.com/nicola.costantini

Philadelphia's Black Metallers BLASPHEMOUS have parted ways with their longtime bassist, Decrepit. Vocalist RK has issued the following statement regarding the situation: "We have decided to part ways with bassist Decrepit. He's been part of BLASPHEMOUS for most of our existence, covering two different stints with us. It always is tough to make a change, but sometimes it has to be done. We wish him luck in his future projects. Right now all live activity will be on hold until we find a replacement. We hope to see you all again soon. BLASPHEMOUS is looking for a new bass player. We have a couple releases out, including our newest release "Bearer Of The Darkest Plagues". We are looking for a dedicated bass player. We currently practice in Lindenwold, NJ (right outside of Philadelphia). Must have equipment and transportation. Someone who is a quick learner. The ability to write is a plus too. We are looking for someone thats over 18, preferrably from the PA / NJ / DE area. Be able to practice at least once a week. Be available for shows in and out of the Philly area. No drug addicts. No rock star egos, this is underground Metal, not Hot Topic Metal, so if you're looking for fame and fortune you are looking in the wrong direction. Contact blasphemousmetal@hotmail.com if you are interested."

Relapse Records has announce a partnership with Perseverance Holdings Ltd. and the Schuldiner family to reissue the catalog of DEATH, CONTROL DENIED and MANTAS. Chuck Schuldiner’s DEATH, one of the most important and influential metal bands of all-time, will see the first official digital releases of it’s legendary albums "Scream Bloody Gore", "Leprosy", "Spiritual Healing", "Human", "Individual Thought Patterns" and "The Sound Of Perseverance" today at this location. These digital releases will come two days before Chuck Schuldiner would have celebrated his 43rd birthday. Schuldiner passed away on December 13, 2001 after fighting a long, recurring battle with brain cancer. Relapse will also reissue an expanded version of the classic debut album, "The Fragile Art Of Existence", from Schuldiner’s progressive Heavy Metal band CONTROL DENIED in late 2010 as well as the first-ever collection by his pre-DEATH project MANTAS. The expanded version of “The Fragile Art Of Existence” will include bonus tracks, extra band photography, expanded art and packaging and more. Details on both releases are forthcoming. Long-range plans include the completion and official release of the final CONTROL DENIED album "When Man And Machine Collide". Recorded over 10 years ago at Morrisound Studios with producer Jim Morris, the album was tracked by Schuldiner but left incomplete upon Chuck’s passing. A range of officially-licensed DEATH, CONTROL DENIED and MANTAS merchandise has also been issued here. Many classic album art designs will follow in the coming months, making some highly sought-after designs available officially for the first time in years. Stay tuned to EmptyWords.org, the official DEATH / CONTROL DENIED / Chuck Schuldiner website, and www.relapse.com for more information. Guitar World Magazine has released a special DEATH guitar transcription issue, available exclusively at this location. The book contains eight complete guitar and bass tabs for the following DEATH songs: 'Pull The Plug', 'Zombie Ritual', 'Together As One', 'Spiritual Healing', 'Flesh And The Power It Holds', 'Crystal Mountain', 'The Philosopher' and 'Scavenger Of Human Sorrow'. All songs were transcribed by Guitar World’s ace transcription team and are note-for-note accurate. The book also features the complete life and times of Chuck Schuldiner, including interview with those who knew him best.

News

Long-running California Metallers AGENT STEEL have issued the following update: "As some of you may or may not have already heard the news that AGENT STEEL has parted ways with vocalist Bruce Hall. We as a band would like to acknowledge the accomplishments together with Bruce and the three solid Metal offerings; "Omega Conspiracy", "Order Of The Illuminati" and "Alienigma". Together we had the fortune of touring and sharing the stage in some amazing places and visited some breathtaking countries. Bruce dedicated over a decade to AGENT STEEL and for this he should be recognized, and we part on good terms. We as a band still have the fire and passion to deliver the Metal goods to fans from the past, present and future. We had been writing new material for the next chapter of AGENT STEEL and after the news got out that we separated from Bruce, we were contacted by original singer, John Cyriis. Call it destiny; call it what you will, but now the communicative channel is open between AGENT STEEL and vocalist Cyriis; we are in talks about an imminent AGENT STEEL reunion tour possibly involving Summer / Fall 2010 appearances and an extensive '2011' Metal blitz. Honestly, we do not know how long this reunion will last; however this could be the long-awaited destiny of AGENT STEEL originally interrupted, so long as everything moves forward in an evolving good working climate. Our objective regarding this AGENT STEEL reunion is attached with the intentions of providing the opportunity to not only the dedicated fans, but also to a whole new generation of Metal fans the chance to see AGENT STEEL live on stage with Cyriis; the original voice on the classic "Skeptics Apocalypse", "Unstoppable Force" and "Mad Locust Rising" releases. The legacy continues...stay tuned." More info and updates on www.myspace.com/agentsteel

Per Valla, maincomposer and guitarist of the extreme metalband ELITE, has just released his first soloalbum "4. September" as VREDEHAMMER. The first 200 copies come as a digipack with different layout. More info at www.myspace.com/vredehammer

ASPHYX have recorded two tracks at Sonic Assault studio for an upcoming split 7" with Finnish Doom / Deathers HOODED MENACE. A new track entitled 'We Doom You To Death' plus 'Bestial Vomit', which is a cover of MAJESTY (U.S.), that originally appeared on their 1988 demo. The EP will be released via Doomentia Records. www.doomentia.com

A Lesson In Metal... Steve Asheim

Crazy Motherfucker!!!

Interview: Lust (Mexico)

Today we have this interview with Mauricio "El Chamaco" bassist and vocal of Mexican Thrashers Lust!!!

1.- How was born the idea to create Lust?
- Was born with a group of friends from the high school and the need of expres in a musical way. In the beggining we couldn´t say that we had a style, and this idea gradually became in what is now Lust, through 13 years of life.

2.- Do you remember how was the scene in Mexico in these days?
- The scene was more hermetic, the globalization had not affected the world in those days, we had a real band - fan relationship that we don´t have now.Back in the days, we went to saw our favorite band although this was national. Now all looks like a competence about who have more discs, a better guitar, or more patches in their jacket.

3.- Your first demo was recorded in 1999, how was the experience of record?
- The recordings of Lust always has been done by us, in our home or in a studio. The experience was calm, we do not hurry, because we do not pay for time and stuff like that. When we record Lust, normally we already have the idea of what will be; is not like in other bands where they going to the studio to compose or get some inspiration.

4.- Between your EP in 2001 and your next demo, passed a long time, 5 years... What happened with Lust in that time?
- In that time, we recorded 3 songs for a Split with the maximus Raped God, to this date has not been edited. The time goes fast, and we work on material for "Eternal Disgrace" demo and the "Possessed" Lp.



5.- How long it took to be ready with the songs and record "Possessed"?
- A lot; was 2 years of composition and a lot of gigs... Before, Lust was a much more a live band, i think that was the reason for the long time to compose and record.

6.- "Possessed" opened the gates for the European Tour?
- I don´t think the Lp was the reason. I think what made us visit the old continent were the impetus for Lust to find new listeners, that people could know the band live and then decide if a disc is worth it.

7.- What was the most memorable moment of that tour?
- See how music can unite continents, how the metalic brothers of other countries feel the same energy with the music, with the power of Metal. And of course hehehehehe the beer, so many! I don´t know what to do.

8.- You had some line up changes, now do you have a strong line up?
- Lust have 13 years of life, and we had a lot of members at this time, guitarrists, bassists, drummers, and singers. The line up of Lust is not based on me or somebody else, is based in the need to go against of the stablished, even into the Metal, this is what Lust needs to have a line up.

9.- Do you have near plans for Lust?
- The only plan that Lust have, is non stop. We don´t need play live, or every year put a new album for been a active band. All this, is a global tendency... Lust goes against that.



10.- Talking about the Mexican scene, how can we stay away from the trends that kill Metal?
- Stop watch the TV, don´t buying records in the monopoly stores. Send all the globalization to the shit, is not a retroces. Is simply make the decision to non accept this, stop think about the american dream of the yanquis (americans). And like fans, respect and support what it´s worth.

11.- Could you recommend some Mexican bands to our readers?
- That would be a little purpose. Is that people discover the band that nobody else knows. That stop say to us what is good, is better do it for yourself. Internet? Is valid, the gigs are valid too, the thing is go and watch, that not be told! I recommend that you listen a lot of bands, for sure 5 or more bands worth much!

12.- What is the most important thing that music gives to you?
- The reason to know what i want for my life and the chance to expres what i feel.

13.- Could you describe the sound of Lust in 5 words?
- 5 words? That´s hard hehehe... Mmmmm dirty, fast, irreverent, metal, Mexico. Ok that´s 5 hehehe.

14.- What is Thrash Metal for you?
- Thrash Metal is a way, the most fast form to expres your feelings, that they realize how you lives.

15.- New material of Lust?
- Almost almost. We gonna try to record the new Lust assault in the middle of the year, we hope it´s done for the second half of the year.

16.- For last something to add?
- Sure, thanks for the support to Lust all this time. Metal Til Die!



You can chekc this guys on:
www.myspace.com/lustcurse

News

Vincent Crowley, frontman for Ibex Moon Records ACHERON, has issued the following statement regarding the band's future: "After 22 years of existence, Black / Death / Thrash Metal band ACHERON are calling it quits! The band has released 5 original full length CDs, 3 mini- CDs, 1 cover-tribute CD and a number of other underground releases. ACHERON will end on a familiar note by doing one last run of “Rites Of The Black Mass” shows until January 1st, 2011. After that ACHERON will be done for good (no more shows or albums)! So keep an eye out for selected shows that they will be appearing at this year, because it will be the last time you get to see them live! The line-up for the final shows will be Vincent Crowley (vocals / bass), Art Taylor (guitar), Eric Stewart (guitar) and Scott Pletcher (drums). Promoters interested in booking ACHERON for their "The Last Rites" farewell shows 2010, contact us on myspace or at vincentcrowley@hotmail.com."

Stockholm's CRUCIFYRE have recently been signed by Pulverised Records. The band has already completed their debut full-length album, the follow-up to 2006's "Thessalonian Death Cult" demo. More details about the new album will be revealed soon. Here's the official press statement from CRUCIFYRE's drummer Y. Hillborg: "Working with Pulverised Records feels great. It's like we've come home and have been given the chance to do what we do best, to deliver auditory terror in the most evil and aggressive way". CRUCIFYRE's line-up features members from legendary Swedish acts MORBID, CREMATORY, AFFLICTED, NASUM and GENERAL SURGERY. More info at www.myspace.com/crucifyre

Canadian BEGRIME EXEMIOUS first CD "Impending Funeral Of Man" was recently released through Dark Descent Records. The CD includes 9 tracks in a playing time around 45 minutes packed in a eight-page booklet with artwork from various artists. The vinyl version will be released at a later date. Check out www.darkdescent.net for ordering details or write to darkdescentrecords@gmail.com for more info.

Megadeth In Mexico!

Playing all the fucking RUST IN PEACE!!!

Do You Remeber This?

FUCK YEAH!!!

News

Tampa, Florida's DIABOLIC have been added to several dates of CANNIBAL CORPSE's "Evisceration Plague Tour" that is scheduled to kick off today (April 20) in Orlando, Florida. Check out our tourdates section for the confirmed dates. According to a statement from DIABOLIC: “We are excited to announce that we have been added to these shows of the CANNIBAL CORPSE “Evisceration Plague” tour! This is our first US tour since 2002 when we were out with DIMMU BORGIR, CRYPTOPSY and KRISIUN, and we look forward to seeing our fans again, and to playing new songs from our upcoming CD, "Excisions Of Exorcisms", upon the Metal masses live for the first time ever!” DIABOLIC's latest, once again featuring the production services of Juan "Punchy" Gonzalez (NILE, MORBID ANGEL) and the classic artwork of Joe Pentagno (MOTÖRHEAD, KRISIUN), will be released by Deathgasm Records on June 8th. For more information: www.diabolic-deathmetal.com, www.myspace.com/diabolic666

MASTER's upcoming new album "The Human Machine" will be released in an alternate slipcase cover edition, which will be made available in only 2000 copies worldwide. It was once again designed and painted by Eliran Kantor (Testament, Sigh, Anacrusis, GWAR, etc), who also did the actual album cover for "The Human Machine". States Eliran Kantor: "The basic idea is to have a continuation of the story told in the real front cover, after the two policemen picked up the criminal from the floor. It's a lot simpler, it's a brand new image that will add value to this limited edition, and at the same time it reacts naturally with the real cover and the overall theme carried throughout the album, as this album has a specific subject matter and the 'arrest' scene is based on Paul's original idea." "The Human Machine" will be out on April 26 in Europe and May 25 in North America. www.myspace.com/masterspeckmann

Guitarist Zyklon-A has decided to leave GRAVEHILL due to personal reasons, so the band is currently looking for a replacement. Here's a list of what they don’t want: "Posers – if you don’t know (or even marginally know) what kind of music we play, don’t waste our time! Wimps – if you are a “part-time” musician, who would rather sit at home instead of tour or allow your chick to dictate your lifestyle, don’t waste our time! Rock (cock) stars – if your ego bruises easily, with little to no sense of humor or you spend hours on your guitar solos instead of on quality riffs, don’t waste our time!" GRAVEHILL requires a guitarist who is able to write, record, and tour nationally and internationally. If you feel you meet their standards / conditions and would like to audition please contact them at: www.myspace.com/gravehill666

Lupus Lounge have signed Norway's Nàttsòl and will release their debut “Stemning” (“mood, atmosphere”) shortly. According to the label, the six piece builds on Scandinavian nature mysticism as well as the archaic aggression of Norse Black Metal in the tradition of Ulver’s “Bergtatt”, but brings this musical lineage into the 21st century in a unique and impressive manner. Bandleader Erlend has this to say about the signing of the contract: "We are excited to have signed with Lupus Lounge and about the imminent release of our debut album. We are honoured to join the ranks of their already impressive lineup of bands and are looking forward to bringing you closer to the mystique of nature." All further info you may find at: www.myspace.com/nattsolnorway

THORNAFIRE have been invited to play the Czech Republic’s world renowned Obscene Extreme Festival (July 15–17, 2010). Guitarist Victor Mac-Namara had this to say about the honor. “We come from the Hell of South America, spreading our twisted and poisoned madness for several years and are very pleased to participate in this great festival. We will deliver the dark vibes of our latest CD "Vorex Deconstrucción" from the stage, as well as our past work. In this strange current era where expression is dispersing and vanishing, even underground music, the powerful presence of our music will not go unnoticed!” THORNAFIRE will also be adding show dates in other European countries during the month of July, so be on the lookout. www.myspace.com/thornafire

Todd Weaver, bassist for Apollo Ra and Museum Of Fear was killed in an automobile accident on April 9, 2010 in Essex MD. All of his former bandmates and friends are deeply shocked and saddened by this. Rest In Peace, Todd.

Within the next weeks, Detest Records will release the following items: MIASMAL first 7" EP (in collaboration with Me Saco Un Ojo Records), ENTRAPMENT first demo tape and GRAVEHAMMER - "Ensnared In Dismal Blasphemies" 7". More info is to be found on www.detestrecords.com

The new CEMETERY URN album "The Conquered Are Burned" will finally be be released on April 19 after several delays.

Official Statement about Peter Steele

Fromn their Official website:

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Type O Negative front man, bassist, and our band mate, Peter Steele passed away last night of what appears to be heart failure.
Ironically Peter had been enjoying a long period of sobriety and improved health and was imminently due to begin writing and recording new music for our follow up to "Dead Again" released in 2007.
The official cause of death has yet to be determined pending autopsy results. The funeral services will be private and memorial services will be announced at a future date. We’d like to share our thoughts and those of Peter’s family below.
We are truly saddened to lose our friend and appreciate the tremendous outpouring today from around the world.

Sincerely,
Josh, Kenny and Johnny

A Lesson In Metal...

Today we have some new section... A Lesson In Metal is just about the most sickest, greatest and memorable shits of the Heavy Metal musicians.



Fuck yeah! Dave Navarro is shocked about the Spiderchord of Dave Mustaine!!!
This shit is hard to play...