BLACK METAL NEWS 3/31/5

BLACK METAL NEWS:

~ AURA NOIR Guitarist Undergoes Surgery After Fifth-Floor Fall ~

According to the U.K.'s Terrorizer magazine, Carl-Michael "Aggressor" Eide (AURA NOIR, INFERNÖ, VIRUS, VED BUENS ENDE, ex-CADAVER, ex-DHG/DODHEIMSGARD) fell from (or jumped off, depending on whose story you believe) a five-story building in Oslo, Norway on Saturday (March 26). He is currently undergoing extensive surgery and the outcome is still not determined. Friends, family and fans all over the world are in shock and can only hope that he'll pull through and make as complete a recovery as possible. Carl Michael is a highly respected musician in the scene, a unique talent and a great personality who has touched and enriched a lot of people's lives.

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~ GORGOROTH Guitarist Discusses Controversial Polish Gig, Singer GAAHL's Prison Sentence ~

GORGOROTH founder/guitarist Infernus recently spoke to the Swedish webzine MetalHeart.se about a number of topics, including the controversial concert in Poland that resulted in the group being investigated for offending religious feelings, singer Gaahl's conviction for beating a 41-year-old man and threatening to drink his blood, and the group's upcoming studio album. Several excerpts from the interview follow:

MetalHeart.se: [GORGOROTH singer] Gaahl stands accused of assulting a 41-year-old man, and has been sentenced to 14 months in prison. What has been your, and the rest of the group's reactions to the accusations and sentence so far?

Infernus: "This was not in any way surprising us, that he, a self-proclaimed Satanist with a record of dealing properly with people attacking him, would himself turn out to be victimized in front of a Norwegian court. Normally, taken into consideration that as far as I understand, he was the one being attacked by some moron with a weapon in his own home, one could expect some three months or so imprisonment here due to the damages inflicted on the attacker. But we knew long time ahead that this court case could, of course, not be held in any fair way towards him. Anyone knowing the structures of how the court system here works, letting the co-judges decide the outcome of the question of guilt and proper punishment based more upon how they most sentimentally might feel on contrary to applying strict reason, should agree to that."

MetalHeart.se: What really happended on that night when the crime that Gaahl is accused of is said to have been comitted?

Infernus: "He was attacked in front of almost [ten] witnesses, [all of whom] immediately, as I understood it, left the room. Upon their return some time later both the fellows were bleeding, but just one of them still on his feet. Not more hocus pocus than that."

MetalHeart.se: What will happen to GORGOROTH as a functioning musical act if Gaahl ends up going to prison?

Infernus: "Same old, same old. Hehe. I guess we will write more material and enter studio again awaiting his release. Just like last time. It's not the end of the world anyway, is it?"

MetalHeart.se: In February 2004 GORGOROTH was accused, after a concert in Poland, of having "offended religious feelings" in the country, and also to have broken the Polish law on protection of animals. What was it that did upset the Polish authorities that much?

Infernus: "You really have to adress that question somewhere else. My number one guess is that this is first and foremost a matter of greed and another way those Polish people find to economically exploit the world around them. First they become a member of the EU, now this - hehe..."

MetalHeart.se: Where do you think this court case will lead? Will all of GORGOROTH go to prison?

Infernus: "No, I do not think so. As I said, it is probably just economically motivated. Those mongos most of all want our money. Not to see our asses in a Polish prison. Easy as that."

MetalHeart.se: Is it a coincidence that these accusations came from Poland, or has it maybe its background in the strong position that the Catholic church holds in that country?

Infernus: "Of course, as all people know, even under Jaruzelski the catholic church in poland was very popular. As we know they even have a very strong following there as we speak. Such a massive impact of such a conservative Christian institution of course stretches out into other sociological spheres undermining their law system et cetera, so after the media took on to it - of course it had a great deal to say that we were located in dark medieval Poland when recording the DVD."

MetalHeart.se: During the past few years, you, apart from GORGOROTH, have been involved in a project called ORCUSTUS. Is this group a solo project or a band, and are you still active?

Infernus: "It is not a solo project, it is a band, and I am still active, yes. We were in studio a few weeks ago recording some three teasers to be used on some different occasions before we will release our first full-length, 'Transdimensional Holocaust', on Southern Lord Records."

Infernus' entire interview with MetalHeart.se (in Swedish) can be found at:
http://www.metalheart.se/asp/intervju.asp?ID=54 .

*(Thanks: David Noaksson / MetalHeart.se)

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~ SUIDAKRA: New Song Available For Download ~

German melodic black/death metallers SUIDAKRA have uploaded a full-length MP3 of their track "Reap the Storm" at their newly revamped web site. Check it out at Suidakra.com.

"Reap the Storm" comes off the group's upcoming seventh album, "Command to Charge", due on April 25 via Armageddon Music. A limited-edition digipack containing bonus material will also be available.

The follow-up to 2003's "Signs for the Fallen", "Command to Charge" was recorded at Gernhard studio in Siegburg, Germany. Mastering duties were handled at the Monoposto Mastering Studio (DIE TOTEN HOSEN, SCORPIONS, TITO & TARANTULA etc.). Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Decibel Dance", "The Alliance", "Strange Perfection", "Second Skin", "C14_Measured By Infinity", "The End Beyond Me", "Dead Man's Reel" (instrumental), "A Runic Rhyme" (acoustic) and "Gathered In Fear" (acoustic).

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~ THANATOS To Enter Studio In June ~

Long-running Dutch death/thrash metal band THANATOS will enter Excess Studios in Rotterdam in late June to record two songs that will be used for future releases. The band will record a new version of the classic THANATOS track "And Jesus Wept" (originally featured on 1992's "Realm of Ecstasy") plus a blistering version of the DARK ANGEL classic "The Burning of Sodom".

THANATOS are currently busy writing new songs for their fifth full-length album, to be recorded before the end of the year. The group's fourth album, "Undead. Unholy. Divine", was released last summer through Greece's Black Lotus Records. The follow-up to 2000's "Angelic Encounters", "Undead. Unholy. Divine" was produced by Hans Pieters and the band at Excess Studios and was mastered by Attie Bauw (JUDAS PRIEST, SCORPIONS, GOREFEST).
*(THANKS: blabbermouth.net )

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~ SUSPERIA Complete Work On New Video, Plan 'Special Edition' Album Release ~

SUSPERIA, the extreme melodic metal band from Norway, have completed work on a video for the track "Devil May Care" from their third full-length album, "Unlimited". It features highlights from SUSPERIA's recent and most successful tour of Europe, including footage from their impressive performance at 2004's Inferno Festival.

SUSPERIA are expected to start work on their fourth album late summer. In the meantime, the band have bowed to pressure from fans and will release the cover songs that they have occasionally been performing at selected shows. The songs "Lack of Comprehension" (originally recorded by DEATH), "Wild Child" (originally recorded by W.A.S.P.) and the much-sought-after version of "The Sun Always Shines On TV" (a worldwide hit for fellow Norwegians A-HA) are set for inclusion on a special-edition album entitled "Devil May Care", which is expected to be released in Europe in May. The album will also include the "Unlimited" album track "Devil May Care" as well as a new song, "Venting the Anger". As an added bonus, the release will contain the promo videos for "Chemistry" and "Devil May Care".

SUSPERIA released their third full-length album, "Unlimited", last year through the Tuba label in Europe and Candlelight in the USA. The album went on to become a firm favorite with both fans and media around the world, being recognized with a nomination in the "Metal" category at Norway's prestigious Alarm awards. The video for the song "Chemistry" continues to receive regular airplay through such video outlets as MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball", Havoc TV, NRK and Scuzz.

SUSPERIA have been confirmed as the main support act for Bay Area thrash legends TESTAMENT on their upcoming European "Reunion Tour". Also appearing on the bill will be DIVINE EMPIRE from the USA and DEMOLITION from Austria.

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~MAYHEM'S Drummer To Play For DIMMU BORGIR? ~

In regards to online reports that MAYHEM's Jan Axel Blomberg (aka drummer Hellhammer) has agreed to play drums on DIMMU BORGIR's next album, a representative from Nuclear Blast Records has shot down the reports as "just a rumor... that will not happen."

The label also reports that another, yet-to-be-named drummer will play on Dimmu Borgir's re-recording of their second album, "Stormblast" (originally released in 1996 via Cacophonous Records) , to take place later this year.   The Norwegian symphonic black metallers had previously utilized the services of NILE's Tony Laureano and Reno Kiilerich (PANZERCHRIST, EXMORTEM, VILE) as touring members following the departure of Nick Barker (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH) in early 2004.  More details as they become available.

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~ THUS DEFILED: New Album To Feature ROTTING CHRIST's SAKIS ~

U.K. black metallers THUS DEFILED will fly to the U.S. in April to record their new album, "Daemonspawn", at Noise Farm Studio in Texas. Sakis from the legendary ROTTING CHRIST will be providing backing vocals on the album. The band will also make their first appearance on U.S. soil as special guests to DEMONCY at the Backroom in Austin on April 15. *(News source: blabbermouth.net )

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~ ENFORSAKEN Set Working Title For New Album ~

Arlington Heights, Illinois-based death metallers ENFORSAKEN have set "Sinners' Institution" as the working title of their new album, tentatively due this fall via Century Media/Olympic Records. The follow-up to 2004's "The Forever Endeavor" will be recorded in May and will feature artwork by Dutch artist Fred Vanhardeveld. "Fred has sent us quite a few samples already, and things are looking pretty good!" the band write on their web site.

Regarding the direction of the new material, the group write, "The new music is much darker/heavier than some of our earlier material, but at the same time, still very melodic. Two years have passed since 'The Forever Endeavor' sessions, and we definitely have 'evolved' a bit. This time we really want to try and get the art to match the feel of the music. We basically have all the material written for the next cd at this point, so now it's just a matter of fine-tuning a few things. . .We'll also return to playing live shows this summer. We're looking to play quite a few shows in July and August. We'd like to do some out of state road trips, so if you're in a band/promoter and can book us, let us know!"

"The Forever Endeavor" was released in Japan last September through Soundholic Records. The Japanese pressing of the CD includes four additional "bonus" tracks - three previously unreleased numbers and a cover of CARCASS' "Incarnated Solvent Abuse".

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~ BENEDICTION Hard At Work On New Album ~

Death metal veterens BENEDICTION have finally started work in earnest on their follow-up album to 2001's "Organised Chaos". Vocalist Dave Hunt, guitarists Darren Brookes and Peter Rew, and bassist Frank Healy will be assisted in the writing and fine-tuning of the forthcoming tracks by their old drummer, Neil Hutton, and ex-DIMMU BORGIR / CRADLE OF FILTH drummer Nick Barker. It has not yet been determined who will be drumming on the new release, but the live drummer will more than likely be Nick Barker. Barker has been a longtime friend of the band and shares their love of all things metal. Also rumoured to be assisting the band during the writing process are various members of MISTRESS, ANAAL NATHRAKH and BOLT THROWER.

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~ Former THE CROWN, GARDENIAN Members Join Forces In ENGEL ~

ENGEL, the new Gothenburg Sweden-based quintet featuring guitarists Marcus Sunesson (ex-THE CROWN) and Niclas Engelin (PASSENGER, ex-GARDENIAN, IN FLAMES), drummer Mojjo (RELEVANT FEW, DRACENA), bassist Robert Hakemo (ex-GARDENIAN, GOOSEFLESH) and vocalist Mangan Klavborn, have launched their official web site at: www.engelpropaganda.com . Available for download on the site is a brand new demo track, entitled "Walk the Wounded".

According to a posting on the group's web site, "Rrecruiting acclaimed Danish producer/engineer Tue Madsen (MNEMIC, THE HAUNTED, etc.) to mix the self-produced/recorded demo (recorded in their rehearsal room), helped the band garner what they want to achieve with ENGEL. ENGEL is a collaboration between five experienced musicians with a common hunger and goal. This unit is treated as a number one priority for everyone involved and they are ready to deliver what ever it takes. They strive to forge a sound that would not only stand the test of time but also push their talents to the very max."

*(News source: blabbermouth.net )

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~ Vocalist JAMES RIVERA Joins KILLING MACHINE ~

Vocalist James Rivera (HELSTAR, SEVEN WITCHES) has reportedly joined KILLING MACHINE, the new band featuring German guitarist and founding member Peter Scheithauer (STREAM, played with KISS drummer Eric Singer), San Diego-based drummer Jon Dette (ex-SLAYER, TESTAMENT) and bassist David Ellefson (F5, ex-MEGADETH). The band, whose sound is being described as "a JUDAS PRIEST / SLAYER combo," are said to have several great marketing opportunities lined up, with the group's mascot (a cyborg-like, machine gun toting creature) set to be plastered on various forms of merchandise that will be widely marketed in stores such as Hot Topic, plus a comic book based around the lyrical concepts and even a video game. A record deal is currently in the works. However, one performance has already been scheduled: Friday, June 17 at a benefit festival in Ft. Myers, FL.
*(News source: blabbermouth.net )

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~ Former HIRAX Members Join Forces In WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION ~

Former HIRAX members Gary Monardo (bass), Johnny Tabares (drums, HIRAX's "Raging Violence" album), and Bob Savage (guitar, HIRAX's 1984 demo) have joined forces with ex-WARGOD singer Robbie Perkins in a reformed version of their pre-HIRAX band COLD BLOOD, now going under the moniker WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION (W.O.M.D.). The group are currently in the process of writing material for a three-song demo, to be released this summer.

COLD BLOOD's 1987 demo, which features the above-mentioned lineup, can be downloaded for free at: http://hiraxmetal.com/coldblood_family.html .