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All the news thats fit to print.

December 12, 2006

Cloven Hoof have issued the following update: "Limelight Club Crewe [United Kingdom] on Thursday 29th March 2007, will be the first venue to feature the reunited lineup. It promises to be quite a night as the band will be committed to tight recording deadlines for the early part of 2007. So a rare chance to see the band live in action as they tear through a set packed with Hoof classics. Two songs from the forthcoming album, 'Throne of Damnation', will also get an airing for the first time, so be there and prepare to feel the power!"

The band was recently rejoined by vocalist Russ North. "After endless rumours and speculation Cloven Hoof can confirm the main frontman has returned to the fold at last," the group wrote on its web site. "Russ has been previously unable to commit fully to the band due to contractual obligations in Spain. However these have been resolved and he has rejoind the band in England to start work on the follow up album to 'Eye of the Sun'.

"Jon Brown [drums] and Roy Chudobskyi [guitar] have been approached to rejoin the group to start work on the latest album demos. The opus will be called 'Throne of Damnation'. Lee Payne said it will be a return to 'A Sultan's Ransom' epic power, but with a modern cutting edge."

Rekuiem has started on a brand new album, provisionally titled 'Raise the Dead'. The record is planned for release mid-2007 and will feature around twelve brand new compositions of the heaviest variety, that is assured! The band would like to leave their mark as one of the more classic British metal bands and this record will strive to do just that; we won't be following the latest 'trends' as so many try to do — quite the opposite, we will be trying to create our own new trend in classic British metal for others to follow in the years to come. The band also plan to play live shows from mid-2007 onwards, which will hopefully include a few high-profile festival appearances in the summer/autumn of 2007. Sometime during this period rekuiem also hope to shoot a live DVD for fans who are not able to catch the band live. The DVD will hopefully feature most of the classic tracks from 'Time Will Tell' along with some of the new songs from the planned new studio album. Also keep your eyes peeled for the limited edition release of 'Time Will Tell' on vinyl and Rekuiem digital downloads!"

December 7, 2006

Girlschool have announced the details of their rescheduled German dates, set to take place in February. The group's schedule is shaping up as follows:

Jan. 13 - Thessaloniki, Greece @ Xylourgeio, Mylos Complex
Jan. 14 - Athens, Greece @ The Underworld Club
Feb. 08 - Jenna, Germany @ Rosenkeller
Feb. 09 - Ortenberg/Selters, Germany @ Eulenspiegel
Feb. 10 - Töging, Germany @ Silo 1
Feb. 11 - Stuttgart, Germany @ Universum
Feb. 12 - Essen, Germany @ Zeche Carl
Feb. 13 - Nürnberg, Germany @ Musikverein
Feb. 14 - Speyer, Germany @ Flaming Star
Feb. 15 - Berlin, Germany @ Wild @ Heart
Feb. 16 - Dresden, Germany @ Titty Twister
Feb. 17 - Siegen, Germany @ Vortex

November 30, 2006

Escape Records will reissue Cloven Hoof's classic power metal albums "Dominator" (1988) and "A Sultan's Ransom" (1989) as part of a boxed double album deluxe set. Two bonus tracks are included, along with a glossy booklet containing rare archive pictures.

The band were recently rejoined by vocalist Russ North. "After endless rumours and speculation we can confirm the main frontman has returned to the fold at last," the group wrote on its web site. "Russ has been previously unable to commit fully to the band due to contractual obligations in Spain. However these have been resolved and he has rejoind the band in England to start work on the follow up album to 'Eye of the Sun'.

Saxon is scheduled to play a one off show in Sheffield according to a post on their official website. "This is not a secret. The band are doing a one-off special gig at Sheffield City Hall on Friday the 26th of January. As part of the ongoing filming, this will be a full production show as the venue is seated. We've been given a special number for our fans to be able to get tickets on Thursday the 30th of November — the tickets go on sale on Friday the 1st — so you've got one day. The telephone nr. and code is: 0114 2789789 and quoting the password 'Lionheart'."

Blitzkrieg, Germany's Sinner and Anglo-Italian melodic power metal band Power Quest have been confirmed for the Bloodstock Indoor Festival, set to take place Saturday, September 1, 2007 at the Derby Assembly Rooms, Market Square, Derby, England.

Blitzkrieg have also been confirmed for the Play It Loud Festival, set to take place February 17, 2007 in Milan, Italy. Headlining the event will be Raven.

November 15, 2006

Witchfinder General has reformed and is presently holding auditions to replace singer Zeeb Parkes. "Derm [drummer Dermot Redmond], Rod [Hawkes, bass] and Phil [Cope, guitar] are back together and it's official," reads a press release. "They start recording two tracks next weekend with a view to doing the third album. The band are currently looking for a vocalist to replace Zeeb.

"We have been asked so many questions about what has happened to Zeeb Parkes? The name Zeeb Parkes was invented purely for the band. When the band split, Zeeb Parkes ceased to be. The character behind Zeeb Parkes who wishes to keep his identity anonymous has moved on to other things."

Commented Phil: "It is no secret that the friendship between Zeeb and myself has finished. Looking back Zeeb was an inspiration to us all and I have some great and happy memories of him, so many that I could write a bestseller about it! But Zeeb is into other things now and I wish him all the best.

"We are back together hopefully to record the 'elusive' third album. There may even be a track including the first rhythm section of Steve [Kinsell, drums] and Toss [McCready, bass], if they can be forced out of retirement ha! ha! This is a small thanks to everyone who has stood by the band. The guys have no plans to ever play live again but at least new material is on its way."

November 10, 2006

Mick Priestly of Buffalo has announced their website has been totally revamped and after seeing it myself, i must say its a killer of a website. It includes a lot of new things and info about their new upcoming albums. Go check out the new website.

November 9, 2006

Rekuiem are currently going through ideas for the anticipated new album for release summer 2007! No title as yet but one thing is agreed — that the new record will be heavy, real heavy!!! Other things in the pipeline are a vinyl release for 'Time Will Tell', also digital downloads via iTunes, etc. While we await feedback from reviews and record sales, we look forward to seeing some of you live in 2007."

November 7, 2006

Cloven Hoof, Jaguar and Attacker are among the bands that have been confirmed for the British Steel Festival 2, set to take place April 28, 2007 at The Pitz, Milton Keynes, England. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Cloven Hoof
Jaguar
Attacker
Chariot

For more information on what looks like to be one hell of a show, visit the British Steel Festival website.

October 31, 2006

News from The Handsome Beasts camp.

We are proud to announce that Simon Hall is now the new vocalist with The Handsome Beasts. Pictures of Simon can be found on The Handsome Beasts website Gallery. Alongside fronting his own covers band Beholder, Simon is also pleased to front the NWoBHM giants The Handsome Beasts. The request to join the band was suggested by Gary himself prior to his death, but obviously not taken as a serious comment. Yet since the recent death of his dear friend, Simon is honored to continue where Gary left off, alongside this Simon’s comments were

“If I don’t take the job he’ll come back and f**kin’ haunt me !”

Having toured the UK and Europe on several occasions with previous bands, Simon has took on The Handsome Beasts mantle as one of the forerunners in delivering the complete rock and metal package.

Unapologetic, Uncompromising and Unrelenting in his approach to live music, the big guy has made many friends along the way due to his straight talking no nonsense attitude towards the current music scene. Having graced the stage with close friends such as Pete Way(UFO), Blackfoot, Budgie, American Dog and Dave Hluebeck (Molly Hatchet) he has bridged the gap between the old school rock and the harder metal scene, bringing a powerful performance laced with a melodic intensity second to none.

Alongside his antics on the stage, Simon is the founder creator of DS Promotions, who over the years have been responsible for bringing Stateside and European acts to the UK, along with developing breakthrough bands, although this task does take its toll as a recent interview would suggest…

“If these little berks would think more about song structure than trying to impress me with dodgy gothic make-up, the inability to pull their trousers up and lyrics about having a difficult paper round – then they might get more gigs !”

With his fingers on the pulse of Modern Metal, but with toes firmly embedded in the foundations of Classic Rock, Simon is pleased to bring a fresh, unyielding approach to the band and bring you a show which should not to be missed.

The Handsome Beasts are pleased to inform that since their triumphant shows at The British Steel Festival, along with their show with GMT, the will be playing on the 14th Dec with Tygers of Pan Tang and Demon.

October 28, 2006

Area Cult Records, a new division of the Area Death label are happy to announce their collaboration with the legendary heavyweights from the Midlands, Arc. The band members will start to rehearse in the near future, and will play a few select dates next year. Furthermore a wealth of material is to be released in early 2007, which will include a complete anthology of their recorded material from the 1980's, with loads of never before heard songs. Further releases will include newly recorded material, with reworked versions of old songs, as well as a wealth of brand new material. More updates will be coming soon.

October 27, 2006

Girlschool have announced the following European tour dates:

Nov. 15 - Berlin, GER @ Wild at Heart
Nov. 16 - Chemnitz, GER @ Bunker
Nov. 17 - Ortenberg/Selters, GER @ Eulenspiegel
Nov. 18 - Siegen, GER @ Vortex
Nov. 19 - Essen, GER @ Zeche Carl
Nov. 20 - Stuttgart, GER @ Universum
Nov. 21 - Köln, GER @ Underground
Nov. 22 - Nürnberg, GER @ Musikverein
Nov. 23 - I-Rom, GER @ Jailbreak Club
Nov. 24 - Töging, GER @ Silo 1
Nov. 25 - Dresden, GER @ Titty Twister
Jan. 13 - Thessaloniki, GRE @ Xylourgeio, Mylos Complex
Jan. 14 - Athens, GRE @ The Underworld Club

October 17, 2006

Many thanks to our friend Boris who has sent us an interview he did with Craig Riggsdale of Samurai and we have amended our previous interview that we posted to reflect what Boris sent along with the pics that Craig sent last week. Its a very enjoyable read so go check it out in our Band Interviews section. Thanks Boris!

October 16, 2006

Diamond Head, one of the most influential British rock bands of the past 25 years, will release their new DVD, entitled "To the Devil His Due", in North America on November 21, 2006.

"To the Devil His Due" was recorded at London's Astoria theatre on November 4, 2005, and features a mixture of classic tracks and new material. It is the first Diamond Head DVD to feature singer Nick Tart, who made his debut on 2005's critically acclaimed album "All Will Be Revealed".

"To the Devil His Due" is both a celebration of Diamond Head 's heritage and a reaffirmation that the band is very much back in business. As guitarist and founder member Brian Tatler explains, "We've never sounded better live, and a lot of that comes down to having a new singer. Nick has re-energized the band. He's brought a lot of fresh ideas and fresh enthusiasm. And the response we've had to the new material has been fantastic."

Majestic Rock Records has launched its "Archive" series of rare live and studio recordings with the limited-edition, Internet-only release of a previously unreleased live recording from Jaguar.

"Holland '82" was recorded at the Siesta Club, Hengelo, Holland on December 17, 1982 and is described as "a superb soundboard recording capturing the band at the height of its powers." Strictly limited to 1,000 copies and containing sleeve notes from JAGUAR guitarist Garry Pepperd, "Holland '82" is available for pre-order now at Majestic Rock

Jaguar is currently writing material for a new studio album, which they plan on recording later in the year. No further information is currently available.

October 9, 2006

Craig Riggsdale of Samurai wrote us this past week to see if we would be interested in any old pics and other items of the band and well we sure as hell said yes! Since i dont really have a section for band pics, i made the band a page in the Band Interviews section. Click here to check the pics out and thanks much Craig! Our place is your place.

October 8, 2006

Raven performed an abbreviated set at the Rockzinante Excalibur Metal Festival in Alcala de Henares, Spain last Saturday, September 30. The group's bassist/vocalist John Gallagher has since posted the following message on the band's web site explaining the circumstances being the shortened performance:

"We'd like to apologize to the people that waited all day to see us only to have us play about 30 minutes (at 3:30 a.m.!!!).

"Heres the story: We were all flying from Washington D.C. on Thursday, September 28th. Due to bad weather, Mark's [Gallagher, guitar] flight into D.C. was cancelled and he missed the flight to Paris, so he had to fly the next day — and had to pay full price for another ticket as he was a no-show. So he gets into Paris the day of the show at 1:00 p.m. or so due to the crazy connection time in Paris (35 minutes) he missed that connection too and ended up arriving into Madrid at 7:00 p.m. The airline lost his guitars and amp rack just to add insult to injury. (I had brought one guitar for Mark so he had that at least.) A few bands were nice enough to move their shows forward (thanks Destruction, thanks Doro!!) but the promoter asked the reps of the others and they wanted to play at their alloted times… so we were told we could play last… at 2 - 3 a.m. and there was a possiblity we could get cut off. So, we gave it a shot… were told to stop and left. Then we were told to come back and play another song. Unfortunately, the sound crew had already started breaking stuff down so we had no vocals… no monitors… so it was 'arse upwards' all the way. So Mark was travelling from Thursday at noon until 10:00 p.m. when he arrived at the gig. After the gig, we got 2 hours sleep and back to the airport to face more cancellations, delays etc… Aaaaaggggghhh.

"The audience: amazingly ALL of them stayed to the end. We thank you. We apologize and hope to make it up to you with a REAL show in 2007."

September 28, 2006

Raven will perform at the Rockzinante Excalibur Metal Festival in Alcala de Henares, Spain this Saturday, September 30.

Venom will be feature on this year's "Sweden Rock Festival" DVD. Set for release on October 27, the DVD will contain live video footage of many of the bands who played at this year's festival, including the track "Black Metal" by Venom

This past March, members of Lyadrive (4 of the original 5 and 1 from a later linup) got together to celebrate 25 years of Lyadrive, with a one off, for fun only, recording session according to an email we got from Lee Burrows of the band. "In 6 hours we ran through, recorded & mixed (with no previous rehearsal i hasten to add), a version of the old Riot classic 'Warrior'. This is not for official release & only our close friends have copies. Hope you enjoy it! We had a blast!"

So in apprecaition of Lee sending us this song, we will be playing it on this weeks show. Thanks Lee!

September 22, 2006

Rekuiem has posted the following message on its official web site: Work will very soon start on a brand new Rekuiem album, as yet untitled. The record is planned for release early-to-mid 2007. The band also plan to play live shows from early 2007 onwards, which will hopefully include a few high-profile festival appearances in the summer of 2007. Sometime during this period Rekuiem also hope to shoot a live DVD for fans who are not able to catch the band live. The DVD will hopefully feature all the classic tracks from 'Time Will Tell' along with a few new songs from the planned new studio album."

September 21, 2006

Lee Payne of Cloven Hoof writes us to tell us some excellent news. Russ North is back in the Hoof. He has moved back to England, and he and I are doing demo's for the next Cloven hoof album to be called "Throne of Damnation." Wahoo! (that was my add on there)

The new Tygers Of Pan Tang website is up and running and can be found here.

September 5, 2006

Following the terrible news that The Handsome Beasts singer Garry Dalloway was found dead in his apartment on August 20, there was speculation on whether The Handsome Beasts would now be playing The British Steel Festival.

Garry himself had suggested his replacement before his death, and the festival organizers have now announced that The Handsome Beasts will be appearing with their new frontman, Simon Hall.

Commented the organizers in a statement: "We hope to make the day a fitting tribute to Garry and his music, and we wish The Handsome Beasts and Simon especially, the best of luck on the day and in the future."

August 31, 2006

Tank bassist/vocalist Algy Ward is putting the finishing touches on the demos for the group's upcoming album, "Sturmpanzer"

The follow-up to 2002's "Still At War" (Zoom Club Records), "Sturmpanzer" will tentatively contain the following tracks:

01. Sturmpanzer
02. Baghdad City
03. Before The Eyes Of The World
04. Lianne's Crying
05. We Are The Dead
06. Four "O" Below Zero
07. Which Part Of Fuck Off Don't You Understand
08. Remember
09. The War Machine Don't Stop
10. Unleash The Filth Hounds
11. Healing The Wounds...
12. The Hunger
13. 45 Summers
14. Tune to the Music (Status Quo cover)

August 28, 2006

Mike Stone of Demon has sent us a brand new remix of the bands song "Standing On The Edge Of The World" which we will be playing on this coming weeks show. Mike has also let us know of a brand new double cd of the band to be released on October 23, 2006, entitled "Time Has Come - The Best Of Demon. The cd will include 2 remixes from the latest album "Better The Devil You Know" for the songs "Standing...." and "Better The Devil You Know". The cd will also include many tracks from the first 2 albums "Night Of The Demon" and "The Unexpected Guest" as well as at least 1 to 3 tracks from every album for a total of 27 tracks.

The total playing time of the album is 2 hours and 24 minutes but the double cd will sell for the price of a single album! You cant get a better deal than this. For more info, check the bands website from our link page.

August 27, 2006

Oz from JJ's Powerhouse has written to tell us that they have been back in the studio and recorded a new song called "Kill To Survive" and should be ready shortly. They will send us the song to debut on the show! Excellent news!

A brand new Paul Samson CD, consisting of recordings the leader and founder of Samson was working on in the months prior to his death in 2002, will be issued on September 4 via Angel Air Records under the title "P.S...." (previously titled "Brand New Day").

Produced and engineered by Paul Samson at Yds Norwich and John McCoy at the Where? House, Norfolk, the album was completed under extremely difficult circumstances by John McCoy, and is now ready for release.

"P.S...." features the following lineup of musicians:

Paul Samson - Lead And Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Harmony And Backing Vocals, Percussion
Nicky Moore - Lead, Harmony And Backing Vocals
Ian Ellis - Bass Guitar, Harmony Vocals, Backing Vocals
Billy Fleming - Drums And Percussion
John McCoy - Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar

Composers include Paul Samson, Nicky Moore, Ian Ellis, Chris Aylmer and Barry "Thunderstick" Purkis.

"P.S...." (view cover artwork here) track listing:

01. No Way Out
02. Brand New Day
03. Mean Woman
04. Do Right
05. It's Going Wrong
06. Broken Heart
07. When Tomorrow Comes
08. Murder
09. Gettin' Ready
10. Precious Time
11. Shooting for the Moon

Angel Air Records released a Samson retrospective CD in April. Entitled "Tomorrow and Yesterday", the album includes an extensive (4,000-word) biography, and a 20-page booklet, featuring many previously unseen pictures.

August 23, 2006

It is with much regret that we announce the passing of Garry Dalloway, lead singer for The Handsome Beasts. Rumors of his passing surfaced on Monday with the news finally being confirmed on Tuesday.

Our thoughts and hopes go out to his family as well as fellow band mates. He will be surely missed.

A special dedication show in his honor will air this coming Friday.

August 22, 2006

Blitzkrieg will support German metal queen Doro on her U.K. dates in November. The details are as follows:

Nov. 07 - Bradford, UK @ Rio's
Nov. 08 - Dudley, UK @ JB's
Nov. 09 - Nottingham, UK @ Rock City
Nov. 10 - London, UK @ Camden Underworld

August 11, 2006

The classic album Terminator by Preyer has been remastered and released on Marquee Records in the USA, Japan and South America. Released originally in 1986, this version includes 3 bonus tracks taken from their "Raizin Hell " demo from 1987. Also includes extensive liner notes and rare pictures. For more information on this classic, please go here.

August 8, 2006

Buzz Elliot of Hammerhead has written us with this excellent news that after a very long wait the Hammerhead website finally went online today and can be found here. I have seen the site already and its very well done. The fan letters is an impressive bit of web-do-flatchy type stuff that i have no idea how to make happen so im pretty damn impressed. Go check it out!

July 13, 2006

Mick Buffalo of Buffalo has written us to say there are two new Buffalo albums being released worldwide on 27th July through Twilight Records (website). The 16 track CD album is called "Ride the Beast" and the 12" vinyl collectors edition LP is called "Bones of the Beast". I have attached the CD inlay booklet in .pdf format. The 12" vinyl LP format uses different tracks to make 27 tracks on both!

The record labels are German ~Karthago Records (website),who are making the CD and High Roller Records making the Vinyl 12" LP (website)

Excellent news Mick! And i trust these will find their way to the Old School Metal Show?

June 28, 2006

As we have mentioned in a past news item, Elixir is coming to the States for the very first time ever. In fact, i believe none of the guys from the band have ever been here in any capacity so this is definatly exciting for them. They will be playing 2 shows in New York. Below is a flyer from one of the shows.

June 21, 2006

A brand new Paul Samson CD, consisting of recordings the leader and founder of the seminal NWoBHM act Samson was working on in the months prior to his death in 2002, will be issued on September 4 via Angel Air Records under the title "P.S...."

Produced and engineered by Paul Samson at Yds Norwich and John McCoy at the Where? House, Norfolk, the album was completed under extremely difficult circumstances by John McCoy, and is now ready for release.

"P.S...." features the following lineup of musicians:

Paul Samson - Lead And Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Harmony And Backing Vocals, Percussion
Nicky Moore - Lead, Harmony And Backing Vocals
Ian Ellis - Bass Guitar, Harmony Vocals, Backing Vocals
Billy Fleming - Drums And Percussion
John McCoy - Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar

June 13, 2006

Raven have just finished tracking four new songs at Assembly Line Studios in Vienna, Virginia. The project was self-produced, with Kevin 131 engineering and mixing. Kevin 131 has issued the following statement about the project.

"A few months ago John Gallagher, Raven bassist/vocalist and I came into contact with each other. I had not heard anything from them in years, so I was very glad to hear new material. We chatted a few times, then met up here at the studio. The vibe and energy was great, but I had no idea that it would translate as well as it did when we got into the studio. Raven came in to track a few tunes so they could have some ideas down before going to Germany before Bang Your Head!!! festival. The sessions sound great. It's back to old-school Raven… great energy, raw, energetic. These were quick sessions — set up and go. But something great happened — the energy and intensity is there, without being overthought and overproduced. It will be great to hear a whole record keeping this vibe when it rolls around!

"They have one song, 'Against The Grain', which, I may go out on a limb here, may be one of my favorite Raven songs in the last 10 years. Up there with 'All for One' material, in my opinion! 12-string bass, crazy guitars, trademark insane vocals. John, Mark [Gallagher, guitar] and Joe [Hasselvander, drums] are great guys — very pro, damn hilarious, and a pleasure to work with.

June 9, 2006

Ian Toomey of Bitches Sin was interviewed by Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday morning 22nd May 2006 about the resurgence of Heavy Metal after Lordi won the Eurovision contest on Saturday night. This interview is on their website.

Diamond Head have posted the following message on their official website.

"We have had some great gigs recently, and those that haven't managed to see us will soon have the chance of getting the new live album [entitled 'It's Electric' and recorded on November 4, 2005 at the London Astoria]. It comes in a nice card sleeve with a booklet inside featuring lots of great pictures and sleeve notes by Dom Lawson from Kerrang!

Diamond Head feature on the excellent new www.mpeguk.com website, where you can see the full colour pro shot video for 'Mine All Mine' amongst other things. The site also features a great video special on Joe Satriani. You will need broadband to appreciate it fully.

Saxon are currently working on a new studio album, which they plan to release in the spring of 2007. To coincide with the album's release, the band will embark on an extensive European tour. So far the following dates have been confirmed:

Feb. 28 - UK - Glasgow - Garage
Mar. 02 - UK - Belfast - Spring & Airbrake
Mar. 03 - IRL - Dublin - Temple Bar Music Centre
Mar. 04 - UK - Manchaster - Academy 2
Mar. 06 - UK - Wolverhampton - Civic Hall
Mar. 07 - UK - Nottingham - Rock City
Mar. 08 - UK - Cardiff - Coal Exchange
Mar. 09 - UK - London - Astoria
Mar. 10 - B - Antwerpen - Hof Ter Lo
Mar. 11 - NL - Amsterdam - Paradiso
Mar. 13 - GER - Köln - LMH
Mar. 14 - GER - Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle
Mar. 15 - GER - Hamburg - Markthalle
Mar. 16 - GER - Berlin - Huxleys Neue Welt
Mar. 17 - GER - Leipzig - Werk 2
Mar. 18 - GER - Lichtenfels - Stadthalle
Mar. 20 - GER - Stuttgart - Longhorn / LKA
Mar. 21 - SWI - Pratteln - Z7
Mar. 22 - F - Toulouse - Havana Cafe
Mar. 23 - ES - TBA
Mar. 24 - ES - TBA
Mar. 25 - ES - TBA
Mar. 26 - ES - TBA
Mar. 27 - ES - TBA
Mar. 29 - F - Lyon - Transbordeur
Mar. 30 - F - Paris - Elysee Montmartre
Apr. 12 - GER - Saarbrücken - Garage
Apr. 13 - GER - Langen - Stadthalle
Apr. 14 - GER - München - Große Elser Halle
Apr. 15 - ITA - Mailand - Alcatraz
Apr. 17 - ITA - Rome - Alpheus
Apr. 20 - GRE - Athen - TBA
Apr. 21 - GRE - Thessaloniki - Idrogeios
Apr. 22 - BLG - Sofia - TBA
Apr. 24 - SER - Beograd - SKC
Apr. 25 - CRO - Zagreb - Boogaloo Club
Apr. 26 - HUN - Budapest - Petofi Hall
Apr. 27 - AUT - Wien - Planet Music
Apr. 28 - CZ - Zlin - Hala Novesta
Apr. 29 - PL - Krakow - Club Studio
Apr. 30 - PL - Warszawa - Stodola
May 02 - LT - Vilnius - TBA
May 03 - LAT - Riga - TBA
May 04 - RUS - St. Petersburg - TBA
May 05 - FIN - Helsinki - Tavastia
May 06 - FIN - TBA
May 08 - SWE - Stockholm - Arenan
May 09 - N - Oslo - John Dee
May 10 - SWE - Göteborg - Trädgarn
May 11 - SWE - Malmö - KB
May 12 - GER - Osnabrück - Halle Gartlage

May 30, 2006

Venom will be embarking on the "7 Days of Hell" North American tour in late August. The seven-show trek, which will kick off on August 13 and conclude on August 28, will feature Devildriver in the support slot. So far, three dates have been released:

Aug. 18 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theater and Ballroom
Aug. 20 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
Aug. 22 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

Jaguar have been confirmed as the headliners of the Thrash Till Death festival, set to take place June 30 – July 1 in Wolfenbuttal, Germany. JAGUAR will perform on July 1.

May 25, 2006

A live video clip of Raven performing the song "Mind Over Metal" at the Keep it True festival on November 5, 2005 in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany has been posted online at this location. The clip comes off the "Keep It True V" DVD, which was made available several months ago.

The band has been confirmed for the Minneapolis Mayhem 3 festival, set to take place August 25-26 at the Star Central in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They will also perform at this year's installment of the Bang Your Head!!! festival, which is slated for June 23-24 in Balingen, Germany.

May 24, 2006

Forgot about this one...it was burried in my email for a month or so. Anyway Vonya from the all-girl band Sleek got in touch with us a while back and started sharing some info on the band. She mentioned that she had some stuff locked away in the vaults somewhere and would check out to see what she could share with us. Meanwhile she sent a pic of the band to us and i promised to post it on here so here tis!

Prior to the release of their upcoming live DVD, Diamond Head will issue a new live album, entitled "It's Electric", through Secret Records on June 26. The album was recorded at London's Astoria theatre on November 4, 2005, and features a mixture of classic tracks and new material. It is the second Diamond Head album to feature singer Nick Tart, who made his debut on 2005's critically acclaimed album "All Will Be Revealed".

The Tygers of Pan Tang have announced that they are under new management. From the 5th May 2006 Tygers of Pan Tang will be represented by G 'n' T Management. A new website will be up and running in the coming weeks. If any fans out there have any old photos and would like to share them on the site that would be great and a full credit will be given to everyone. Please send them to this email address.

The band are at the moment putting together a possible 4 or 5 track cd with some old songs re-recorded and a new track as well. The cd will only be available from the website and will be a ltd edition signed by the band with original artwork as well. A new album has a planned release for this November and will be on Angel Air Records. The band will also be playing as many live dates as possible!

Gaskin have written us to let everyone know that there is now a web site with details of this one off concert. It is at this location. On behalf of the band, we do hope to see as many of you as we can at the show. Rehearsals have just started, and believe me it sounds awesome !! Andy Woods is a real find.

May 19, 2006

Ground Attack have written to let us know that there will be a photo shoot Sat 17th June 12.00 Noon at the Red Lion Old Town, Stevenage as part of the 25th anniversary of the original photo shoot at this location. All those that were there for the original shoot 25 years ago are asked to please attend.

Mick Priestly of Buffalo has also written with the following message: The vinyl set of Buffalo is definite now!! The working name is "Bones of the Beast" and the CD album is not far behind and the working title is "Horns of Hades"....possibly some
video content too...Artwork is well advanced and will feature full lyric content on both versions..I will keep you informed of any
release date.

May 16, 2006

May 9, 2006

We have finally found a website for the legendary band Chariot. Check this site out for new music that will soon be released.

High Roller Records is now listing a limited edition of the classic lp "In More Rock" by JJ's Powerhouse. This run is limited to 500 albums and comes on vinyl. Get your copy of this classic while they are still available.

Mick Buffalo of Buffalo has written to let us know he has a new cd coming out shortly on Karthago Records out of Germany as well as a vinyl edition. More news coming.

April 23, 2006

A message we got from a Mr. Russell Saxton...Im a promoter at Potters Club in Langley Mill, Nottingham and we have a few NWoBHM bands on, Im planning for more. Sat 13th May sees Bristols Jaguar appearing at the venue with support from the Dirty Riffs. Not long ago we had Witchfynde and Im hoping to book Diamond Head and the Tygers of Pan Tang. Im also guitarist in Sack sabbath, Black Sabbath tribute www.sacksabbath.co.uk.

Predatür have just confirmed their slot at this years Zwarte Cross Festival in Lichtenvoorde, Holland. Having brought the house down the last time that they played, they have been asked back for the festivals 10th anniversary year. They will be playing the main stage at the three-day festival on Friday the 21st July 2006. For more information visit www.predatur.com and www.zwartecross.nl

Hammerhead (Buzz Elliot) have written to let us know they are working on a website for the band. It is currently under construction but bookmark it anway... their website

Pit magazine recently conducted an interview with Venom frontman Conrad "Cronos" Lant. An excerpt from the chat follows:

Pit: The second half of the nineties saw the original Venom lineup reunite. You managed to record a new studio album, "Cast In Stone", but the reunion tour only lasted for a few festival shows. Then you did "Resurrection" and did even fewer live dates. Why was it so difficult to get Venom on the road when the demand was so high?

Cronos: "Because it didn't work, that's basically it. People say to me they love the original line up and the real Venom is that lineup. But the album the drummer [Abaddon] released was more industrial and the album the guitarist [Mantas] just released an album and that's more like nu-metal. These people don't think like they did in the 1980s, you see? That Venom is gone, they've moved on. I still want to play black metal. They want to play a different type of metal. When we got together and did the likes of 'Cast In Stone', we didn't hit it off. We don't like each other, basically. What happened in the Eighties was fine, but today we are all different people. So it's my responsibility to find other like-minded people who want to do this, and that's what we've got for this new album ['Metal Black']. I've got two guys in the band that think the same way I do and want to create black metal. They don't want to get synthesizers and keyboards; we want to create proper black metal. I totally agree with people that Venom was cool, that's what I'm trying to create. That's what I'm trying to do. When we got back together for 'Cast In Stone', we realized that we weren't the best of friends. We went out and tried to do as many gigs as possible but the conflicts got the better of us, really. Then we rearranged the members and the drummer left to do his own thing. Then the guitarist left and I've replaced him. But Antonn was on 'Resurrection' and Mykus was the second guitarist on the 'Calm Before The Storm' album. When he joined Venom he thought he was joining the Eighties Venom, but we were on the move and doing different styles of stuff. It's his criteria coming back now that he's going to play real Venom stuff and not fuck around. We are going to play real Venom the way it's meant to be played."

Pit: Do you have any relationship currently with Mantas and Abbadon?

Cronos: "Only business, only business. I have to contact them because albums means money and we've got to do deals and business, so I contact them for that reason only. But there is no socializing at all."

April 14, 2006

Diamond Head, one of the most influential British rock bands of the past 25 years, will play a special club show on June 2 at The Pitz in Milton Keynes, England.

For any rock fans who will be in the Milton Keynes area on the night before the Monsters Of Rock show, Diamond Head guarantee a night of classic rock action.

Milton Keynes holds a special place in the history of Diamond Head. It was there in 1993 that the band played before an audience of 60,000 as special guests of Metallica.

April 8, 2006

Venom have been confirmed for the 2006 edition of the Earthshaker Fest, set to take place July 21-22 in Kreuth., Germany.

Oleg, the official webmaster of the Tank website has announced that the latest album from the band, "War of Attrition, Live 1981" double live LP and cd has now been released. For more info on this must have album, check the website.

Nightmare guitarist Alex Hilbert has posted the following message at the band's official website: “ Hello metalheadz here Alex, today’s new update is all about the ‘Net. I’m very happy to announce that we have opened up our page on the famous myspace.com community. Meet new friends and Nightmare fans from all around the world, share photos, create blogs, samples from the new album “ The Dominion Gate” can be found at the new MySpace page, listen to Nightmare music, and soon watch videos and get exclusive information and interaction with the band and our fans. Check out their myspace page here.

April 5, 2006

Venom performed at the Mean Fiddler in London on March 25, 2006. Check out pictures from Wire Image

Saxon have been confirmed for the Live N' Louder traveling festival, which is scheduled to hit Mexico City (Mexico), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Sao Paulo (Brazil) in October. The dates are as follows:

Oct. 07 - Palacio De Los Deportes - Mexico City, MEX
Oct. 12 - River Plate Stadium - Buenos Aires, ARG
Oct. 14 - Caninde - Sao Paulo, BRA

March 30, 2006

Every truly great act in the history of rock music has had two distinctive traits: a sure hand for hit-worthy compositions, but also the skill and that inner fire to translate these compositions just as hauntingly in their shows. Saxon certainly have both characteristics: having composed countless metal classics, they are also indisputably at home live on stage. 24 years after the release of their live classic, "The Eagle Has Landed I" (1982), and 10 years after "The Eagle Has Landed II" (1996), Steamhammer/SPV are due to release Saxon's brand-new live album, "The Eagle Has Landed Pt. III" on June 6, 2006 (Germany: June 2, U.S.: June 27), featuring the first recordings with drummer Nigel Glockler, who has returned to the Saxon fold following an extended creative break. In other words, "The Eagle Has Landed Pt. III" was recorded by two different line-ups: the cuts from 2004 feature drummer Jörg Michael, the 2005 material presents Nigel Glockler. Consisting, next to Glocker, of founding members, Biff Byford (vocals) and Paul Quinn (guitar) plus the long-serving Nibbs Carter (bass) and Doug Scarratt (guitar), Saxon are still one of the hottest contemporary live acts.

The double album, "The Eagle Has Landed Pt. III", will be released in a top-value digi-pack. CD1 contains many of the classics from the band's early years up to 1984, including the release of their landmark album, "Crusader". CD 2 features the most important songs from the recent past, starting with tracks from their 1991 comeback release, "Solid Ball Of Rock", and ending with material from "Lionheart" (2004) — with one exception: "Broken Heroes" from their 1985 recording, "Innocence Is No Excuse".

"The Eagle Has Landed Pt. III" track listing:
CD 1:

01. This Town Rocks (Stockholm 2005)
02. Backs To The Wall (Nuremberg 2005)
03. Redline (Hamburg 2005)
04. Stand Up And Be Counted (Berlin 2005)
05. Never Surrender (Berlin 2005)
06. Frozen Rainbow (Fulda 2005)
07. Suzie Hold On (Nuremberg 2005)
08. Play It Loud (Nuremberg 2005)
09. Warrior (Nuremberg 2005)
10. See The Lights Shining (Hamburg 2005)
11. To Hell And Back Again (Hamburg 2005)
12. Stallions Of The Highway (Fulda 2005)
13. Wheels Of Steel (Nuremberg 2005)
14. And The Bands Played On (Wacken 2004)
15. Crusader (Wacken 2004)

CD 2:

01. The Return (Paris 2004)
02. Lionheart (Paris 2004)
03. Man & Machine (London 2004)
04. Beyond The Grave (London 2004)
05. Searching For Atlantis (London 2004)
06. To Live By The Sword Pt. I (London 2004)
07. Unleash The Beast (London 2004)
08. To Live By The Sword Pt. II (London 2004)
09. Flying On The Edge (Paris 2004)
10. Jack Tars (Kiel 2004)
11. English Man 'O' War (Kiel 2004)
12. Court Of The Crimson King (Kiel 2004)
13. Broken Heroes (Kiel 2004)
14. Dragon's Lair (Kiel 2004)
15. Rock Is Our Live (Wacken 2004)
16. Travellers Time (Wacken 2004)
17. Solid Ball Of Rock (Wacken 2004)

March 27, 2006

Majestic Rock Records has announced the signing of cult British heavy metal act Elixir. The group's new studio album, "Mindcreeper", will be released this spring, to be followed by the reissue of their back catalogue later this year in remastered and expanded form. The band, who at one time featured ex-Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr in their lineup, were formed originally in 1983 and had their classic debut album, "The Son Of Odin", voted as one of the top 20 power metal albums of all time by the writers of U.K. magazine Terrorizer.

Said Majestic Rock A&R man Geoff Gillespie: "Elixir are a classic British metal act, but they and we believe there is more to them than that. 'Mindcreeper' is a great metal album and it needs to be available on a worldwide basis. At this stage in their careers, they quite rightly want more - and we hope to bring it to them."

Phil Denton of Elixir commented: "We don't just want to be a nostalgia act. It is important to us to carry on putting new music out, and reaching as many new people as possible. We were looking for the best label to help us achieve that aim, and after meeting Adrian Clay, [Majestic Rock's] label manager in London, and hearing what he had to say, we feel that Majestic Rock is the right label for us to further our career and help us achieve our objectives. We are very much looking forward to working with them and feel very excited about our future."

"Mindcreeper" will be available in Europe on May 15, with a Japanese release to follow soon after. The remastered back catalogue is set to appear in July and the band will be playing live shows this spring and summer.

March 24, 2006

Metal Mirror, the legendary band of the British heavy metal underground, have rerformed. The group will shortly publish a previously unreleased live album (recorded in 1981 in London) featuring the original lineup, including the late great Chris Haggerty, who sadly passed away in 2004.

Metal Mirror are currently working on material for a new studio album, titled "One Thousand Days In Hell", to be recorded later this year. The band are also planning a few live shows (dates to be announced). Replacing Chris Haggerty will be Andy Barnet, who has played with many metal legends, including Paul Di'Anno, Bernie Torme, Gary Barden, Doogie White, Neil Murray, "Fast" Eddie Clark and Zak Starkey. Andy was also in the NWoBHM band Urchin (with Dave Murray and Adrian Smith who later joined Iron Maiden). Benjamin Reio Franklyn replaced Mick Green on drums. Benjamin has been playing with the Barnstormers, Praying Mantis, and Jon Lord.

March 20, 2006

Blitzkrieg have been confirmed as one of the headliners of the tenth edition of the Metal Forces Festival, set to take place November 24-25, 2006 at SAK Wasserwerk in Lörrach, Germany.

March 19, 2006

A news blurb on BBC tv about Cynic can be found by following this link. The band will also be playing live at Worcesters the Marrs Bar on Good Friday April 14th, 2006.

Gaskin will be doing a 25th Aniversary gig on the 11th August. It will be at the Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, England, and ticket prices are only £ 5 advance and £ 6 on the door. This line up reunites Paul Gaskin with original drummer Dave Norman, Tony Ilkiw is staying on Bass, and there may well be a vocalist involved. The tickets can be booked in advance from this location.

March 14, 2006

British heavy metal legends Saxon will not be performing at this year's Dubai Desert Rock Festival — set to take place on March 16 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates — because one of their songs from the 1980s includes lyrics about freeing the Holy Land and spilling Muslim blood.

Concert organizers Centre Stage Management (CSM) said yesterday (March 12) that Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) had withdrawn permission for the band to perform on Thursday "without citing a specific reason."

However, CSM said that controversy created by the publication of the song's lyrics in local media had influenced the decision.

"Band members were immediately labelled in most Arabic newspapers as racists, Arab haters, who wanted to put all Muslims to the sword," Joann Shams, business development manager for CSM said.

No one from the DTCM was available for comment yesterday. Last week, a local Arab paper translated and published the lyrics to Saxon's 1984 song "Crusader" and said:

"The question here for the band and the organisers is what will Saxon do in Dubai's land and on Arabian sands? Are they going to make us, the Saracen heathens, taste their music just as if their guitars were swords made of steel."

"Saxon...calls for the mass extermination of Arabs," the article added. CSM said the band’s management was informed last night and that they expressed "shock" over the decision.

In a statement sent to by Saxon's management, the band said, "We are very disappointed that we can’t play to our fans in the Middle East. We are not and never have been a racist band. The lyrics of the song 'Crusader' have been taken totally out of context. Many of the songs we write are based on historical events e.g. 'Dallas 1 PM' (Kennedy's assassination), 'Conquistador' (The Conquest of South America), 'Crusader' (The 12th Century) — the songs are not intended to be taken as any form of propaganda, the song is a snapshot of an event in history, the lyrics are intended to give a flavour of what it must have been like in the army at the time. Saladin, the leader of the Saracens, was also a mighty warrior and his battles would make a good vehicle for a great metal song as well.

"The journalist who wrote about 'Crusader' was obviously trying to cause as much trouble as possible. We don't write lyrics to inside hatred or racism, we have fans all over the world of every colour and religion and music should be used to break down barriers and not to build them."

Saxon had been scheduled to arrive on Thursday morning (March 16) and perform alongside five other bands, including MEGADETH, at Desert Rock. More than 4,000 tickets have been sold so far and organisers expect 8,000 to turn up, according to 7Days.ae.

March 11, 2006

Added website links for Mythra and Triarchy and Dragonfly. Thanks Fred!

March 7, 2006

Saxon manager Thomas Kreidner of ICS Festival Service GMBH has issued the following update:

"The band is just preparing for their first Dubai appearance [at the Desert Rock 2006 festival on March 16] and looking forward to it. After that we will do the last 'Night out with the Boys' shows performing the '80 set in England, the country where it all started, tickets especially for London are doing really well. So be quick and don't miss it. We're very happy to meet our friends in Ireland, Scotland, France and Holland on this trip as well.

"Again, a big sorry to our U.S. fans, but we hope the waiting is over and we'll make it for a short trip before summer to show all American promoters that the band is willing to tour the States. Our agent and we are willing to break the vicious circle. We appreciate that a lot of you have waited for so long, let's make it happen.

"South America: we're proud to announce the first dates, the 'Live 'n' Louder' Festivals, and more dates to be confirmed soon.

Recording: 'The Eagle has Landed III' is coming together really well. Biff and Jacky have worked their arses off to give you over 30 songs that have been recorded on several shows over the last two years. According to SPV, the release will be early June 2006. Paul Gregory just delivered another first-class oil painted artwork to continue our long time partnership with him. DVD and the new studio album are also in progress (believe me, the DVD will be a killer)."

February 26, 2006

Maniacal Records will be releasing Tank's "War of Attrition" 1981 live album in double LP and expanded-edition CD format, featuring demos, radio sessions and bonus live tracks not on the original CD. The set, which is being made available in vinyl for the first time, is expected in March.

"War of Attrition" (expanded edition) track listing:

01. Shell Shock
02. Stepping On a Land Mine
03. Blood Guts and Beer
04. Run Like Hell
05. Don't Walk Away
06. Filth Hounds of Hades
07. (He Fell In Love with a) Stormtrooper
08. The Snake
09. Shell Shock (demo)
10. Run Like Hell (demo)
11. Blood Guts and Beer (demo)
12. Hammer On (radio session)
13. Don't Walk Away (radio session)
14. Heavy Artillery (radio session)
15. T.W.D.A.M.O. (Lochen ,NL 1983)
16. Blood Guts and Beer (Lochen NL 1983)
17. Too Tired To Wait For Love (demo)
18. The Man That Never Was (demo)

250 copies will be made available on white vinyl (100 with patch, die-hard edition, for sale only), and 250 copies on black 180g vinyl. Pre-orders are being accepted via e-mail. Contact Mike at Maniacalrecords@aol.com to reserve a copy. Prices: Individual LPs $20.00 postpaid in USA or $25.00 for die-hard edition; CDs are $10.00 plus shipping. Wholesale prices: LPs $12.00 each plus shipping (minimum order five copies); CDs are $7.00 plus shipping.

Venom have been confirmed for the tenth edition of Gods Of Metal festival, set to take place June 1-4 at Idroscalo in Milan, Italy.

Ian Toomy of Bitches Sin / Flashpoint has sent word that the latest album from Flashpoint called "Flashpoint" is set to be released on March 1, 2006. Ian has offered to send a copy to us and this will be an album feature during an upcoming show. Music for the album is described as Flashpoint songwriting with Bitches Sin lead guitar. Sounds like a definate winner.The cover of the new album is below.

February 21, 2006

Added website links for the bands Dragonfly, High Treason and Founded. Thanks to Fred and Leah Harlow for the links!

Demon, Elixir, Cloven Hoof, Hammerhead and Overdrive will be teaming up for the British Steel Festival, set to take place October 10 at The Pitz in Milton Keyes, England. More information is available at this location.

February 16, 2006

Stephen Slater of Rekuiem has sent the following news to us: "Just to let you know the Rekuiem album 'Time Will Tell' is released Worldwide on 27th Feb 2006. There are currently MP3s on the website and there will also be video footage before the release date. We will also have T-shirts/sweat-shirts available via the website very soon."

Larry Barbato of High Treason has also written us with the following news: "We have reformed after a break of 25 years. Things are progressing really well for us. At the back end of last year we recorded a 5-track CD and right now are in the process of recording a full album, which should be completed and released (on vinyl only at first) in a couple of months time.

February 15, 2006

Diamond Head and Secret Records are putting the finishing touches on the band's live DVD, filmed on November 4, 2005 at the London Astoria. "The band and Secret Records are very excited with the interest the DVD has created and are sure that their fans will not be disappointed," the group write on their web site. A release date for the set will be announced soon.

In other news, Diamond Head are currently writing their next album and are planning to be back in the studio before the end of the year.

Sanctuary Records has set an April 4 North American release date for the new Venom album, entitled "Metal Black".

February 9, 2006

Venom's record label Sanctuary are planning to release a 7" single from the group's new album, "Metal Black". The full-length CD is set for a March 27 release, although the single should hit the shops prior to the album. An exact release date ahs not yet been confirmed.

Saxon have added French, Norwegian and Belgian tour dates to their current itinerary. Confirmed shows so far are as follows:

Mar. 16 - Dubai, UAE - Desert Rock Festival 2006
Apr. 17 - Paris, FRA @ Elysee Montmartree
Apr. 21 - Horst/America, NETH @ Rockweekend Festival
Apr. 22 - Hellendoorn, NET H@ Lantaarn
Apr. 23 - London, UK @ Astoria *
Apr. 24 - Wolverhampton, UK @ Wulfrun * / **
Apr. 25 - Norwich, UK @ Waterfront *
Apr. 26 - Manchester, UK @ Academy 2 *
Apr. 27 - Dublin, IRE @ Temple Bar Music Centre
Jun. 02 - Oslo, NOR @ Tinn (Rjukan Festival)
Oct. 07 - Mexico City, MEX @ Palacio De Los Deportes / Live 'n' Louder Festival
Oct. 12 - Buenos Aires, ARG @ River Plate Stadium / Live 'n' Louder Festival
Oct. 14 - Sao Paulo, BRA @ Caninde / Live 'n' Louder Festival
Nov. 18 - Poperinge, BEL @ Zaal Maeckeblijde

w/ Blitzkrieg * / Girlschool **

February 5, 2006

Jaguar have scheduled a live date on May 13 at Potters Bar & Snooker Club in Langley Mills, Notts, U.K.

Diamond Head have added an Italian date to their current itinerary. The group's schedule is now shaping up as follows:

Feb. 18 - Mylos - Thessaloniki, GRE
Feb. 19 - The Underworld - Athens, GRE
Mar. 04 - The Roadhouse – Birmingham, UK
Mar. 11 - Marrs Bar – Worcester, UK
Mar. 18 - Anomolia Club - Prato, ITA

January 31, 2006

Sanctuary Records/Castle Music has set a March 24 German release date (March 27 in the rest of Europe) for British black metal pioneers Venom's new album, "Metal Black". Check out the album cover artwork at this location.

"Metal Black" was mixed at the Townhouse Studios in London and contains 14 new songs, including "Antechrist", the demo for which can be heard at this location.

According to an official press release, "Metal Black" "sees original founder band member Cronos creating a new masterpiece of metal together with [drummer] Antton and [guitarist] Mykvs. With 14 brand new roaring and vital tracks, Venom are again taking the goat by the horns and reinventing their own original style . . . 'Metal Black' [is] an album that harkens back to the writing style of the '80s Venom with a powerful production to incinerate any sound system, truly demonic in every sense and with the delivery of a charging beast."

Commented Mykvs: "The album has a very raw feel. The intensity of the songs is awesome. We recorded the album as a live band, three demons bleeding for the heaviest metal we could create, and our new album will show that Venom keeps getting stronger and heavier. Lay down your souls, muthafuckers, we have returned."

January 25, 2006

A brand new Paul Samson CD, consisting of recordings the leader and founder of Samson was working on in the months prior to his death in 2002, will be issued this summer under the title "PS..." No further details are currently available.

In other news, Angel Air Records will be releasing a Samson retrospective CD on April 3. Entitled "Tomorrow and Yesterday", the album will include an extensive (4,000-word) biography, and a 20-page booklet, featuring many previously unseen pictures.

Samson passed away at his Norfolk, England home during the afternoon of Friday, August 9, 2002 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Paul was 49 years old.

Samson had previously featured in their ranks Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, who sang on two of the group's albums (1980's "Head On" and 1981's "Shock Tactics"), before moving on to fame and fortune with his current outfit.

Blitzkrieg has announced the following dates in the UK.

February

Wed 15 Manchester Music Box ( Jillys)
Thu 16 Newcastle Trillians
Fri 24 Belfast Rosetta Bar

April

Sun 23 London Astoria (with Saxon)
Mon 24 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall (with Saxon & Girlschool)
Tue 25 Norwich Waterfront (with Saxon)
Wed 26 Manchester Academy 2 ( with Saxon )

January 24, 2006

Buzz Elliot of Hammerhead has written to let us know that the band has signed a deal with High Roller Records in Germany to release their latest cd "Hedonism" on 12 inch vinyl later this year, probably around late spring. The initial pressing will be limited to 500 copies. The track listing from the cd to vinyl has been changed to allow a better flow on the 12 inch format.

Jaguar have uploaded a soundboard recording of the track "Last Flight", captured Live at St. Albans City Hall, U.K. on October 6, 1984. Download it at this location..

"As a result of the recording being from the soundboard there are no audience noises, and it's best played through a hi-fi rather than set of computer speakers," the band write on their web site.

January 23, 2006

Blitzkrieg have parted ways with guitarist Paul Nesbitt. "Nesbitt recently became a father for the very first time and he feels that his time with the Krieg has come to an end," reads a posting on the group's web site. "Blitzkrieg would like to welcome to the band their new guitarist Guy Laverick. Guy comes with a wealth of playing and writing experience having learnt his trade at the guitar institute of technology in Los Angeles. Guy has played with the likes of Paul Gilbert and Michael Angelo as well as a host of bands during his time in L.A."

Saxon have added Dutch and Irish tour dates to their current itinerary. Confirmed shows so far are as follows:

Mar. 16 - Desert Rock Festival 2006 - Dubai, UAE
Apr. 21 - Rockweekend - Horst-America, NETH
Apr. 22 - Lantaarn – Hellendoorn, NETH
Apr. 23 - Astoria - London, UK
Apr. 24 - Wulfrun Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
Apr. 25 - Waterfront - Norwich, UK
Apr. 26 - Academy 2 - Manchester, UK
Apr. 27 - Temple Bar Music Centre – Dublin, IRE
Oct. 07 - Palacio De Los Deportes / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Mexico City, MEX
Oct. 12 - River Plate Stadium / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Buenos Aires, ARG
Oct. 14 - Caninde / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Sao Paulo, BRA

January 22, 2006

Jaguar are currently writing material for a new studio album, which they plan on recording later in the year. No further information is currently available.

Statetrooper are preparing to mix their live album, recorded at last year's Sweden Rock festival. A late spring/early summer release is expected. The band are also in the process of writing material for their third full-length studio album, which is expected to be recorded later in the year.

January 20, 2006

Praying Mantis is the latest confirmed acts for this year's installment of the Headbangers Open Air festival, set to take place July 14-15 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

Blitzkrieg
Candlemass
Girlschool
Goat Horn
Holy Moses
Icarus Witch
Ivory Tower
Martyr
Metal Inquisitor
Miles Beyond
October 31
Order Of Nine
Praying Mantis
Pyramize
Trinkkius
Ulysses Siren
Vision Of Ataltis

A special warm-up concert by NWoBHM legends Satan, featuring Blitzkrieg/Satan frontman Brian Ross and "guests," will take place on July 13.

January 19, 2006

Blitzkrieg have been confirmed for this year's installment of the Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 8-10 in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

January 14, 2006

Diamond Head have lined up two U.K. dates in March. The group's schedule is now shaping up as follows:

Feb. 18 - Mylos - Thessaloniki, GRE
Feb. 19 - The Underworld - Athens, GRE
Mar. 04 - The Roadhouse – Birmingham, UK
Mar. 11 - Marrs Bar – Worcester, UK

January 13, 2006

Venom have been confirmed for this year's installment of the Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 8-10 in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

Saxon have added several Mexican/South American tour dates to their current itinerary. Confirmed shows so far are as follows:

Mar. 16 - Desert Rock Festival 2006 - Dubai, UAE
Apr. 21 - Rockweekend - Horst-America, NETH
Apr. 23 - Astoria - London, UK
Apr. 24 - Wulfrun Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
Apr. 25 - Waterfront - Norwich, UK
Apr. 26 - Academy 2 - Manchester, UK
Oct. 07 - Palacio De Los Deportes / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Mexico City, MEX
Oct. 12 - River Plate Stadium / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Buenos Aires, ARG
Oct. 14 - Caninde / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Sao Paulo, BRA

January 11, 2006

Saxon have added two more U.K. dates to their current itinerary. Confirmed dates so far are as follows:

January 10, 2006

According to BaconMusic.com, British black metal pioneers Venom will play their first U.K. gig of the new millennium on Sunday, March 26 at the Manchester Academy.

As previously reported, Venom have finished mixing their new album, "Metal Black", at the Townhouse Studios in London. The album contains 14 new songs, including "Antechrist", the demo for which can be heard at this location. A March release via Castle Records/Sanctuary Group is expected.

The Handsome Beasts have sent us word asking for our help, which we more than gladly give. The band is in the process of negotiating the re-release of their album Beastiality with bonus tracks and a booklet with band biography, pics etc......The band does not have a whole lot of pictures of themselves during the time the album first came out so if you have any of them or anything you think is relative to the band, please drop them a line at this email and anything given or donated will be given full credit for anything used on the cd package. The album originally was released in 1981.

January 7, 2006

Diamond Head have lined up the following Greek dates in February:

Feb. 18 - Mylos - Thessaloniki, GRE
Feb. 19 - The Underworld - Athens, GRE

Cloven Hoof have published the cover artwork for their new release "Eye Of The Sun". Looks damn good to us!

Demon have announced 3 dates in Greece as well coming up. They are...

Friday 20th January 2006 at The Underworld Club, Athens
Saturday, 21st January 2006 "B-Live" Music Hall, Larisa
Sunday 22nd January 2006, Mylos Club, Thessaloniki

Anyone heard anything from Ironheart lately? Their website is down and their email has been coming back undeliverable.

Big update from Rekueim posted on their website.

The brand new Rekuiem album to be entitled 'Time Will Tell' will be available around the World in the New year, release date Jan 26th 2006. The band have signed to Majestic and plan to play next years festivals across Europe to promote the release. The band received a great deal of interest from a number of labels but chose to go with Majestic as they will ensure that the album will be made available to fans of British Metal around the world. MP3 samples of three edited tracks are now available from the album page on their website.

The theme of the album is set in the typical Rekuiem doom genre of Metal with song titles such as 'The Black Death', 'Sinners', 'Time Will Tell', and 'Werewolf'. The album title is taken from track 4, 'Time Will Tell' which tells the story of a servant set way back in the days when ancient civilisations based around the river Nile in Africa ran the empires of their day. The servants Pharaoh has passed on to the afterlife and it is this civilisations belief that all servants of the great Pharaoh should sacrifice their lives so that they can serve their King in the next life. An interesting topic! The album also features newly recorded versions of the classic tracks from the original 7'' single issued in 1980. 'Angel of Sin' and 'Sacrificial Wanderer' have retained their power and elegance but gained a modern slick production bringing them well and truly into the 21st century. The vocal performance from new singer Paul Parry (formerly with Tredegar) is simply astounding.

We have had numerous requests from Rekuiem fans and collectors of N.W.O.B.H.M. classics regarding any unreleased original Rekuiem recordings and if they will be made available. The band do have some studio material from the days with Mike Reid and his later replacement Steve Mills (formerly with Trespass) and we are considering releasing these for fans and collectors on vinyl and cd via the website later in the year. As soon as the new album cover is finalised, we will also make available Rekuiem merchandise such as T-shirts, caps, etc.

Karl Wilcox, Rekuiem drummer and also resident sticks man with the legendary Diamond Head has returned from Europe where he has been touring with Diamond Head as support act to Megadeath. Diamond Head are our great friends and we hope to do some dates with them in 2006.

January 6, 2006

Saxon have announced they will play the following dates during the coming months:

Mar. 16 - Desert Rock Festival 2006 - Dubai, UAE
Apr. 21 - Rockweekend - Horst-America, NETH
Apr. 23 - Astoria - London, UK
Apr. 24 - Wulfrun Hall - Wolverhampton, UK

January 3, 2006

Happy New Year everyone!

Elixir has posted the following on their official website:

Taken from our forthcoming new album, 'Mindcreeper', our new single/E.P. 'Knocking On The Gates of Hell' will be available on CD and 7" vinyl format. The CD version, on the TPL label, features four tracks, 'Knocking On The Gates of Hell', 'Death Toll' (new studio version), 'Last Rays of the Sun' (Live) and 'The Star of Beshaan' (Live) and features great new artwork by Robban Kanto for Midark Media.
The 7" vinyl, on Marquee Records, will feature 'Knocking On The Gates of Hell' on the A Side, and 'Death Toll' (new studio version) on the B Side. The vinyl version also comes with the same great artwork.
We have the CD version in stock now, you can buy your copy at the online shop, and the vinyl version will be in very soon.
This will be Elixir's first single release since the now highly collectable 'Treachery (Ride Like The Wind)' in 1985.
So don't miss out on this piece of metal history, order your copy now!

Also 2 new videos have been added to the bands media webpage so go check these out and ruin the guys bandwidth for the month!

For those of you not famaliar with Myspace.com, it is quite an interesting website where people can make their own webpages, link to other friends, add blogs, pics and a hell of a lot of other things. At this time, there are several of the bands with their own Myspace webpages. The bands listed here are the ones that we are linked...which are the only ones we have found so far but go check these out as well.

If you know of any other of the bands on Myspace.com please do let us know so we can get them on here.