Les Nouvelles

Temnozor's new album, originally planned to be released late in 2008 has been delayed over 6 months. The band hopes it will be finished soon with the conceptual layout design and hopes it to be out around June. Other than that, they plan to record a few songs for their Jubileum CD, which will include our own songs and many covers from local (Russian, Ukrainean and Belarussian) bands.

Ralph Santolla (OBITUARY, DEATH, DEICIDE, SEBASTIAN BACH, ICED EARTH) has released the following update:

"I'm currently writing the EX CATHEDRA album with Torbjørn 'Thebon' Schei [vocals] from KEEP OF KALESSIN. Ed Warby from GOREFEST and HAIL OF BULLETS is playing drums on the album. He's one of the greatest drummers I've ever seen or known.

"It will be a concept album.

"There will be two versions of the album — one with long instrumental parts and symphonic elements, and a stripped-down, metal version.

"I hate to describe music, but I'd say it's a cross between old OZZY OSBOURNE, black metal, and BLACK SABBATH, with lots of solos and complex arrangements. The other musicians will be announced soon."

TORTURE DIVISION, the new Swedish death metal project featuring guitarist Lord K. Philipson (THE PROJECT HATE, GOD AMONG INSECTS, ex-LEUKEMIA), bassist/vocalist Jörgen Sandström (VICIOUS ART, THE PROJECT HATE, ex-ENTOMBED, GRAVE) and drummer Tobias "Tobben" Gustafsson (VOMITORY), has released a new demo featuring the next three songs to be completed by the all-star lineup. Entitled "Evighetens Dårar", the recording is the first part of the band's second demo trilogy and it features the songs "Heretics! Now!", "Eld Och Plågor" and "Traumatic Inhuman Severance". The demo was once again mixed by Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, NIGHTINGALE, BLOODBATH). For one of the songs, TORTURE DIVISION invited its fans to send in a recording of them screaming the word "HAIL!", with and every one of the few hundred contributions making it into the song.

New studioreports and updates
Hello!
we are now preparing and recording stuff for our new album,
and are also doing our first studioreport today.

so stay tuned and we will come with more updates,
interviews,clips of the new music and news
for the new album.

Norway's KEEP OF KALESSIN is currently in the pre-production stage for the band's new album, which is tentatively due in early 2010. The group is planning to enter a Swedish studio in about a month to begin laying down the drums for the effort before returning to their own studio in Norway to record the rest of the instruments.

A snippet of a new GORGOROTH song entitled Prayer is available for streaming on the Regain Records MySpace page. The track comes off the band's ninth album, "Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt", which is due on October 21 in Europe and November 11 in the U.S. via Regain Records.

Stefan Raduta of Blistering.com recently conducted an interview with vocalist Daniel "Mortuus" Rosten of Swedish black metallers MARDUK and FUNERAL MIST.

"Walpurgis Rites", a brand new song from the Austrian blackened death metal outfit BELPHEGOR, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Swedish extreme metallers SHINING have been confirmed to support SATYRICON on the upcoming European tour. The 17-date trek, set to start on December 2, also includes NEGURA BUNGET and DARK FORTRESS.

SATYRICON, SHINING, NEGURA BUNGET and DARK FORTRESS tour dates:

Dec. 02 - Hof Ter Lo - Antwerp, Belgium
Dec. 04 - Trabendo - Paris, France
Dec. 05 - Turock - Essen, Germany
Dec. 06 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
Dec. 07 - Backstage - Munich, Germany
Dec. 08 - Estragon - Bologna, Italy
Dec. 10 - Szene - Vienna, Austria
Dec. 11 - [to be announced] - Bratislava, Slovakia
Dec. 12 - Folimanka - Prague, Czech Republic
Dec. 13 - Studio Club - Krakow, Poland
Dec. 15 - Train - Ahus, Denmark
Dec. 16 - Markthalle - Hamburg, Germany
Dec. 17 - Batschkapp - Frankfurt, Germany
Dec. 18 - Alte Spinerei - Glauchau, Germany
Dec. 19 - Effenaar - Eindhoven, Netherlands
Dec. 20 - O2 - Islington, London, UK

"Phosphorous Redeemer", a brand new song from Swedish black metallers MARDUK, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Moscow, Russia-based "Slavic pagan metal" band ARKONA will release its new album, "Goi, Rode, Goi!", via Napalm Records on the following dates:

Oct. 28 - Finland, Spain
Oct. 30 - GAS, Benelux, France, Italy, Sweden
Nov. 02 - Rest of Europe
Nov. 03 - USA, Canada

The CD was recorded at CDM Records studio between October 2008 and May 2009 except the drums, which were recorded at Gigant studio, and the guitars, which were recorded at Astia studio.

"Goi, Rode, Goi!" contains a 15-minute song called "Na Moey Zemle" ("In My Land"), which is being described as "a kind of pagan metal opera about the travelling of Slav around countries of Europe." The CD artwork was created by Kris Verwimp (THYRFING, MÅNEGARM).

Line-up:
Masha "Scream" - Vocals, Screams, Growls, Choirs, Keyboards, Tambourines,
Shaker, Khomuz
Sergey "Lazar" - Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Balalaika, Khomuz, Yakut Jaw-harp
(on "Korochun")
Ruslan "Kniaz" - Bass
Vlad "Artist" - Drums

Guest members:
Vladimir "Volk" - Gaita Gallega, Blockflute (on "Korochun")
Vladimir Cherepovskiy (Pfeyffer, Coda) - Gaita Gallega, Small Pipe, Tin and Low
Whistles, Sopilka, Zhaleyka, Blockflute, Okarina
Ilya "Wolfenhirt" (Svarga) - Choirs
Aleksandr "Shmel" (Rarog, Kalevala) - Choirs
Aleksandr "Olen" (Kalevala) - Accordeon
Erik Grawsio (Månegarm) - Vocals (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Jan Liljekvist (Månegarm) - Violin, Flute (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Baalberith (Obtest) - Vocals (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Sadlave (Obtest) - Vocals (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Peter (Skyforger) - Vocals (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Edgar "Zirgs"(Skyforger) - Vocals (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Kaspars (Skyforger) - Pipes, Kokle (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Heiko Gerull (Menhir) - Vocals (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Joris "Boghtdrincker" (Heidevolk) - Vocals (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Mark "Splintervuyscht" (Heidevolk) - Vocals (on "Na Moey Zemle")
Cosmin "Hultanu" Duduc (Ashaena) - Tulnic (on "Goi, Rode, Goi!")
Vasiliy Derevyanniy - Domra (on "Nebo Hmuroe, Tuchi Mrachniye", and "Yarilo")
Dmitriy "Vetrodar" (Tverd) - Mandoline (on "Nebo Hmuroe, Tuchi Mrachniye")

The following have also participated:
- The string quintet under the direction of Aleksandr Kozlovskiy
- Female choir of Conductors Department of the State Musical Colledge named
after the Gnessins (conducted by Sofia Sultanova)

"Goi, Rode, Goi!" track listing:

01. Goi, Rode, Goi!
02. Tropoiu Nevedannoi (On the Unknown Trail )
03. Nevidal (The Wonder)
04. Na Moey Zemle (In My Land)
05. Pritcha (The Parable)
06. V Tsepiakh Drevney Tainy (In Chains of Ancient Mystery)
07. Yarilo
08. Liki Bessmertnykh Bogov (Faces of Immortal Gods)
09. Kolo Navi (Kolo of Nav)
10. Korochun
11. Pamiat (The Memory)
12. Kupalets
13. Arkona
14. Nebo Hmuroe, Tuchi Mrachniye (Sullen Sky Lurid Clouds)

Liwjatan a écrit:

In about two weeks we will once more enter the Tidal Wave Studios to record our new chapter 'Death Came Through A Phantom Ship'. Together with Maddening Media and Tidal Wave Studios we will release the ship before the end of this year...

Le groupe néerlandais de Black Metal symphonique Carach Angren est actuellement en studio, en Allemagne et enregistre son deuxième opus, intitulé "Death Came Through A Phantom Ship". L'album devrait sortir début 2010 via Maddening Media.
Deux studio report sont disponibles ici:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8Dm623YuK4 (Part 1, Batterie)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-GDfsUO8Js(Part 2, Guitares)

http://www.carach-angren.nl/
http://www.myspace.com/carachangren

We've started to record some stuff for the new album.It sounds amazing....so far It'll be folky but still some new elements are in there. Very flowing songs!!! We're very excited!!! Just wait and see...

LIFELOVER - DEKADENS
MCD/MLP

tracklist:

1. Luguber Framtid
2. Myspys
3. Major Fuck Off
4. Lethargy
5. Androider
6. Visdomsord
7. Destination: Ingenstans

" Today, we proudly announce the title, tracklist and cover art of our upcoming release.
"Dekadens" will be be released in September. The MCD version will be out through Osmose Productions, and the MLP version will be released through Elitmusik. The music has been mastered, all of the artwork has been finished, and everything is on its way to the printing plant. As we've proclaimed before, we're all extremely satisfied with this release, and we all feel that this has turned out to be Lifelover's finest effort to date.
The respose from the select few that have already heard the material has been absolutely overwhelming, and we feel confident that it will be received just as well by all of you.

We will be publishing a little preview from the MCD here on MySpace shortly.

Thanks for all your patience and support. We're counting the days! "

Norwegian symphonic black metallers DIMMU BORGIR have released the following statement:

"We regret to inform you that we have parted ways with both Vortex [bass, clean vocals] and Mustis [keyboards]. However, we do want to make it perfectly clear that the creative force in the band is highly intact, perhaps even more so than ever. With that being said, we're currently working on our next album and are excited to start a new chapter in the legacy that is DIMMU BORGIR."

Mustis (real name: Øyvind Mustaparta) issued a statement yesterday (Sunday, August 30) claiming that his dismissal from DIMMU BORGIR was caused by his efforts to "address the fact that many songs written by me had not been registered properly under my name in their credits. Without naming every single track, let us just say that a good majority of albums like 'Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia' and 'In Sorte Diaobli' would have been vastly different had I not composed and created as much as I actually did," he said. "Sadly, based on terrible gaps in the communication process and a failure to find logical rationale for why this had been done this way found me hitting wall after wall as opposed to finding a professional and reasonable solution to the problem. My inquiries and investigation into the issues which I wished to resolve and move on from would in the end find me being fired from the group. No discussions about it, just 'goodbye' (via text message)."

ICS Vortex (real name: Simen Hestnæs) has yet to comment on his departure from DIMMU BORGIR.

Bonne nouvelle que deux musiciens aient dégagé.

Personnellement, je ne pouvais plus blairer Vortex (dont les meilleures lignes de chant sont sur DCA). J'imagine qu'il n'y aura plus de pistes de chant clair, tant mieux.
Ensuite, pour Mustiis, je suis à peine étonné, je me doutais qu'il ne resterait pas. J'aurais aimé que Galder mette les voiles, mais visiblement il s'accroche. Quoi qu'il en soit, ça ne peut être que bénéfique pour le groupe.

Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL have set "Angelus Exuro pro Eternus" as the title of their new album, tentatively due on November 18. Guitarist Lord Ahriman states, "Peter Tägtgren [HYPOCRISY, PAIN] is currently mixing our new album at his Abyss Studios [in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden]. Once we have approved the final mix, Jonas Kjellgren [SCAR SYMMETRY] will be mastering it."

He adds, "By listening to the rough mix, the final production will kill totally, no doubt! Can't wait to blast the final result in the stereo!

"We decided to go for a bit rawer sound this time, and not as crystal clear and perhaps polished as our last album ('Attera Totus Sanctus'), but no worries. The production still holds the high quality that you would come to expect from us. We haven't done 'a METALLICA,' so to say!"

I.C.S. Vortex Future Project Plans

Greetings Vortexians,

I think that now is the right time to post some news on the future music plans of I.C.S. Vortex.

Simen will have a meeting with Lamented Souls in mid September to plan a new release and a few gigs in norway.

There is another meeting also planned with Arcturus members to discuss about the future of the band and a possible reunite.
Nothing's for certain yet but keep visiting back the page as more announcements will take place about Simen's projects in the very near future!


Vortex on!

The Vortex WebFreak

Norwegian symphonic black metal band DIMMU BORGIR have issued the following statement regarding the recent departures of keyboardist Mustis (real name: Øyvind Mustaparta) and bassist/clean vocalist ICS Vortex (real name: Simen Hestnæs):

"Man, what a shitstorm response!

"Too bad all the shit is thrown in the wrong direction.

"Oh, well, what else could we expect?

"We don't blame you as you still haven't heard the other side, the band's side.

"We have put up with unprofessionalism and bad live performances for years. This couldn't be ignored anymore as we firmly believe the fans deserve the best on both records and shows.

"First of all, a big thank you to those who still have their own mind intact and believe in the music of the band and not only judge by what is falsely accused in statements posted online by recently fired members based on their ignorance, bitterness and greed. A quite normal human response when being disappointed, but we hope you kept in mind the saying that goes: 'Those who scream the loudest have the most to hide…' but: 'Only when we're calm we'll be able to listen.'

"We have a feeling, judging from some of you and your 'jump-to-conclusion'-type of comments and responses, that some of the reasons that are about to be explained might as well end up as too much for you band member 'fans' to grasp the magnitude of, or to handle. We'll give it a try.

"The true fans of the band and its music already have shown their support and understanding without us having to explain it to them in detail. But for the rest, anyways, here goes:

"Let us give you a few things to chew on — perhaps especially to those of you that have already taken sides. Some of it concerns both Vortex and Mustis collectively; some of it is separately based issues. And yes, it might come as a surprise to some of you but they were fired with a reason.

"To make it seem less of a soap opera and less embarrassing, if this is even possible at this point, for those it concerns, we'll keep things simple and straight to the point.

"On a side note and in comparison, just keep in mind that people have been fired for way less in this and other bands before. So for those of you who think we didn't try and make this work and did this out of anything else but what we thought was best for the band, please think again and consider the following written words below carefully. At the same time, as we hate to ruin the idea of how some of you guys perceive this band and its members both in a positive and negative way, those of you who care deserve to hear the truth and here are a few excerpts, out of many, we might add.

"Let's put things in perspective for a second: For someone to be in a band, on any level, first there's got to be commitment and dedication, a drive and urge to do what you do, whether you're part of the songwriting process, planning the touring part, business part, the administrative part or simply just the performing part — doesn't matter which one you're mostly involved in. However, you need to be involved in some of it to a certain extent to be considered and treated as a member and you have to show some sort of level when it comes to responsibility, not only for yourself but for others around you as well.

"Over the course of 10 years period, there's also something you either develop the comprehension of or you don't (most develop this basic approach way sooner), called 'understanding of how things are run.' We know it sounds blunt, but it's important that this is being enforced on behalf of everyone involved within a band and its working partners. After time, you've got to know and accept your place and what role you have taken and your ability therein; the sooner you do this, the better. Remember, you still — at the same time — have to continue to earn your place and work for it, respect it and nurture it like a child, even after years of success. It doesn't come for free, it doesn't stay for free and it doesn't leave for free either. We're all replaceable.

"Are you part of a band for the right reasons? And do you really want this? What are your thoughts on the aspect of being away from home over shorter and longer periods of time performing for your fans? Are you aware of the sacrifice you have to still do after all these years to be able to continue this and are you aware of the workload and the sacrifice not only the other members have done and still do, but also people working with the band in other areas have done over the years, while you haven't?

"You need to do your part, or at least do an attempt to be given a fair chance of survival, even if it's not as much. Certain simple basic things, which are spawned out of common sense, those are the things we expect from you. That's if you want to be looked at as a member of a music group and be taken seriously.

"The things mentioned above are all obvious factors and basic principles you need to be square on and aware about; if not, you're wasting yours and other people's valuable time.

"Further down is a couple of things Vortex and Mustis simply 'forgot' to mention in their previous statements respectively. Also the fact that Mustis' statement(s) not being written by himself but by someone else means it is false accusations and have been registered as such by our lawyers.

"Lesson number one, the obvious one: Don't forget to bring your instrument when you're about to play a festival in which you're going to perform in front of thousands of fans that have travelled far and paid money to see you play. Maybe you haven't been into it so much the last couple of years and it's — on top of that — an early flight; you feel things are a bit tedious — no worries, we all experience this from time to time but we know the deal by now after so long, and so many years. Or, so we thought. But we shouldn't have to remind you to bring your own instrument to a gig. For that there's no excuse, neither will we accept one.

"Lesson number two, a less obvious one and can easily be forgotten while under the influence but still: Don't hurt yourself in an alcoholic rage smashing a glass to your forehead putting yourself, your band 'mates,' crew, not to mention the show(s), in jeopardy. Remember, the money you care so much about getting, compared to the minimal of effort you put in won't be paid out to you or anyone else in the band if the show(s) doesn't happen. You have responsibility. We suspect this weren't part of your calculation, obviously none of us are perfect but as a grown up person, we expect more. Luckily for you, the makeup covers the cut from the smashed glass on your forehead onstage.

"You did manage to get away with general bullshit, classical cocky, rock-star attitude and carelessness — this time too. You wouldn't get away with it at home around your family so what makes you think it's fine to behave like an asshole around your band members, your family away from home? On-stage equals posing, off-stage it's a no-no. But, contrary to other times in the past, there simply won't be another chance and you know so goddamn well why you're not given yet another. Suddenly we're the bad guys because you expected another shot out of mere habit, just because we were too nice in the past to grant you another one and another one.

"Your stage sound and set-up we won't bother to address anymore. Your stage performance lately we won't bother to mention either. You know why you're not part of this band anymore, don't make excuses and make it look like it's someone else's fault when you very well know it was you alone who put you where you are right now.

"Now, auctioning off your band's most recent album on eBay, only signed by yourself, can't be looked upon in any other ways as pure greed, not to mention mockery, towards the rest of the members of the band that you're still in, AND the fans. Attempting to sell a CD of the last album (which you can still get hold of in shops) with only your signature on it for the highest bid is a remarkably low act.

"Instead of getting hold of some work to do, if money is what you so desperately seem to be needing (while you actually maybe rather should be considering working on ideas for a new album if you're so concerned about being credited correctly), you rather believe the easiest and fastest way to money must simply be to start a blackmailing procedure against the other members in the band holding important files as ransom — files that are the band's property which we need for future projects that would bring you money later eventually, in one way or another. Now it won't. Not a very smart and thought out thing to do. Not to mention the fans now have to wait for these special releases because your ego for some odd reason is hurt and in total control. These files, which we handed over to you in good trust over a year ago as a band member and what we'd consider a brother despite your lazy ass, not surprisingly you haven't even touched it as part as bonus features special of a re-release campaign including certain albums. Instead, you threaten to sue your fellow band members for neglect and not treating you right monetary-wise.

"Isn't it typical? You both want to harvest the fruits, but putting labour into it yourself is not so important. See how long that'll last in real life. Ironically, it lasted this long with the band, finally now that time is over.

"This shouldn't be acceptable. So what do we do? We don't accept it. After all these years wiping people's asses and feeding their mouths, we're forced to take on another strict angle, like you do with kids when nothing else works. To be forced to almost constantly spend energy on dragging someone to practice for instance and be part of a unit — a force, is tedious for the rest of us. Always an excuse not to do what's expected of you.

"To the best of our efforts, we've tried to explain over and over, again and again how the business side of things work, but when ignorance is bliss and the people it concerns fail to even meet at band business meetings, later not understanding and realizing because of the obvious fact that they weren't present, the deal is then suddenly we're 'hiding something' and 'I must get ripped off, there's no other logical explanation!'

"Sounds familiar to some of you readers?

"But on the contrary, we've not been afraid of encouraging the use and exploration of talents of other members elsewhere while still being in the band. We have even handed over major projects on a silver plate but to not even bother replying to such offers speaks volumes. We can't do that job for you too. What about the talk of a certain 'solo' project for the last 10 years? Where is it? Talk, that's what it is. Talk and no action.

"Still complaining, not trusting your partners for the last 10 years when receiving a pay check, worth way beyond your song'writing' ability and what you're already credited for is fair in your eyes. It's amusing and at the same time sad to see how little reflective and humble grown people can be sometimes; or in this particular case, most of the time.

"Stop acting like composers and songwriters until you have written and released something on your own that's worthwhile and we'll see how well you do.

"To quote Vortex in his very own statement; 'I have really enjoyed the ride!' Sure you have, it's been for free! Either because of lack of interest, dedication, understanding and capability or all of those.

"So a word of advice: For those of you who'd wish and would want to work with either of these guys in the future, please be prepared to discuss business first since the art of music comes secondary.

"We believe there's no need to go into further details; it'll be highly embarrassing. It already is for the rest of us and most sane people get the point by now. If you feel you haven't been appreciated, this goes for both, then why did you accept the large sums of money all these years that has been handed out to you? It was convenient, wasn't it?

"For how much longer should we accept a service on stage that has slowly deteriorated over the last few years which we know other bands wouldn't tolerate, seeing as your performance simply wasn't good enough and your self-critical view was like zero. Explain that. But you wanted the cash, pretty typical. Give someone something even if they don't deserve it just to keep everyone happy and they want more of it. Don't take credit for something you haven't written.

"If you knew how to arrange and write a song, you would have already, just like the rest of us. But no, your lazy ass is too 'busy' complaining about not getting what is 'rightfully' and 'legally' yours. Funny then, how the new album is halfway finished written already by the rest of us without any of these guys' input, still having all those elements we're known for. Even having obligations and work with other bands simultaneously on the side. But those who still believe in the band and its music, and not in recently fired members' bitterness, greed and fear of what's around the corner, will understand this when the next opus is out.

"We could write a book about previous members and their separate reasons why they're not in the band anymore, but we believe you don't want to hear most of it by now.

"This wasn't an issue of the typical 'musical differences' bullshit statement either. Other bands cover up their shit with that worn-out excuse, but musical differences is exactly what makes this band sounding unique. Sadly, some of the members lost the focus along the way; some people close to the band will say they did that a long time ago, and for that there was simply nothing we could do anymore. We can't force people to do something they obviously don't want or care about. We tried — but they didn't. Our patience and goodwill is not everlasting.

"So for those of you who still think we owe them more than a phone call or an e-mail letting them know their 'services' are no longer wanted and needed, think again. We just had enough and for that we're not sorry. We're only sorry it didn't work out in the end.

"And to those who think greed played a part in this, so absolutely, and now you know whose careers are run by it and whose isn't."

Swedish "Viking metal" act MÅNEGARM has unveiled finalized the track listing for its new album, "Nattväsen" (English translation: "Night Creatures"), due on October 22 via Regain Records. It is as follows:

01. Mina Fäders Hall
02. Nattsjäl, Drömsjäl
03. Bergagasten
04. I Den Svartaste Jord
05. Hraesvelg
06. Vetrarmegin
07. Draugen
08. Nattväsen
09. Delling

SOULGRIND, the Finnish band featuring former LULLACRY frontwoman Tanja "Whisper Lilith" Kemppainen (a.k.a. Tanya), will enter the studio on September 14 to begin recording the group's ninth album, "The Tuoni Pathway", for an early 2010 release via U.K.'s Femme Metal Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Call Of Dancing Waters
02. The Song Of Tomorrow
03. My Sweet Thought Of Death
04. Vuoret Ja Metsänmaa
05. Tulikannel
06. Among The Graves
07. March Butterfly
08. Pilgrim Of The Shadows
09. Farewell To Misery
10. The Tuoni Pathway

Norwegian symphonic black metallers DIMMU BORGIR have issued the following update:

"We're more than halfway into [the songwriting process for DIMMU BORGIR's new album] at this point and to say we're excited about this material would be an understatement! There will be an orchestra and a choir which we still have to pick out, but judging from what we have so far and what is brewing, it's going to sound absolutely massive and heavy, dark and epic!"

Several photos from the songwriting sessions for the new DIMMU BORGIR album can be viewed below.