ICED EARTH's Jon Schaffer has a message for the fans; NEW Album Title Revealed!

"Horns Up brothers and sisters!

"I just wanted to write to you on behalf of myself, and the band, to say thank you for the amazing growth that has been taking place on the Official Iced Earth Facebook Page. We have reached 300,000 likes in a very short time and there appears to be no end in sight.
Since we have this special occasion, I thought I might share some exclusive news with you guys, right here, straight from the source:

"The new ICED EARTH studio album is expected to have an October 2013 release date. It will be titled 'PLAGUES OF BABYLON' and we are very excited about how killer things are sounding this early in the writing/demo process. Below are some of the song titles that will appear on the album.

"I expect this album will be something very special!

"Stay tuned to this page for breaking news about ICED EARTH’s mega-packed schedule and coming tour dates. You will hear it here first!

"Thanks again for your continued support of the band! We love you guys!

"Take care,"

- Jon Schaffer


1) Plagues of Babylon
2) Democide
3) Among The Living Dead
4) The Resistance
5) If I Could See You
6) Peacemaker
7) Cthulhu
8) Parasite

Iced Earth just released their Live In Ancient Kourion DVD/Blu-ray, filmed last year in Cyprus. Following the completion of 'PLAGUES OF BABYLON', ICED EARTH will demolishing Europe!

Iced Earth European tour 2014:

09 Jan: GER Saarbrücken Garage
10 Jan: NED Hengelo Metropol
11 Jan: BEL Antwerp Trix 
12 Jan: GBR Birmingham O2 Academy
13 Jan: IRE Dublin Button Factory
14 Jan: GBR London O2 Academy Islington
15 Jan: FRA Paris Le Trabendo
17 Jan: ESP Madrid Sala Caracol
19 Jan: ESP Valencia Rock City
20 Jan: ESP Barcelona Razzmatazz 2
22 Jan: SWI Pratteln Z7
23 Jan: ITA Romagnano Rock ‘n’ Roll Arena
24 Jan: SLO Ljubljana Kino Siska
25 Jan: CRO Zagreb Pogon Jedinstvo
26 Jan: BIH Sarajevo Club Sloga
28 Jan: ROM Bucarest Juke Box
29 Jan: TUR Istanbul Kucukciftlik Park
31 Jan: GRE Athens Gagarin 205
01 Feb: GRE Thessaloniki Principal Club
02 Feb: BUL Sofia Mixtape 5
04 Feb: SER Belgrade Dom Omladine
05 Feb: HUN Budapest Club 202
07 Feb: GER Nürnberg Rockfabrik
08 Feb: TCH Zlin Masters Of Rock
09 Feb: GER München Backstage Werk
11 Feb: GER Berlin Astra
12 Feb: GER Köln Essigfabrik
13 Feb: GER Bochum Zeche
14 Feb: GER Osnabrück Rosenhof
15 Feb: GER Hamburg Markthalle
16 Feb: DEN Copenhagen Vega
18 Feb: SWE Gothenburg Sticky Fingers
19 Feb: SWE Stockholm Debaser Medis
22 Feb: ISR Tel Aviv Reading 3

Related links:
Iced Earth
Century Media Records

ICED EARTH Announce Massive European Tour - Details Available!

Does ICED EARTH ever stop? Hell no! Following the completion of their 11th studio album, which is penciled in for release towards the end of 2013. The Tampa, Florida outfit will begin their planned 18-month journey will start on January of 2014 in Germany.

Mainman Jon Schaffer says: "We are ready to enter the steel pirate ship that is our tour bus and spend another 18 months traveling the world. We look forward to reaching even more people and bringing Iced Earth to many new territories on this next massive world tour.
 
"We have a very exciting and groundbreaking schedule planned and we will be bringing the Metal to the masses big time. This is what we do!"

Iced Earth just released their Live In Ancient Kourion DVD/Blu-ray, filmed last year in Cyprus. Their latest album 'Dystopia' was released in 2011.

Iced Earth European tour 2014:
09 Jan: GER Saarbrücken Garage
10 Jan: NED Hengelo Metropol
11 Jan: BEL Antwerp Trix 
12 Jan: GBR Birmingham O2 Academy
13 Jan: IRE Dublin Button Factory
14 Jan: GBR London O2 Academy Islington
15 Jan: FRA Paris Le Trabendo
17 Jan: ESP Madrid Sala Caracol
19 Jan: ESP Valencia Rock City
20 Jan: ESP Barcelona Razzmatazz 2
22 Jan: SWI Pratteln Z7
23 Jan: ITA Romagnano Rock ‘n’ Roll Arena
24 Jan: SLO Ljubljana Kino Siska
25 Jan: CRO Zagreb Pogon Jedinstvo
26 Jan: BIH Sarajevo Club Sloga
28 Jan: ROM Bucarest Juke Box
29 Jan: TUR Istanbul Kucukciftlik Park
31 Jan: GRE Athens Gagarin 205
01 Feb: GRE Thessaloniki Principal Club
02 Feb: BUL Sofia Mixtape 5
04 Feb: SER Belgrade Dom Omladine
05 Feb: HUN Budapest Club 202
07 Feb: GER Nürnberg Rockfabrik
08 Feb: TCH Zlin Masters Of Rock
09 Feb: GER München Backstage Werk
11 Feb: GER Berlin Astra
12 Feb: GER Köln Essigfabrik
13 Feb: GER Bochum Zeche
14 Feb: GER Osnabrück Rosenhof
15 Feb: GER Hamburg Markthalle
16 Feb: DEN Copenhagen Vega
18 Feb: SWE Gothenburg Sticky Fingers
19 Feb: SWE Stockholm Debaser Medis
22 Feb: ISR Tel Aviv Reading 3

Related links:
Iced Earth
Century Media Records

ICED EARTH: Live Version Of "I Died For You" From 'Live In Ancient Kourion'!

ICED EARTH's 'Live In Ancient Kourion' will hit stores on April 15th (USA April 16th), 2013! The band has just premiered another live song called "I Died For You" right HERE!

Recently, the band premiered the video clip for "Dystopia". Watch it HERE!

This incredibly powerful package will come to you in various configurations and, a first for CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS, also on Blu-Ray disk! The Limited Edition Deluxe Book features the main show and a plethora of bonus content on DVD and a Blu-Ray Disc, as well as the entire concert on a 2 CD set (4 discs in total!). You can also enjoy the audio version of the full concert in a 3 LP gatefold Vinyl package or as a 2 CD set. A standard DVD and Digital Audio Download will also be available.

Here is the tracklisting:

01. Dystopia
02. Burning Times
03. Angel Holocaust
04. Slave To The Dark
05. V
06. When The Night Falls
07. I Died For You
08. Invasion
09. Motivation Of Man
10. Setian Massacre
11. Stormrider
12. Pure Evil
13. Wolf
14. Dark City
15. End Of Innocence
16. Dracula
17. Ten Thousand Strong
18. End Of Innocence
19. Anthem
20. Decleration Day
21. Days Of Rage
22. Melancholy (Holy Martyr)

Encore 1:

23. In Sacred Flames
24. Boiling Point
25. Damien
26. Watching Over Me
27. Dantes Inferno
28. Iced Earth

Encore 2:

29. The Hunter


Related links:
Iced Earth
Century Media Records

ICED EARTH Premiere Another Live Song From Their 'Live In Ancient Kourion' DVD/Blu-ray

ICED EARTH's 'Live In Ancient Kourion' will hit stores on April 15th (USA April 16th), 2013! The band has just premiered another live song called "Damien" right HERE!

Recently, the band premiered the video clip for "Dystopia". Watch it HERE!

This incredibly powerful package will come to you in various configurations and, a first for CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS, also on Blu-Ray disk! The Limited Edition Deluxe Book features the main show and a plethora of bonus content on DVD and a Blu-Ray Disc, as well as the entire concert on a 2 CD set (4 discs in total!). You can also enjoy the audio version of the full concert in a 3 LP gatefold Vinyl package or as a 2 CD set. A standard DVD and Digital Audio Download will also be available.

Here is the tracklisting:

01. Dystopia
02. Burning Times
03. Angel Holocaust
04. Slave To The Dark
05. V
06. When The Night Falls
07. I Died For You
08. Invasion
09. Motivation Of Man
10. Setian Massacre
11. Stormrider
12. Pure Evil
13. Wolf
14. Dark City
15. End Of Innocence
16. Dracula
17. Ten Thousand Strong
18. End Of Innocence
19. Anthem
20. Decleration Day
21. Days Of Rage
22. Melancholy (Holy Martyr)

Encore 1:

23. In Sacred Flames
24. Boiling Point
25. Damien
26. Watching Over Me
27. Dantes Inferno
28. Iced Earth

Encore 2:

29. The Hunter


Related links:
Iced Earth
Century Media Records

ICED EARTH Premieres Video Clip From 'Live In Ancient Kourion' DVD

ICED EARTH's 'Live In Ancient Kourion' will hit stores on April 15th (USA April 16th), 2013! The band has just premiered the video clip for "Dystopia", watch it now!



This incredibly powerful package will come to you in various configurations and, a first for CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS, also on Blu-Ray disk! The Limited Edition Deluxe Book features the main show and a plethora of bonus content on DVD and a Blu-Ray Disc, as well as the entire concert on a 2 CD set (4 discs in total!). You can also enjoy the audio version of the full concert in a 3 LP gatefold Vinyl package or as a 2 CD set. A standard DVD and Digital Audio Download will also be available.

Here is the tracklisting:

01. Dystopia
02. Burning Times
03. Angel Holocaust
04. Slave To The Dark
05. V
06. When The Night Falls
07. I Died For You
08. Invasion
09. Motivation Of Man
10. Setian Massacre
11. Stormrider
12. Pure Evil
13. Wolf
14. Dark City
15. End Of Innocence
16. Dracula
17. Ten Thousand Strong
18. End Of Innocence
19. Anthem
20. Decleration Day
21. Days Of Rage
22. Melancholy (Holy Martyr)

Encore 1:

23. In Sacred Flames
24. Boiling Point
25. Damien
26. Watching Over Me
27. Dantes Inferno
28. Iced Earth

Encore 2:

29. The Hunter


Related links:
Iced Earth
Century Media Records

ICED EARTH Reveal Trailer & Release Date For 'Live In Ancient Kourion'!

Since 'Dystopia' was released in October of 2011, ICED EARTH has been on the attack in a big way, playing more shows in the past year than in the previous ten years... combined!

ICED EARTH main man Jon Schaffer: “I feel this is a testament to a NEW beginning, a NEW energy and a rock solid determination that will see us taking the music of ICED EARTH to every corner of the globe; spreading the awareness of our brand of Metal in a way that hasn’t been done before. I’ve never been more proud of this band, our crew, and the people behind the scenes that are responsible for much of our success.”

When ICED EARTH performed on August 19 at the ancient Kourion Amphitheater, outside Limassol in Cyprus, the high def cameras and audio recorders were rolling for what became the bands NEW upcoming CD/DVD entitled 'Live In Ancient Kourion'. The concert featured1,500 fans who witnessed a three hour long concert and featured on-stage scenery and artwork that was uniquely created for this special event. Legendary producer Jim Morris of Morrisound Studios (ICED EARTH, SEPULTURA, MORBID ANGEL, DEATH, SAVATAGE) supervised the entire audio section with the help of the ToneDeaf Recording Studio. 
  
'Live In Ancient Kourion' will hit stores on April 15th (USA April 16th), 2013! This incredibly powerful package will come to you in various configurations and, a first for CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS, also on Blu-Ray disk! The Limited Edition Deluxe Book features the main show and a plethora of bonus content on DVD and a Blu-Ray Disc, as well as the entire concert on a 2 CD set (4 discs in total!). You can also enjoy the audio version of the full concert in a 3 LP gatefold Vinyl package or as a 2 CD set. A standard DVD and Digital Audio Download will also be available.

Here is the tracklisting:

01. Dystopia
02. Burning Times
03. Angel Holocaust
04. Slave To The Dark
05. V
06. When The Night Falls
07. I Died For You
08. Invasion
09. Motivation Of Man
10. Setian Massacre
11. Stormrider
12. Pure Evil
13. Wolf
14. Dark City
15. End Of Innocence
16. Dracula
17. Ten Thousand Strong
18. End Of Innocence
19. Anthem
20. Decleration Day
21. Days Of Rage
22. Melancholy (Holy Martyr)

Encore 1:

23. In Sacred Flames
24. Boiling Point
25. Damien
26. Watching Over Me
27. Dantes Inferno
28. Iced Earth

Encore 2:

29. The Hunter



Related links:
Iced Earth
Century Media Records

ICED EARTH Wants Their Fans Input Regarding NEW DVD 'Live In Ancient Kourion'

As previously reported, ICED EARTH performed on August 19 at the ancient Kourion Amphitheater, outside Limassol in Cyprus! The band installed high def cameras and audio recorders in order to capture the NEW upcoming CD/DVD entitled 'Live In Ancien Kourion'. The concert featured1,500 fans who witnessed a three hour long concert and featured on-stage scenery and artwork that was uniquely created for this special event. Legendary producer Jim Morris of Morrisound Studios (ICED EARTH, SEPULTURA, MORBID ANGEL, DEATH, SAVATAGE) supervised the entire audio section with the help of the ToneDeaf Recording Studio. Tracklisting available HERE!

After reviewing the footage, the band realized that the video footage does not meet the requirements needed for a BluRay Disk. Here is a note from the band regarding this matter:

"Dear ICED EARTH fans,

As we are editing the DVD and getting to the finishing line, there is one thing where we very much want your input.

"We went to Cyprus and attempted the impossible: to film a DVD with very little or no infrastructure in an amphitheatre that had never seen a rock show before.

"We did it, the results are amazing and we are very excited about the outcome -- we feel this DVD is something to be truly proud of.

"However, we did promise you it would be a BluRay Disk release as well and here's where you come in:

"As we reviewed the footage, it became apparent that the cameras did not record in high enough resolution to be able to do a BluRay in 1080p resolution.

"It is 720p and it looks really, really good, but it's not 1080p.

"ICED EARTH is a band that cares about their fans and would never do anything that could even remotely feel dishonest. That's why we felt this path of involving you, our fans, is the best way for us to judge what we should do.

"With this being said:

"WOULD YOU WANT US TO MAKE A BLU-RAY DISK REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT IT IS NOT TRUE 1080P RESOLUTION?

"Please make your voices heard -- we consider this our true sounding board."

Use this link to leave your response!

Related links:
Iced Earth
Century Media Records

ICED EARTH Reveal Tracklisting & Cover Artwork For 'Live In Ancient Kourion' DVD/CD!

When ICED EARTH performed on August 19 at the ancient Kourion Amphitheater, outside Limassol in Cyprus, the high def cameras and audio recorders were rolling for what became the bands NEW upcoming CD/DVD entitled 'Live In Ancien Kourion'. The concert featured1,500 fans who witnessed a three hour long concert and featured on-stage scenery and artwork that was uniquely created for this special event. Legendary producer Jim Morris of Morrisound Studios (ICED EARTH, SEPULTURA, MORBID ANGEL, DEATH, SAVATAGE) supervised the entire audio section with the help of the ToneDeaf Recording Studio. Here is the tracklisting:

01. Dystopia
02. Burning Times
03. Angel Holocaust
04. Slave To The Dark
05. V
06. When The Night Falls
07. I Died For You
08. Invasion
09. Motivation Of Man
10. Setian Massacre
11. Stormrider
12. Pure Evil
13. Wolf
14. Dark City
15. End Of Innocence
16. Dracula
17. Ten Thousand Strong
18. End Of Innocence
19. Anthem
20. Decleration Day
21. Days Of Rage
22. Melancholy (Holy Martyr)

Encore 1:

23. In Sacred Flames
24. Boiling Point
25. Damien
26. Watching Over Me
27. Dantes Inferno
28. Iced Earth

Encore 2:

29. The Hunter

Today, the band has revealed the album artwork for their upcoming DVD/CD via a message from Jon Schaffer:

"Hello friends,

"I just wanted give you a quick update:

"We are locked and loaded and ready to roll out for the final leg of the Dystopia World Tour.

"The "Live In Ancient Kourion"-DVD will be released in early April, so I thought I would share the artwork with you.

"Nathan Perry and Felipe Machado Franco teamed up once again to bring you this kick-ass image.

"There is a lot of good things coming your way next year so stay tuned for updates.

"Now dust off your leather jackets and come out and RAGE with us during these upcoming shows!

"Enjoy your holidays!"

- Jon Schaffer

Related links:
Iced Earth
Century Media Records

Judge's Verdict On The CENTURY MEDIA Vs. LACUNA COIL Illegal Downloaders Case!

As previously reported, a New Jersey attorney filed lawsuits on behalf of Century Media Records that collectively target more than 7,000 people for allegedly using peer-to-peer networks to unlawfully distribute 'Dark Adrenaline', the most recent album by the Italian band LACUNA COIL, and 'Dystopia', the 2011 album by ICED EARTH.

It has been reported, that a New Jersey judge has quashed nearly a thousand of subpoenas that were requested in a BitTorrent suit involving 'Dark Adrenaline', ruling that the case improperly joins mass defendants together.

U.S. District Judge Faith S. Hochberg threw out all of the defendants with the exception of one John Doe for the claim. As a result, 943 unnamed defendants have been pared from suit filed by a New Jersey attorney on behalf of Century Media Records.

Hochberg, in her October 10 ruling, said that the case appeared to be a misjoinder, finding that "there must be a connection between defendants beyond the copyrighted work and method of distribution, namely that defendants were involved in the same transaction with the same downloader at the same time."

In the case, Hochberg said that she would sever all Doe defendants except the first Doe of the suit "without prejudice," permitting the plaintiff to bring the claim again in conformity with the rules set forth by the judge.

Related links:
Century Media Records
Lacuna Coil

Read The Declaration From CENTURY MEDIA's European Label Manager In Regards To The ICED EARTH Lawsuit Against Illegal Downloaders!

As previously reported, NorthJersey.com has announced that a New Jersey attorney has filed lawsuits on behalf of Century Media Records that collectively target more than 7,000 people for allegedly using peer-to-peer networks to unlawfully distribute 'Dark Adrenaline', the most recent album by the Italian band LACUNA COIL, and 'Dystopia', the 2011 album by ICED EARTH.
 
Recently, the copy of the declaration from Century Media Records' European Label Manager Antje Lange was released to the public. The document was included with the lawsuit filed by a New Jersey attorney on behalf of the label that collectively targets more than 4,000 people for allegedly using peer-to-peer networks to unlawfully distribute 'Dystopia', the most recent album by ICED EARTH. The label has also filed a similar lawsuit against thousands of individuals who have allegedly illegally downloaded 'Dark Adrenaline', the 2012 album from the Italian band LACUNA COIL.

The declaration reads, in part: "I, Antje Lange, declare, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United Kingdom, as follows:

"I am the European Label Manager of Century Media Ltd. ('Century Media'), the Plaintiff in the within action. I make this Declaration in support of this application for a preliminary injunction restraining the unauthorized distribution by Defendants of the copyrighted record album 'Dystopia' via a torrent network on the Internet.

"Century Media is a record label. One of our artists is the band ICED EARTH. We promote and distribute the works of ICED EARTH, including 'Dystopia'. Century Media holds the exclusive right to distribute 'Dystopia' worldwide.

"'Dystopia' was first published in the United Kingdom in October 2011, selling approximately 6,000 copies in the first week and earning a spot on Billboard's Top 200 chart in its first week of sales. 'Dystopia' is the subject of a valid copyright registration in the United States Copyright Office. 'Dystopia' is the subject of a valid copyright registration in the United States Copyright Office.

"At no time has Century Media authorized the distribution of 'Dystopia' on the Internet via peer-to-peer networks. Each of the Defendants in this action that has distributed the work has done so without the permission of Century Media and in violation of our exclusive rights of distribution."

In a typical illegal-downloading case, a lawyer hires a company to search for Internet protocol (IP) addresses associated with the use of file-sharing software such as BitTorrent. Once the IP addresses have been harvested, the lawyer's clients file suit naming defendants as John Doe. They then seek to have mass subpoenas issued for the Internet providers associated with the harvested IP addresses in order to obtain the name and address of the owner of the IP address on the date it was harvested. Once identified, an Internet account holder typically faces the prospect of settling the case for a few thousand dollars or hiring a lawyer to fight the charges.

Shortly after learning of the lawsuit, ICED EARTH guitarist/mainman Jon Schaffer issued a statement distancing himself from the action, saying, "We all know the music industry is changing. We have been adapting to this model by embracing legal streaming services such as Spotify and by bringing our music to places we have never played before by touring our proverbial asses off.

"As much as we respect that the labels are having a harder time selling music, we feel this is a misguided effort and want to make sure our fans know we would have not given our consent would we have been asked."

Related links:
Century Media Records
Iced Earth
Lacuna Coil

ICED EARTH On CENTURY MEDIA Lawsuit: "We had no knowledge of this motion and were, sadly, not asked permission."

As previously reported, NorthJersey.com has announced that a New Jersey attorney has filed lawsuits on behalf of Century Media Records that collectively target more than 7,000 people for allegedly using peer-to-peer networks to unlawfully distribute 'Dark Adrenaline', the most recent album by the Italian band LACUNA COIL, and 'Dystopia', the 2011 album by ICED EARTH.

Apparently, no one informed ICED EARTH about this lawsuit. How do we know this? Well, look at what ICED EARTH's own Jon Schaffer posted on his Facebook page:

"It has come to my attention that Century Media is suing fans over illegal downloads of (among others) our latest album, 'Dystopia'. I felt it was important to clarify that we had no knowledge of this motion and were, sadly, not asked permission.

"We all know the music industry is changing. We have been adapting to this model by embracing legal streaming services such as Spotify and by bringing our music to places we have never played before by touring our proverbial asses off.

"As much as we respect that the labels are having a harder time selling music, we feel this is a misguided effort and want to make sure our fans know we would have not given our consent would we have been asked."

Related links:
Century Media Records
Iced Earth
Lacuna Coil

CENTURY MEDIA Vs. LACUNA COIL Illegal Downloaders - Copy Of Lawsuit Available!

As previously reported, NorthJersey.com has announced that a New Jersey attorney has filed lawsuits on behalf of Century Media Records that collectively target more than 7,000 people for allegedly using peer-to-peer networks to unlawfully distribute 'Dark Adrenaline', the most recent album by the Italian band LACUNA COIL, and 'Dystopia', the 2011 album by ICED EARTH.

A copy of the lawsuit filed in the name of LACUNA COIL can be found below. The label has also filed a similar lawsuit against thousands of individuals who have allegedly illegally downloaded ICED EARTH's 'Dystopia.
Century Media Ltd v Does 1 944 No 12 Cv 3868 (DNJ)

What do you guys think about this extreme measure taken by Century Media Records? Let us know at the comments section below.

Earlier this year we conducted the following interview with LACUNA COIL's Cristina Scabbia. During the conversation we discussed illegal downloading with her. Check it out!



Related links:
Century Media Records
Lacuna Coil
Iced Earth

CENTURY MEDIA Cracks The Whip At Over 7,000 Illegal Downloaders!

NorthJersey.com, has announced that a New Jersey attorney has filed lawsuits on behalf of Century Media Records that collectively target more than 7,000 people for allegedly using peer-to-peer networks to unlawfully distribute 'Dark Adrenaline', the most recent album by the Italian band LACUNA COIL, and 'Dystopia', the 2011 album by ICED EARTH.

In a typical illegal-downloading case, a lawyer hires a company to search for Internet protocol (IP) addresses associated with the use of file-sharing software such as BitTorrent. Once the IP addresses have been harvested, the lawyer's clients file suit naming defendants as John Doe. They then seek to have mass subpoenas issued for the Internet providers associated with the harvested IP addresses in order to obtain the name and address of the owner of the IP address on the date it was harvested. Once identified, an Internet account holder typically faces the prospect of settling the case for a few thousand dollars or hiring a lawyer to fight the charges.

"It's tough. If you get one of these letters you've been put in a difficult and unfair spot," said Rebecca Jeschke, a spokeswoman for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a San Francisco-based civil-liberties group, referring to the notices that go out once a John Doe has been identified.

"In many of these situations," she added, "the goal doesn't seem to be to fight infringement; it seems to be to get settlements. That's where the money-making is."

Nuclear Blast Records made headlines earlier in the year when it filed a lawsuit against 80 users of the BitTorrent network over illegal music downloads of an album by Oakland, California-based extreme metallers ALL SHALL PERISH. The lawsuit was not only brought without the band's permission, but also without their knowledge.

After members of ALL SHALL PERISH made it clear that they did not want to participate in the legal proceedings, Nuclear Blast voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice.

In December 2008, the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA) abandoned its litigation campaign against file sharers after having targeted some 18,000 individuals, usually naming dozens or hundreds of defendants per suit.

Most of the defendants settled out of court for a few thousand dollars rather than risk Copyright Act fines of up to $150,000 per purloined music track.

What do you guys think about this extreme measure taken by Century Media Records? Let us know at the comments section below.

Earlier this year we conducted the following interview with LACUNA COIL's Cristina Scabbia. During the conversation we discussed illegal downloading with her. Check it out!



Related links:
Century Media Records
Lacuna Coil
Iced Earth

ICED EARTH To Kick Off North American Tour With VOLBEAT, HELLYEAH & THE SIXXIS; Limited Pressing Of 'Dystopia Tour Edition' Available Only At Merch Stands!

Heavy Metal legends ICED EARTH will be touring North America starting next week, hitting the road with VOLBEAT, HELLYEAH, and THE SIXXIS for an extensive 5-week trek. In regards to this upcoming tour, Jon Schaffer (rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars/backing vocals) comments: "I'm completely stoked, VOLBEAT is one of my all-time favorite bands, and Michael and the boys are great people. There is a lot of mutual respect and admiration, and I think we are in for a hell of a good time! This will be a package that won't soon be forgotten, I'm sure of that."

ICED EARTH will be touring in support of their critically acclaimed 10th studio album, 'Dystopia'. Released last year via Century Media Records, 'Dystopia' debuted at #67 on the Billboard chart and has since received rave reviews from fans and critics alike, with Revolver Magazine naming it one of the 20 Best Albums of 2011 and declaring, "Twenty years after releasing their self-titled debut, this Florida five some has never sounded better."

To commemorate the tour, ICED EARTH are releasing a limited tour edition of 'Dystopia'. Currently available only at the merchandise stands on the tour, the 2-disc 'Dystopia' Tour Edition contains the original full-length album, as well as b-side covers of IRON MAIDEN "The Trooper" and BLACK SABBATH "Mob Rules," as well as the classic 17-minute ICED EARTH track "Dante's Inferno" re-recorded with vocalist Stu Block. The bonus disc also contains both music videos from 'Dystopia' - the title track and "Anthem" - as well as a 'Making of Dystopia' studio interview with the band, and exclusive cell phone skins and desktop backgrounds.

All upcoming ICED EARTH tour dates are below, so check to see when they'll be coming to a city near you!

6/18: Kool Haus in Toronto, ON

6/19: The Fillmore in Detroit, MI

6/20: Chameleon Club in Lancaster, PA **headlining off date**

6/21: House Of Blues in Boston, MA

6/22: Paramount Theatre in Huntington, NY

6/23: Northern Lights in Clifton Park, NY

6/25: House Of Blues in Chicago, IL **off date with HELLYEAH**

6/26: MYTH in St. Paul, MN

6/27: Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg, MB

6/29: Crescent Point Place in Weyburn, SA

7/2: Shrine Auditorium in Billings, MT

7/3: Knitting Factory in Spokane, WA

7/5: Knitting Factory in Spokane, WA

7/6: Knitting Factory in Boise, ID

7/7: Knitting Factory in Reno, NV

7/8: Warfield Theatre in San Francisco, CA

7/10: The Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA

7/11: Marquee Theatre in Tempe, AZ

7/12: House Of Blues in Las Vegas, NV

7/13: The Great Salt Air in Magna, UT

7/14: Mesa Theatre & Club in Grand Junction, CO **headlining off date**

7/15: Colorado Springs City Auditorium in Colorado Springs, CO

7/16: Sokol Auditorium in Omaha, NE **off date with VOLBEAT**

7/18: Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA

7/19: Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, MD

7/22: Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA

7/23: Norva Theater in Norfolk, VA

7/24: Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, MD

Related links:

ICED EARTH's Official Site