ENSIFERUM announce NEW label home & begin working on another album

Finland's ENSIFERUM have spent the past 18 years honing the steel of their folk-infused battle Metal auditory attack. Their albums are further bolstered by a live show that has become one of the most entertaining in all of Metal. Proof of ENSIFERUM's status as one of the most vital bands in modern Metal was made apparent through their headlining slot on this year's Paganfest USA tour. To further spread the band's music to a worldwide audience, ENSIFERUM has forged a deal with Metal Blade Records! The band inked the deal with Metal Blade CEO Brian Slagel during the Paganfest USA tour, and all parties are enthusiastic about NEW music and NEW possibilities.

Bassist/backing vocalist Sami Hinkka comments: "We are really looking forward to our co-operation with such a great and legendary label as Metal Blade. The next full length album should be out in early 2015. We have already started working with the NEW songs and it's obvious that the next album will be another step ahead for Ensiferum. And now that we have united forces with mighty Metal Blade nothing can stop us! The next album is going to be something that will rock the very foundations of folk Metal genre.

"We also would like to thank Spinefarm Records for all these 13 years, it's been as blast but now it is time for us to move on and head bravely towards NEW challenges.

"The future looks bright for Sword Bearers!"

ENSIFERUM will be touring throughout Europe and South America this summer as they continue their live campaign in support of their most recent album, 'Unsung Heroes'. Confirmed dates can be seen below, as well as on ensiferum.com and facebook.com/Ensiferum. ENSIFERUM merch is available now at http://shop.ensiferum.com.

European Festivals:

04/26 Oulu , FI Teatria
04/27 Helsinki, FI Virgin Oil
04/28 Losheim Am See, DE Hexentanz Festival
05/05 Istanbul, TR Headbangers Weekend Istanbul
05/18 Gelsenkirchen, DE Rock Hard Festival
05/20 Leipzig, DE Wave Gothic Treffen
06/07 Espoo, FI Kivenlahti Rock
06/20-22 Nummijärvi, FI Nummirock
06/26-30 Tokaj-Rakamaz, HU Hegyalka Festival
07/11-13 Ballenstedt, DE Rockharz Open Air
07/22-26 Tolmin, SL Metaldays
08/07-10 Jaromer, CZ Brutal Assault
08/09-10 Villena, ES Leyendas del Rock Festival
08/15-17 Dinkelsbühl, DE Summer Breeze
08/15-17 Falun, SE Rockstad Falun

South American Tour:

05/28 Bogota, CO Teatro Las Vegas Nevada
05/30 Santiago, CL Blondie Club
05/31 Buenos Aires, AR Teatro Vorterix
06/01 Sao Paulo, BR Carioca Club
06/02 Rio De Janeiro, BR Teatro Odisséia

Related links:
Ensiferum's official site
Ensiferum on Twitter
Ensiferum on Facebook

New York Rockers KILLCODE Ink Record Deal; Celebratory Gig To Take Place On March 29!

As we have previously stated, KILLCODE represents the present and the future of the New York underground Hard Rock music scene, thanks to their ability of creating music that is both fresh and fun. Last year, the KILLCODE crew unleashed their self-tiled album and quickly created a buzz.

This jut in: the band have signed with CME Records to release their self-titled debut album. Produced by Stacy O’Dell, 'Killcode' will be released via CME Records/Mega Force/Sony (RED) Music on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 in the USA and Canada. The same day that the BLACK SABBATH record '13' drops!

KILLCODE will be celebrating their historic accomplishment on Friday, March 29th at Mercury Lounge in New York City. Info and tickets HERE!

Lead vocalist Tom Morrissey says, “Nothing is promised nor guaranteed. Your success is earned with hard work, honesty and integrity. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

A HUGE congrats to KILLCODE, and cheers to many more years of success!

Free Music Player for Myspace at ReverbNation.com

Related links:
Killcode on MySpace
Killcode on Reverbnation
Killcode on Facebook
Killcode on Twitter

Flotsam & Jetsam Ink Record Deal With Metal Blade Records; Band On Tour Now With Testament!

Flotsam and Jetsam, arguably one of the most influential and prominent acts from Thrash Metal's birth in the early 80s, has returned to Metal Blade Records to release their NEW album, 'Ugly Noise'. The lead single/title track is available for streaming now here (courtesy of Metal Blade Records).


'Ugly Noise' is the band's eleventh full-length album, their first release on Metal Blade since 2001, and the follow up to their 2010 album, 'The Cold'. The record also heralds the return of original members Michael Gilbert on guitar and Kelly David Smith on drums, who haven't recorded with Flotsam and Jetsam since High in 1997.

Flotsam and Jetsam's Kelly Smith comments on working with Metal Blade: "We have just inked a distribution deal for the release of 'Ugly Noise' through Metal Blade Records. 'Ugly Noise' will be released worldwide in late March/Early April of 2013. It was the obvious choice for us after our long-standing relationship and Metal Blades 30 year history of Metal. You can't match what they can do with 30 years of experience behind them. We are excited and looking forward to working with MB in 2013."

Also, tune into Liquid Metal on SiriusXM this week for a Flotsam and Jetsam interview & Liquid Metal Takeover! Kelly Smith, Eric AK and Michael Gilbert stop by the SiriusXM NYC studios to talk to Jose Mangin about their NEW album, 'Ugly Noise', and their current comeback tour with Testament on "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour". After the hour interview special, the guys host a Liquid Metal Takeover picking out their go-to Metal songs.

Tune in to listen:
- Thurs, 2/21 @ 5pm ET / 2pm PT
- Sat, 2/23 @ Noon ET / 9am PT
- Sun, 2/24 @ 9pm ET / 6pm PT

As previously reported, "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" was dented this weekend as OVERKILL were forced to cancel their appearance due to the fact that Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's contracted pneumonia. Full statement HERE!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):

2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA 

Related links:
Official Site of Flotsam And Jetsam

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Inks Record Deal With Roadrunner Records In The U.S.

This just in! Roadrunner Records U.S. has signed The Devil Wears Prada. The band will make their label debut with an as-yet-untitled new LP, executive produced by Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage with producer/engineer Matt Goldman, expected to arrive fall 2013.

TDWP frontman Mike Hranica commented: "We’ve put so much time into the new songs already, and we're really happy where things are sitting. I think with Roadrunner in the picture, it's only more encouraging as far as compiling a record that we can be proud of and a record that exists well as Dead Throne's successor."

The Devil Wears Prada and Metal Blade Records' As I Lay Dying will be going on a North American co-headline tour very soon. The hugely anticipated trek gets underway February 22nd at Ventura, California's Majestic Ventura Theater Half House and then continues through early April (see below for the itinerary). Support on the trek will come from For Today and on select dates, The Color Morale and The Chariot. Here is where the tour will hit:

With The Color Morale:

02/22: Ventura, CA – Majestic Ventura Theater Half House
02/23: Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
02/24: Chico, CA – Senator Theatre
02/26: Reno, NV – Knitting Factory Concert House
02/27: Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
02/28: Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia
03/01: San Diego, CA – Soma
03/02: Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
03/03: El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
03/05: Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater
03/06: San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live
03/07: Dallas, TX – House of Blues Dallas (no For Today)

With The Chariot:

03/08: Lubbock, TX – Lonestar Events Center (no For Today)
03/09: Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
03/10: Memphis, TN – New Daisy Theatre
03/12: Nashville, TN – Rocketown
03/13: Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
03/14: Charleston, SC – The Music Farm
03/15: Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
03/16: Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
03/17: Hartford, CT – Webster Theatre
03/19: Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock
03/20: Huntington, NY – Paramount Theater
03/21: Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance
03/22: Williamsville, NY – Club Infinity
03/23: Toronto, ON – The Sound Academy
03/24: Millvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theater
03/25: Millvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theater
03/27: Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
03/28: Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
03/29: Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
03/30: Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
04/02: Lawrence, KS – The Granada Theatre
04/03: Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep
04/04: Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep

TDWP is:

- Mike Hranica (vocals) 
- Chris Rubey & Jeremy DePoyster (guitars)
- Andy Trick (bass)
- Daniel Williams (drums)

Related links:
The Devil Wears Prada

WATAIN Begin Working On NEW Music!

Today (January 17), his Masters Noise and Century Media are proud to announce the beginning of a NEW chapter of the WATAIN epos! The band comments:

"Since the harvest, WATAIN have been occupied with preparations for a long and hard journey. Seeds have been sown, blades have been sharpened and new fires have been lit to illuminate the untrodden tunnels that lay before us as we descend further down the maze..."   

And so it was that on the 3rd of January, 3 years on the day since the recording of 'Lawless Darkness' did commence, WATAIN returned to Necromorbus Studio and begun working on what is to become the 5th full length album. The tentative time of release is now set for August 2013. More details will be unveiled soon.

Formed back in 1998, the first two albums 'Rabid Death's Curse' (2000) and 'Casus Luciferi' (2003) established the band firmly within the underground scene whereas 'Sworn To The Dark' (2007) and especially 'Lawless Darkness' (2010) helped them conquer a wider audience making them one of the most talked about acts in recent years. Musically rooted in classic Black Metal inspired by the likes of VENOM, HELLHAMMER, BATHORY, MAYHEM, DISSECTION as well as the grandeur of old IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, RAINBOW, it is the larger-than-life aesthetics and total dedication to their art that elevates WATAIN beyond almost any other extreme metal band out there. WATAIN is satanic metal at its most frightening and fascinating.

Related links:
WATAIN
Century Media Records

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE Video For "Hate The Ones You Love"; Band On Tour Now With IMPENDING DOOM!

EOne recording artist THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE, have debuted a second music video for the track, "Hate The Ones You Love" from their latest record, "Dead Years." You can now watch the video below.

Directed by veteran director David Brodsky, the video is about a group of young post-society survivors unable to cope with the task of killing a stranger who wanders into their territory. All of their coping mechanisms start to unravel. Front man Rick Armellino comments:

"Hate the Ones You Love was the first complete track that we knew would end up on Dead Years and it helped frame the rest of the album. The lyrics themselves are about how often I find myself mistrusting or even disliking people who remind me of myself, and what it's like to try and remain trusted to those you love when you can't accept who you are.

"Writing a script around the lyrical themes and acting for the first time seemed risky but the final product really matches what we are trying to do.

Brodsky is an artist, I can't describe how cool it was working with him. Hope you guys dig it!"




THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE is:

- Rick Armellino (Vocals)
- Jack Esbenshade (Guitar)
- Matthew Marcellus (Bass/Vocals)
- Rodney Phillips (Guitar/Vocals)

Related links:
This Or The Apolcaypse on Facebook
This Or The Apocalypse on MySpace
This Or The Apocalypse On Tour

KING DIAMOND Ink Record Deal With Metal Blade Records - Statement Available!

This just in: Metal Blade Records is pleased to announce that Grammy Award nominated KING DIAMOND has signed a NEW 3 album worldwide record deal with the label.

"This is gonna be awesome! Another perfect piece of the puzzle. We have the full backup of Metal Blade, and there's an understanding between us that goes much, much deeper than before.

"Our new business setup will noticeably benefit the fans in so many ways. You must have already noticed some of all the cool new stuff that is happening.

"Now we can't wait to get out there and start touring again!"

Stay Heavy,

King Diamond

As previously reported, KING DIAMOND, BOLT THROWER, TESTAMENT and CHILDREN OF BODOM have all been confirmed next year's Tuska festival! Finland's Heavy Metal fest will take place between June 28-30 in Suvilahti, Helsinki, Finland. It has also been announced that "The King" will be Friday night's closing performance at Bloodstock Open Air 2013! This memorable event marks not only their first-ever U.K. festival appearance, but their first U.K. show of any kind in many years and will be their only U.K. date in 2013!

Related links:
Official Site of King Diamond
King Diamond on Facebook

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN Announce NEW Recording Contract - Video Available!

As previously announced, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN have announced that they have started working on NEW material for their fifth studio album, which will be the follow-up to 2010's "Option Paralysis". The band has also revealed that they have inked a recording contract with Sumerian Records. Here is the bands statement:

"The video below is to announce that Sumerian Records is now the official home for our label "Party Smasher Inc." Look for the new THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN release this spring followed by some other exciting projects and releases! Get ready. 2013 belongs to us."



The band is scheduled to take a break from the writing process in order to go on a U.K. tour in February with Mastodon and Red Fang. From there, the bands will be heading down under to perform at Soundwave Festival.

Related links:
Official Site of Dillinger Escape Plan
Dillinger Escape Plan on MySpace
Dillinger Escape Plan on Twitter

WATAIN Inks Worldwide Deal With Century Media Records - Official Statement Available!

Century Media Records is proud to welcome Swedish Black Metal extremists WATAIN to its worldwide family. Legitimately labeled as genre leaders, deservedly awarded with a Swedish Grammy, playing the world's biggest stages and touring the globe constantly while reaching numerous top positions in the annual reader's polls, WATAIN have worked hard and achieved a lot over the past years despite successfully ignoring any kind of conformity and concession to the Metal mainstream. Unrivaled in their unwillingness to compromise and clear artistic vision, WATAIN are most befittingly described with the title of BATHORY's third opus - "Blood Fire Death", a fact they never fail to underline with their infamous live shows: The stench of rotting animal cadavers, the inferno of candelabras and torches, chalices of blood, darkness and death - WATAIN are a full scale attack on all sensory organs. In days of toothless, sterile, family-friendly Metal they embody danger and dread and are rewarded with a maximum of support and appreciation.

WATAIN comments:

"We are writing this from a magical place of desolation and desert-like vastness, where wondrous things are at this very moment taking place. Things that will come to colour our world as well as yours in the strangest hues for many years to come. We are entering this new chapter of WATAIN with a will and confidence to make it the most diverse and rememberable so far. And with the things that we have in mind for the future, it looks like it will be just so. Just wait and see, f***ers! Loud and terrible shall the trumpets of Devils sound..."

"Century Media is massively excited to work with WATAIN. This band has it all: charisma, the firm will to conquer the world, and an authenticity you rarely find these days. Mixed with their creativity and musical impact - this band will make it to the top. They are a healthy slap in the face for any Metal Bourgeois. We are ready to kill for them!" says Antje Lange, General Manager Century Media Europe

"I am very proud and excited to welcome WATAIN to the Century Media family. There are few bands that remind me of when I first discovered metal as a teenager that could give me the same feeling of extreme release and evil such as SLAYER, VENOM and MERCYFUL FATE did. WATAIN is one of those rare bands and I look forward to being a part of their growing career and helping today's future metalhead find their way!" adds Don Robertson, President Century Media USA.

Formed back in 1998, the first two albums 'Rabid Death's Curse' (2000) and 'Casus Luciferi' (2003) established the band firmly within the underground scene whereas 'Sworn To The Dark' (2007) and especially 'Lawless Darkness' (2010) helped them conquer a wider audience making them one of the most talked about acts in recent years. Musically rooted in classic Black Metal inspired by the likes of VENOM, HELLHAMMER, BATHORY, MAYHEM, DISSECTION as well as the grandeur of old IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, RAINBOW, it is the larger-than-life aesthetics and total dedication to their art that elevates WATAIN beyond almost any other extreme metal band out there. WATAIN is satanic metal at its most frightening and fascinating.

After celebrating their 13th anniversary with the release of the DVD/double live album 'Opus Diaboli' (2012) under the band's own imprint His Master's Noise, followed by an US tour with BEHEMOTH, THE DEVIL'S BLOOD and IN SOLITUDE earlier this year plus celebrated shows at Wacken and Bloodstock Open Air, 2013 will see the release of WATAIN's much anticipated fifth studio album via His Master's Noise in collaboration with Century Media Records. Beware!



Related links:
WATAIN
Century Media Records

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE Premiere Music Video For "Hell Praiser"; NEW Album 'Dead Years' Out Today!

The NEW record by THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE titled 'Dead Years' is finally out! This is the band's first release since 'Haunt What's Left', produced by Josh Wilbur and Lamb Of God's own Chris Adler in 2010.

In celebration of their debut release on E One Music, the band is debuting their brand NEW music video for "Hell Praiser" today via Altpress.com. Directed by famed director David Brodsky (WHITE CHAPEL, AS I LAY DYING), this is one of two videos you can expect from the band in the coming months. Click HERE to view!

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE has also been added to the INKED MUSIC TOUR supporting ALESANA, VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE and label mates GLAMOUR OF THE KILL.

Originally releasing their debut record 'Monuments', in 2007 the band has not slowed down since. With a few dozen tours under their belt with bands like We Came as Romans, Periphery and Born of Osiris the band is hardly NEW to the hands-on approach. Things like giving lessons while on tour and actively taking a role in their day to day is what sets THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE apart.

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE is:

- Rick Armellino (Vocals)
- Jack Esbenshade (Guitar)
- Matthew Marcellus (Bass/Vocals)
- Rodney Phillips (Guitar/Vocals)

Related links:
This Or The Apolcaypse on Facebook
This Or The Apocalypse on MySpace
This Or The Apocalypse On Tour

STRIFE Reveal NEW Album Details & Video Teaser!

Southern California Hardcore band STRIFE has signed a recording deal with 6131 Records and will be releasing their forthcoming album, 'Witness A Rebirth' this fall.

Some bands leave such an impression on fans that, even after two decades, their sound still resonates deep and wide. STRIFE is one of them, and once again tapping into the energy that has kept listeners interested for 21 years.

After touring the world recently, they decided it was time to unleash a NEW batch of songs after 11 years of recording silence. The groundwork for what would become their newest album, 'Witness A Rebirth', has been laid and their collective efforts began down the road to realization.

With producer Nick Jett (Terror, Rotting Out, Backtrack) at the helm, STRIFE recruited friend and previous collaborator, Iggor Cavalera (founding member of Sepultura and current Cavalera Conspiracy) to perform drums for the album and traveled to Brazil to start the recording process with him. Soon after, they returned to California and put the rest of the pieces into place, including guest vocals by Billy Graziadei (Biohazard) and Scott Vogel (Terror), plus a guitar solo by Marc Rizzo (Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy). The rest serves as a testament to their talent, bridging their past (especially the contemporary Hardcore sound. 'Witness A Rebirth' is at once both refreshing and evocative.

A teaser video for 'Witness A Rebirth' is available here:



Related links:
Strife on MySpace

CHILDREN OF BODOM's Alexi Laiho Rushed To A Hospital Due To An Extreme Medical Emergency - Official Statement Available!

CHILDREN OF BODOM have released the following statement regarding the health of their frontman Alexi Laiho:

"It is with great regret that we are forced to cancel tonight's show in Oslo [Norway] as well as tomorrow night's show in Malmö [Sweden].

"Alexi [Laiho, guitar/vocals] was rushed to the Oslo hospital earlier this evening with extreme stomach pain. The doctors in the emergency unit checked him and while we are still waiting for a diagnosis, they made clear that he will not be able to perform within the next 48 hours.

"We apologize to all our fans who have bought tickets to these shows — we will try to reschedule both Oslo and Malmö at the earliest possibility. Keep your fingers crossed with us that Alexi will get well again soon!"

-  Henkka, Roope, Janne, Jaska

As previously reported, CHILDREN OF BODOM has inked a worldwide deal (excluding Japan) with Nuclear Blast Records. The band, which kicked off a year-long celebration of its 15th anniversary with a successful North American tour alongside labelmates ELUVEITIE (Click here to see some badass pictures of this tour!), has a NEW studio album planned for release in 2013.

Recently, Finland's finest Heavy Music export released 'Holiday At Lake Bodom (15 Years Of Wasted Youth)', a very special CD+DVD career retrospective in celebration of the band's 15th anniversary.

"Holiday At Lake Bodom (15 Years Of Wasted Youth)" track listing:

01. Hate Crew Deathroll
02. Shovel Knockout
03. Hate Me
04. Everytime I Die
05. Needled 24/7
06. I¨m Shipping Up to Boston (* DROPKICK MURPHYS cover; previously unreleased)
07. Sixpounder
08. Warheart
09. Roundtrip to Hell and Back
10. Trashed, Lost & Strungout
11. Living Dead Beat
12. Deadnight Warrior
13. Blooddrunk
14. Follow The Reaper
15. Are You Dead Yet?
16. Silent Night, Bodom Night
17. Jessie's Girl (* RICK SPRINGFIELD cover; previously unreleased)
18. In Your Face
19. Angels Don't Kill
20. Downfall

Related links:
Children Of Bodom

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE Prove That Hard Work Pays Off: Band Inks Deal With EONE Music!

Lancaster, PA natives THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE have inked a deal with eOne Music for North and South America. "On behalf of This or the Apocalypse Enterprises, I'm proud to let everyone know that our NEW American home is located at eOne Music. Please make a note on all outgoing packages.  Honestly, I couldn't believe we would be making one signing announcement, so the third feels pretty surreal. It's humbling and a reminder that hard work pays off," says vocalist Ricky Armellino.

This will be the band's first release since 'Haunt What's Left', produced by Josh Wilbur and Lamb Of God's own Chris Adler in 2010.The band is on tour with NORMA JEAN and will head over to China for a short batch of dates, a complete list of tour dates is available below.

Originally releasing their debut record 'Monuments', in 2007 the band has not slowed down since. With a few dozen tours under their belt with bands like We Came as Romans, Periphery and Born of Osiris the band is hardly NEW to the hands-on approach. Things like giving lessons while on tour and actively taking a role in their day to day is what sets THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE apart.

THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE is:

- Rick Armellino (Vocals)
- Jack Esbenshade (Guitar)
- Matthew Marcellus (Bass/Vocals)
- Rodney Phillips (Guitar/Vocals)

Upcoming tour dates:

- 6/30: Lancaster, PA at Chameleon Club *headline
- 7/8: Dayton, OH at The Attic Club w/ Norma Jean
- 7/10: Joliet, IL at Mojoe's w/ Norma Jean
- 7/11: Bloomington, IL at The Castle Theatre w/ Norma Jean
- 7/13: Newburgh, IN at Fuel w/ Norma Jean
- 7/14: Memphis, TN at Newby's w/ Norma Jean
- 7/20: Beijing, China
- 7/21: Shanghai, China
- 7/22: Harbin, China

Related links:
This Or The Apolcaypse on Facebook
This Or The Apocalypse on MySpace
This Or The Apocalypse On Tour

CHILDREN OF BODOM Ink Record Deal With Nuclear Blast Records - Official Statement From Alexi Laiho Available!

                                       Photo by: Steve Lars

CHILDREN OF BODOM (also known as COB) have inked a worldwide recording deal (excluding Japan) with Nuclear Blast Records. The celebrated Metal label -- who worked with the band over the early stages of its career -- is proud to announce the renewed partnership with the world famous band. COB, who kicked off a year long celebration of its 15th anniversary with a successful North American tour alongside label mates ELUVEITIE, have a NEW studio album planned for release in 2013.

"We had a good, productive and long run with Spinefarm Records for fifteen years and now it’s simply just time for a change," said CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman/guitarist Alexi "Wildchild" Laiho. "I’m absolutely stoked to start the NEW chapter of COB's career with Nuclear Blast and look forward to working with them."

"Personally, I am so excited to get to work with Nuclear Blast again." adds COB bassist player Henkka T. Blacksmith. "We have such good memories from the beginning of our career with them. We know the people already and we know how committed they are in doing Metal!"

Nuclear Blast Europe A&R rep Jaap Wagemaker shares: "15 years ago we were introduced to a very young band from Finland who blew us away with their track ‘Deadnight Warrior’ from their debut album 'Something Wild' - and their music was indeed something wild! Fast-tapping guitar work combined with incredible keyboards and angry vocals… it was the start of the career of CHILDREN OF BODOM. Nuclear Blast released their first three albums outside of Finland: 'Something Wild', 'Hatebreeder', and 'Follow The Reaper', albums that became classics in the history of Metal. Unfortunately, after the third album, we went separate ways but we have always been following them and stayed in contact. CHILDREN OF BODOM became a very big band worldwide and now the time has come to welcome them back home! We at Nuclear Blast are very happy to see CHILDREN OF BODOM rejoining the Nuclear family and are looking forward to working their next albums. You can be sure that ‘something wild’ will come your way!"

Recently, Finland's finest Heavy Music export CHILDREN OF BODOM released 'Holiday At Lake Bodom (15 Years Of Wasted Youth)', a very special CD+DVD career retrospective in celebration of the band's 15th anniversary.

"Holiday At Lake Bodom (15 Years Of Wasted Youth)" track listing:

01. Hate Crew Deathroll
02. Shovel Knockout
03. Hate Me
04. Everytime I Die
05. Needled 24/7
06. I¨m Shipping Up to Boston (* DROPKICK MURPHYS cover; previously unreleased)
07. Sixpounder
08. Warheart
09. Roundtrip to Hell and Back
10. Trashed, Lost & Strungout
11. Living Dead Beat
12. Deadnight Warrior
13. Blooddrunk
14. Follow The Reaper
15. Are You Dead Yet?
16. Silent Night, Bodom Night
17. Jessie's Girl (* RICK SPRINGFIELD cover; previously unreleased)
18. In Your Face
19. Angels Don't Kill
20. Downfall

Related links:
Children Of Bodom

ENSLAVED Ink Deal With Nuclear Blast Records - Official Statement Available!

Nuclear Blast is proud to announce the addition of Norwegian progressive/psychedelic Black Metal band ENSLAVED to their worldwide roster. After two successful campaigns in North America with Nuclear Blast USA (via exclusive license from Norway’s Indie Recordings) for their past two albums, 2008’s 'Vertebrae' and 2010’s 'Axioma Ethica Odini', ENSLAVED have signed a worldwide deal. Here is what the band had to say about this:

“We’re very, very (yes, very) pleased and proud to sign this deal with Nuclear Blast worldwide. We’ve already worked with Nuclear Blast US through our two latest albums and our personal friendships with NB guys and gals on both sides of the Atlantic are even older. There’s no drama – we take great pride in the fact that there seldom is with us; it is simply a matter of one contract ending and us going for what seems to be our best option at this point in time and space. This time, the best choice for ENSLAVED is changing things up somewhat. We’re excited to see what the mixture of passion and professionalism at Nuclear Blast can do with the ENSLAVED name in the years to come. There is no doubt that the level of ambition, the experience and seriousness about what we do form perfect common ground for ENSLAVED and Nuclear Blast. We’re in the process of making a new album that will initiate our new partnership. Watch out for the approaching wave of news about that.  For now, let’s just say that the album will be an absolute (Nuclear) blast!”

Gerardo Martínez, Label Manager for Nuclear Blast USA, adds:

“ENSLAVED is one of the most amazing bands to ever come from Norway. We’ve had the pleasure of working with them on their last two albums in North America, and from this day forth, worldwide.  Looking forward their new masterpiece to be unleashed to the masses later in the year!”

 ENSLAVED’s NEW album will be released this fall.

Related links:
Enslaved
Nuclear Blast Records

Gojira To Perform At Metallica's 'Black Album' Show In Paris!

The members of French progressive Heavy Metal band Gojira, have announced that they will be joining the legendary Thrash Metal band Metallica for a one-off show. This historical concert is a celebration of Metallica's 'Black Album' and will take place on May 12th at the Stade de France in Paris, France! Gojira had previously shared the stage with Metallica (along with Lamb Of God), on a North American tour in September/October 2009.

Gojira have been very busy at Spin Recording Studios in New York City recording their sixth studio album. The NEW Gojira record is being co-produced Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God & Ikillya) for an early 2012 release. Additionally, Gojira inked a deal with Roadrunner Records recently.









Gojira is:

- Joe Duplantier (Vocals/Guitars)
- Mario Duplantier (Drums)
- Christian Andreu (Guitars)
- Jean-Michel Labadie (Bass)

- Gojira's Discography:

\m/ Studio albums:

- Terra Incognita (2001)
- The Link (2003)
- From Mars to Sirius (2005)
- The Way of All Flesh (2008)
- Untitled 5th studio album (TBA)

\m/ Live albums:

- The Link Alive (2004)
- Untitled DVD (TBA)

\m/ Demos and EPs:

- Victim (1996)
- Possessed (1997)
- Saturate (1999)
- Wisdom Comes (2000)
- Maciste All'Inferno (2003)
- Sea Shepherd EP (2011)

Related links:
Gojira's Website

Gojira Release Studio Update Of Joe Duplantier Recording Vocals - Video Available!

The members of French progressive Heavy Metal band Gojira, have been very busy at Spin Recording Studios in New York City recording their sixth studio album. The NEW Gojira record is being co-produced Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God & Ikillya) for an early 2012 release. Additionally, Gojira inked a deal with Roadrunner Records recently.

Needless to say, the anticipation for the NEW Gojira album is huge!

Here is the bands fourth studio update, which includes the tracking of the vocal parts for their NEW album. Check it out!









Gojira is:

- Joe Duplantier (Vocals/Guitars)
- Mario Duplantier (Drums)
- Christian Andreu (Guitars)
- Jean-Michel Labadie (Bass)

- Gojira's Discography:

\m/ Studio albums:

- Terra Incognita (2001)
- The Link (2003)
- From Mars to Sirius (2005)
- The Way of All Flesh (2008)
- Untitled 5th studio album (TBA)

\m/ Live albums:

- The Link Alive (2004)
- Untitled DVD (TBA)

\m/ Demos and EPs:

- Victim (1996)
- Possessed (1997)
- Saturate (1999)
- Wisdom Comes (2000)
- Maciste All'Inferno (2003)
- Sea Shepherd EP (2011)

Related links:
Gojira's Website

Gojira Release Studio Update # 3 - Video Available!

The members of French progressive Heavy Metal band Gojira, have been very busy at Spin Recording Studios in New York City recording their sixth studio album. The NEW Gojira record is being co-produced Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God & Ikillya) for an early 2012 release. Additionally, Gojira inked a deal with Roadrunner Records recently.

Needless to say, the anticipation for the NEW Gojira album is huge!

Here is the bands third studio update, which includes the tracking of the bass parts for their NEW album. Check it out!







Gojira is:

- Joe Duplantier (Vocals/Guitars)
- Mario Duplantier (Drums)
- Christian Andreu (Guitars)
- Jean-Michel Labadie (Bass)

- Gojira's Discography:

\m/ Studio albums:

- Terra Incognita (2001)
- The Link (2003)
- From Mars to Sirius (2005)
- The Way of All Flesh (2008)
- Untitled 5th studio album (TBA)

\m/ Live albums:

- The Link Alive (2004)
- Untitled DVD (TBA)

\m/ Demos and EPs:

- Victim (1996)
- Possessed (1997)
- Saturate (1999)
- Wisdom Comes (2000)
- Maciste All'Inferno (2003)
- Sea Shepherd EP (2011)

Related links:
Gojira's Website

Gojira Frontman Joseph Duplantier Discusses NEW Album!

The members of French progressive Heavy Metal band Gojira, have been very busy at Spin Recording Studios in New York City recording their sixth studio album. The NEW Gojira record is being co-produced Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God & Ikillya) for an early 2012 release. Additionally, Gojira inked a deal with Roadrunner Records recently. Here is an update from Gojira's own Joseph Duplantier, courtesy of Decibel Magazine.


First album in three years: "There are no rules! It's been three years since the last album and that was the time we needed to first of all promote our album; we did a bunch of touring, and then we had a band situation to deal with. We were changing management, changing record companies; it was a very important moment in our careers. We had to set up a new team around the band. This took us a long time, and we like to take our time to compose, like a year to create a new album."

Writing process: "We gather in a room and jam. Sometimes we will have ideas or feelings of what we're gonna do but we are always surprised what comes out of it. It's based on jamming. Sometimes, especially Mario [Duplantier, drums] and me, my brother and me, we have ideas, precise ideas of something we want to do and we try it and sometimes it leads to something else. Most of the time it's jamming. I think it is important to keep that connection with the band feeling. Back in the day, Black Sabbath, Metallica, all these bands, they were jamming; there was no other option. They could not create music on a computer in their bedroom and then show up at the practice room or the studio to record it directly. Nowadays, bands put productions together with samples, they program the drums, then they show up to the studio and everything is quantized. In a way it's good because you are getting closer to the composition; you have an idea in your mind and you don't depend on the performance any more you can go straight to the idea. But when you can't play it live the fans are disappointed and let down. "OK, so these guys pretend to play this music; they can't really play it." It means something; it has an importance to what you are going to play on the record, and it is even more important when it is created by the members from the jamming process, from that experience and that energy. Sometimes we play and it's really shitty; we've got the idea in our minds but it's not working, and then we'll talk about it, play again and it sounds fantastic, just because we are having a good moment together. I think you can feel this on the record we are making now."

Working with a producer for the first time: I am co-producing with Josh Wilbur [Lamb Of God]. I met the guy by accident in a studio we were visiting in New York. I was looking for someone to back me up on some stuff and make sure we could get our best-sounding record; I was very concerned about the sound. I was almost ready to produce it alone, like I did in the past, but this time I really wanted to work with someone who was super-professional, with high quality sound. He also had some stuff to say on songs, like, "This part, I feel it is too short; you guys could do something better." At first, Mario and I were like, "Wait a minute! Nobody ever told us what to do with our songs. But he encouraged us to go further, to experiment. And that makes him a good producer; he's trying to get the best out of us."

Here is the bands second studio update, which includes the tracking of the guitars for their NEW album & more. Check it out!





Related links:
Gojira's Website

Gojira Release Studio Update # 2 - Video Available!

The members of French progressive Heavy Metal band Gojira, have been very busy at Spin Recording Studios in New York City recording their sixth studio album. The NEW Gojira record is being co-produced Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God & Ikillya) for an early 2012 release. Additionally, Gojira inked a deal with Roadrunner Records recently.

Needless to say, the anticipation for the NEW Gojira album is huge!

Gojira is:

- Joe Duplantier (Vocals/Guitars)
- Mario Duplantier (Drums)
- Christian Andreu (Guitars)
- Jean-Michel Labadie (Bass)

Here is the bands second studio update, which includes the tracking of the guitars for their NEW album & more. Check it out!





- Gojira's Discography:

\m/ Studio albums:

- Terra Incognita (2001)
- The Link (2003)
- From Mars to Sirius (2005)
- The Way of All Flesh (2008)
- Untitled 5th studio album (TBA)

\m/ Live albums:

- The Link Alive (2004)
- Untitled DVD (TBA)

\m/ Demos and EPs:

- Victim (1996)
- Possessed (1997)
- Saturate (1999)
- Wisdom Comes (2000)
- Maciste All'Inferno (2003)
- Sea Shepherd EP (2011)

Related links:
Gojira's Website