*Singer Ann Boleyn announced, that HELLION will enter the recording studio this July to begin work on a new album. It will mark HELLION’s first new studio recording since 2003. In a video blog posted on May 17, 2013, Ann Boleyn denied rumors that there are problems with her voice. She affirmed that she is able to hit all of the high notes and screams she is famous for. Boleyn last toured in 2008 and 2009, when she replaced legendary thrash singer Dawn Crosby in DÉTENTE.
*It's been more than a decade since EDENBRIDGE first created a stir with the launch of their debut album, "Sunrise In Eden", back in 2000. What presented itself as a young but already immensely talented band has evolved into one of the genre's most independent acts. Their latest CD, "The Bonding", sees the group underline its exceptional status in melodic metal and puts an end to their creative hiatus of almost three difficult years. "The Bonding" will be released through SPV/Steamhammer in Germany on June 21, in the rest of Europe on June 24 and in the U.S./Canada on July 2 as limited-edition ecol book with a different cover, including a bonus CD, double coloured LP, standard version and download.
*Horror Pain Gore Death Productions has signed the female-fronted sludge trio SERPENT CROWN. The band's new self-titled album will be released on CD format on May 28.
*HUNTRESS will release its sophomore album "Starbound Beast" on June 28 in Europe and on July 2 in North America via Napalm Records. The CD was recorded at Hobby Shop Studios in Los Angeles, California with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris (SHADOWS FALL, HATEBREED, AGNOSTIC FRONT). The cover artwork was created once again by Vance Kelly (SLAYER, GHOST, MASTODON).
*HELLION have set "To Hellion And Back" as the title of their upcoming anthology CD, which is scheduled for release this summer. The anthology will include fan favorites from all of HELLION's albums.
*AMARANTHE's brand new album "The Nexus" has sold around 1,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 12 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. "The Nexus" was released on March 26 via Spinefarm. The cover artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes and can be seen below. The album was once again recorded at Hansen studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen.
*AMBERIAN DAWN will release a compilation album of songs released on their first four albums to showcase new singer Päivi "Capri" Virkkunen after the departure of Heidi Parviainen. The band is aiming for "Re-Evolution" to be out by the late spring in Finland, distributed by KHY Suomen Musiikki.
*DELAIN will release a special album, called "Interlude" in the first week of May. "Interlude" is described as "a fantastic blend of brand-new songs, special versions and mixes of popular DELAIN tracks, covers, and the beautiful single 'Are You Done With Me'. Thanks to the new mix, the well-known anthem shines with a new-found splendor. The album includes a special DVD featuring exclusive live footage and clips from the band's career.
*HELLION has announced a contest to name the title of the band's upcoming anthology CD, which is scheduled for release this summer. The anthology will include fan favorites from all of HELLION's albums. The deadline for submissions is March 15. The winner will receive his or her name on the album's credits as well as a collection of the HELLION's new line of merchandise.
*DELAIN have inked a worldwide deal with Napalm Records.
*The seventh full-length album by Norwegian metallers TRAIL OF TEARS will be due on April 26 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded last year at Sound Suite Studio in Marseille, France with producer Terje Refsnes.
*Dutch female-fronted metal band LA-VENTURA will release their second album, called "White Crow" in March. Recorded in the French MII Recording Studio with producer Didier Chesneau, the album will contain ten new songs.
*Madison, Wisconsin-based, female-fronted quintet LUNA MORTIS (formerly known as THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE) has announced plans to reunite for festival appearances and the release of new music, tentatively due in late spring/early summer.
*Holland's THE CHARM THE FURY has joined forces with Pavement Entertainment (North America) and Listenable Records (Europe) for a two-album deal. The band is putting the finishing touches on a new full-length CD for a fall release.
*Death/doom metal outfit INTO DARKNESS will release the CD version of its self-titled debut EP in February via Hellthrasher Productions. The vinyl version of the EP was recently made available through Iron Bonehead Productions, while the cassette tape edition was issued last fall via Unholy Domain Records. Each version features different cover artwork.
*UPON WINGS will release its new EP "Afterlife" on March 5 via Sword Of The Spirit Records LLC. The CD features guest vocals and production from Brett Hestla (ex-CREED, DARK NEW DAY).
*ILLNATH will release their fourth album "4 Shades Of Me" on March 12 via Pitch Black Records. A new tour is being planned and details of which will be announced soon.
*TEARS OF MARTYR have inked a deal with Germany's Massacre Records. The band's second album is called "Tales" and will be released on April 26. The CD was recorded in August 2012 at the New Sin Studios in Loria, Italy, with Enrik Garcia and Luigi Stefanini.
*After the success of last year's "III", and the reissue of debut album "Soma", metalcore band ETHS will make its first EPs — "Autopsie" and "Samantha" — available again on February 15 via Season Of Mist.
*"Resurrect Me" will be the title of the upcoming album from female vocalist Pamela Moore, who is best known for her performance as Sister Mary on QUEENSRŸCHE's 1988 epic release "Operation: Mindcrime". "Resurrect Me" is collaboration between Moore and Michael Posch, one of Chicago's favorite power metal guitar players, who made noise as a founding member of Century Media artists RADAKKA.
*This April EVE’S FALL will release their debut album “From Here On”. In the spring of 2012, this heavily pop-influenced metal band, led by vocalist Liesbeth Cordia, introduced themselves to the Dutch stages for the first time. As a teaser, the videoclip for the first single “Enough!” will be released through the official website [www.evesfall.nl] and social media pages of the band on February 9th [www.facebook.com/evesfall]. In addition, the single will be available for purchase on iTunes and Bandcamp.
*NERVOSA has announced the beginning of the recording of their new album, which commenced on January 26. The production, recording, mixing and mastering will be in charge of the experts Heros Trench and Pompeu, both are in the band KORZUS. The production will take place in the traditional studio Mr. Som, in which NERVOSA recorded their first EP, "2012", last year.
*The heavy, do-it-yourself, Hamburg based metal band A MILLION MILES, featuring lead vocalist Mona Miluski, are proud to announce their recent signing with German label Abandon Records for their long awaited debut album "What's Left Behind" scheduled to hit stores on April 5th, 2013 via New Music Distribution.
*The new album "War Of Ages" by SERENITY will be released in March 2013. Right on time, the band will embark on a tour with their label mates VISIONS OF ATLANTIS.
*VISIONS OF ATLANTIS will be releasing their new album "Ethera" in March as well. It has all the trademarks fans of the band love and so much more. The album was produced and mixed by Frank Pitters & Jakob Grabmayr at the Wildonemusic Studios. The mastering was done by Mika Jussila/Finnvox.
*LEAVES' EYES — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of ATROCITY — has set "Symphonies Of The Night" as the title of its new album, due later in the year via Napalm Records.
*Former AMBERIAN DAWN singer Heidi Parviainen has launched a a new project called DARK SARAH. She plans to release a promotional CD with two songs in early 2013 along with a music video for the song "Save Me". *Inner Wound Recordings recently announced the signing of the Brazilian power metal band VANDROYA. The group's debut album "One" will be released on January 18. The Japanese edition of the album will be made available on December 19 through Spiritual Beast and the Brazilian edition will follow on February 4 via Voice Music. The CD artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco (BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE, ICED EARTH). VANDROYA is one of the best-kept secrets from Brazil, led by the fantastic vocalist Daísa Munhoz (SOULSPELL).
*Ukrainian satanic pop/metal band SEMARGL has introduced two new bandmembers, Adele Ri on female vocals and Romulus on bass/vocals. The group's new line-up made its live debut at the Halloween Horror Night 2012 at Bingo in Kiev.
*AMBERIAN DAWN have announced the addition of 40-year-old singer Päivi 'Capri' Virkkunen to the group's ranks. The band's new line-up is re-recording the 'best' songs from its first four albums - "Circus Black" (2012), "End Of Eden" (2010), "The Clouds Of Northland Thunder" (2009) and "River Of Tuoni" (2008) — for a compilation album, to be released in 2013.
*Alone Records has announced the signing of Belgium's BLIKSEM. The band's debut album "Face The Evil" will be released on February 25, 2013 (three days earlier in Germany). Combining blistering tandem guitars, thrashing drums, pounding bass and furious vocals, the resulting eight songs not only explore themes including revenge, oppression and madness but also celebrate the timeless glory of metal. Mastering was done by Herbrand Larsen (ENSLAVED) at the Earshot Studio in Bergen, Norway.
*Finnish shock rockers and 2006's Eurovision Song Contest winners LORDI have signed a deal with AFM. The Hamburg-based record label will release LORDI's new album "To Beast or Not To Beast" on March 8th 2013 worldwide (excl. Finland and USA). All fans can look forward to a masterpiece full of huge hard rock & metal anthems in typical LORDI style. Also with "To Beast Or Not To Beast", the band around frontman Mr. LORDI presents its new line-up: keyboardist Hella (replacing Awa) and drummer Mana (replacing Kita) have joined the bunch.
*Fernanda Lira, bassist/vocalist for Brazilian all-female thrash metallers, NERVOSA, has signed an endorsement deal with Dutch based Aristides Instrume nts. Lira will be exclusively playing the Aristides “O5O” 5-string bass guitar for all recording and live performances. Lira will be hitting the studio in January to record the debut full-length album for Napalm Records.
*All-female band PANNDORA has just released a brandnew 3-track EP, called “Behind The Crime”. To order a copy, contact the band through panndora@panndora.net (they accept Paypal!) and send USDollars 10,00 or 5 Euros (shipping included).
*FLYLEAF vocalist Lacey Sturm has left the band and ex-VEDERA frontwoman Kristen May will replace her on the upcoming tour.
*Vocalist Liv Jagrell of SISTER SIN recently underwent surgery to remove nodules on her vocal cords. As a result, the band has been forced to cancel all of its previously announced shows for the remainder of the year.
*Singer poet, illustrator, author and activist Otep Shamaya will release her sixth full-length studio album "Hydra" on January 22, 2013 via Victory Records.
*MY RUIN have recently finished mastering their new album, which they will be revealing the name, cover art and details for in January 2013. The band recorded their eight album a few months back at Soundtrack Black Studio in Knoxville, Tennessee with good friend and co-producer Joel Stooksbury, who worked with them on their free (digital only) download album "A Southern Revelation".
*NERVOSA has announced the departure of drummer, Fernanda Terra, due to personal reasons and incompatibility of ideas. The band’s new drummer will be Jully Lee. Despite this change in the line-up, NERVOSA’s future plans will not be affected and the band will hit the studio in January to record their debut album. The release is scheduled for May 2013.
*"Lifer", the long-awaited third album from MELDRUM, the multinational hard rock/metal band formed by late ex-PHANTOM BLUE guitarist Michelle Meldrum, will be released on November 20 via Reversed Records. The CD was produced by Rob Shallcross (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, GWAR, ZIMMERS HOLE, WEST OF HELL) and Gene Hoglan (TESTAMENT, DEATH, DARK ANGEL, DETHKLOK). The album will come as a digipak that includes an eight-page insert and CD. Fans, who place their order between now and the release date, will receive a free download of MELDRUM's latest single, "Paid".
*Finnish metallers BATTLE BEAST — who recently parted ways with lead singer Nitte Vänskä and replaced her with Noora Louhimo — are currently touring Europe as the support act for SONATA ARCTICA. Noora will lay down all the lead vocals on BATTLE BEAST's forthcoming second album, to be released in early 2013.
*SLEDGE LEATHER, the Los Angeles/San Francisco-based project featuring singer Leather Leone (CHASTAIN, RUDE GIRL, MALIBU BARBI) and drummer Sandy Sledge (RUDE GIRL, MALIBU BARBI, WARBRIDE, WEAPONSVAN), has begun writing material for its second full-length album, scheduled for 2013. Leone and Sledge have already written four new tracks out of the nine new songs scheduled for as-yet-untitled concept CD. SLEDGE LEATHER has launched a Kickstarter fundraiser campaign on to help complete production for the release. The campaign will run through December 18 and offers fans an opportunity to purchase some great items. Some pledges include classic releases long out of print, new material, and Leather's classic leather jacket dating back to RUDE GIRL and her time before CHASTAIN.
*REVAMP, the band led by former AFTER FOREVER and current NIGHTWISH touring vocalist Floor Jansen, has released the following statement: "Due to the changed situation in which singer Floor joined NIGHTWISH on their world tour and summer festivals, the band has decided to postpone the release. The new album deserves full attention, and with the schedule as it is today, it is not possible to do enough shows, tours and festivals. REVAMP wants to release the album in the fall of 2013. The exact date and more info about the possible tours will come as soon as possible. The recording of the album stays as scheduled and will start in December of this year."
*SAPPHIRE EYES — featuring ALYSON AVENUE's Niclas Olsson and lead singer Thomas Bursell — will release its self-titled debut album on November 30 via Avenue Of Allies. Niclas and Thomas, who recorded the vocals for seven album tracks, are joined by two other male Swedish singers: Mikael Erlandsson (LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM, SALUTE), who sings lead vocals on two songs; and Mike Andersson (CLOUDSCAPE), who handles the vocal duties on one track. Also guesting of the album is Anette Olzon (ex-NIGHTWISH) and Arabella Vitanc, recording backing vocals for two songs each.
*TRAIL OF TEARS has revealed the cover artwork of the band's seventh full-length album, "Oscillation", courtesy of Finnish artist Jan Yrlund. The CD was recorded earlier in the year at Sound Suite Studio in Marseille, France with producer Terje Refsnes and will be released in early 2013 via a soon-to-be-revealed record label.
*Finnish symphonic metallers AMBERIAN DAWN have parted ways with singer Heidi Parviainen. Commented the band: "The first chapter of AMBERIAN DAWN's story is closed. The band and vocalist Heidi Parviainen, who has been a member of AMBERIAN DAWN from the beginning, have decided to part ways. The decision to part company at the end of the year was made consensually in early 2012, thus meaning AMBERIAN DAWN's appearance at Metal Female Voices Fest [at the end of October] was their last show together. AMBERIAN DAWN wishes Heidi all the best for her future and thanks her deeply for the work, effort and contribution she provided during all these years."
*Leviathan Records has just released "Metal In Your Face" from CHASTAIN. This CD features the heaviest tracks from the Kate French-era CHASTAIN CDs: "In An Outrage", "Sick Society" and "In Dementia". All songs were remastered in 2012.
*Danish black metallers BLODARV will release their fourth full-length album "Gâst" early December. The eight-track CD will be made available in two versions on Self Mutilation Services — regular-CD format and a limited edition in A5 format, which will feature different artwork. Both versions come with a 16-page booklet which includes lyrics. Limited-edition merchandise will also be available to mark the release. All artwork for "Gâst" was was created by the blasphemer himself founder and frontman Hugin. The recording, mixing and engineering were all done by Hugin at his HammerArt And Studios, where the artwork was also produced, and which is located on the frontman's home island of Bornholm.
*Mary Zimmer — formerly of the band LUNA MORTIS (originally THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE) — has announced her long-anticipated return to the stage. Zimmer will perform as METAL MARY AND THE HIRED GUNS — a special one-time event with a group of established musicians from the Wisconsin rock and metal scenes — on Saturday, October 13 at The Frequency in Madison.
*Former NIGHTWISH singer TARJA TURUNEN will join forces with acclaimed drummer Mike Terrana (TARJA, AXEL RUDI PELL, RAGE, YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN, MASTERPLAN) and an orchestra and choir for the "Beauty And The Beat" tour in 2013.
*MAGICA will release its sixth album "Center Of The Great Unknown" on October 12 via AFM Records. The CD's cover artwork was created by Claudio Bergamin. The album is based on "The Diary Of Admiral" by R.E. Byrd, "Godess Of Atvatabar" by W. Bradshaw, "Beasts, Man And Gods" by F.A.Ossendowsky and a few more authors and adventurers.
*Dutch singer Floor Jansen (REVAMP, ex-AFTER FOREVER) made her live debut as the frontwoman of NIGHTWISH on October 1 at Showbox Sodo in Seattle, Washington. Jansen is handling lead-vocal duties on NIGHTWISH's current North American tour after the group parted ways with Anette Olzon at the end of September.
*DEAEND IN VENICE (GER) recently launched a PledgeMusic.com campaign to raise the funds for the recording of its second album. Entitled "A View From Above", the follow-up to 2010's "See You On The Ground" is tentatively due next year. The cover artwork for the CD was designed by Archetype Design.
*A short clip of the "Love Made Me" vocal rehearsal with photos from the JANETSHAREROXYGINA (a.k.a. JSRG) July 28 three-song "surprise" set at Club Loaded at Ollie's Point/Revolution in Amityville, New York can be seen on You Tube. JANETSHAREROXYGINA is the newly formed group featuring three former members of the platinum-selling all-female '80s band VIXEN — singer Janet Gardner, drummer Roxy Petrucci and bassist Share Ross, along with guitarist Gina Stile, who was the guitarist on VIXEN's "Tangerine" album.
*Prog rock band ILLUMION has just released a new album, entitled "The Waves" on Freia Music (a Dutch label). You can order the album through their website http://www.illumion.net/, which comes as a 180 grams HQ vinyl double album + CD. The album contains twelve songs and the CD has nine songs.
*BATTLE BEAST introduce their new front woman Noora Louhimo, who replaces ex-singer Nitte Vänskä. The band also announce their upcoming European tour as support of SONATA ARCTICA.
*German metal queen DORO Pesch will join forces with Swedish heavy rockers SISTER SIN for a North American tour in February 2013. SISTER SIN and DORO have toured Europe together before and are now bringing their united metal mission to North America.
*SEVEN KINGDOMS will release their third album, "The Fire Is Mine", on October 9 via Nightmare Records. The CD was recorded in May at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida with legendary producer Jim Morris (ICED EARTH, OBITUARY, JON OLIVA'S PAIN, JAG PANZER).
*Dutch female-fronted black-death metal band EDGE OF SERENITY will release a new single "The Royal Hunt" later in the year. The effort marks the recording debut of the group's new vocalist Nanette V. and includes a guest appearance by Swedish drummer Adrian Erlandsson (PARADISE LOST, AT THE GATES, NEMHAIN, VALLENFYRE, ex-CRADLE OF FILTH). EDGE OF SERENITY decided at the end of last year to continue as a female-fronted metal band with a darker and sinister sound. The band has finished several new tracks for an upcoming release, which will contain more special guest appearances.
*Los Angeles based underground metal veterans MY RUIN are currently back in the studio deep in the hills of Knoxville, Tennessee recording their 8th full length album and follow up to the critically acclaimed "A Southern Revelation", which was released in December 2011 as a gift to fans and can be downloaded for free via www.myruin.net and www.myruin.bandcamp.com
*UK progressive rockers THE REASONING are delighted to announce that their fourth full-length studio album 'Adventures In Neverland' is completed and to be released via Esoteric/Cherry Red Records on 24th September 2012. They are currently gearing up for a run of tour dates to promote the new album this autumn. As well as support slots with MARILLION on September 9 in Cardiff and FISH on October 21, the band are all set for a 10-date co-headline tour of Europe and the UK with fellow Progressive Music Award 2012 nominees TOUCHSTONE, who have themselves recently enjoyed success with their new album "The City Sleeps" (SPV/Steamhammer) and are due an appearance at the Triumph Live Festival on August 30 alongside REEF and THE KAISER CHIEFS.
*With three shorter releases under their belt ACELSIA have recently returned to the studio to record their full length debut. The as-of-yet untitled album will give fans melodic hard rock that is original and full of emotion and contrast. The song writing draws on a broad range of influences and the lyrics feature personal thoughts on life and much more. Vocalist Malene Markussen leads the way and is joined by the guitar of Odd Henning, sometimes sweet, sometimes heavy. Both have already established their credentials as songwriters. Drums are already laid down (by guest Bjorn Tore Erlendsen of ASPHERIUM) and it’s vocals next - all building towards a release at the start of 2013. In the meantime, ACELSIA will also release a single, most likely before the end of 2012.
*MAGICA will release its sixth album "Center Of The Great Unknown" on October 12 via AFM Records. The CD's cover artwork was created by Claudio Bergamin. The album is based on "The Diary Of Admiral" by R.E. Byrd, "Godess Of Atvatabar" by W. Bradshaw, "Beasts, Man And Gods" by F.A.Ossendowsky and a few more authors and adventurers. According to a press release "fans can look forward to a diverse and powerful album, again very much effected by Ana's [Mladinovici] outstanding vocals and the guitar work of Bogdan Costea".
*EPICA recently guested on the Dutch TV show "Niks Te Gek", which gives mentally disabled people the chance to make their dreams come true. Ruurd Woltring's biggest wish was record one of his songs with EPICA, and so the band took his music and lyrics and arranged it into an EPICA track, inviting him into the studio to record with them. The song they recorded is entitled "Forevermore". The video will air on "Niks Te Gek" on September 16 on Nederland 2.
*"Now And Forever", the third album from Swedish heavy rockers SISTER SIN, will be released on October 23 via Victory Records. The CD was recorded at Standstraight Studios in Stockholm with producer Chris Snyder and was mixed by Cameron Webb (MOTÖRHEAD, SOCIAL DISTORTION, DANZIG).
*JANETSHAREROXYGINA (a.k.a. JSRG), the newly formed group featuring three former members of the platinum-selling all-female '80s band VIXEN — singer Janet Gardner, drummer Roxy Petrucci and bassist Share Ross, along with guitarist Gina Stile, who was the guitarist on VIXEN's "Tangerine" album — made its unofficial live debut last night (Saturday, July 28), performing a three-song "surprise" set at Club Loaded at Ollie's Point/Revolution in Amityville, New York. JSRG will play a select number of casinos, festivals and showcase dates in 2013 and perform all the VIXEN hits along with new songs from their as-yet-unreleased EP. The debut gig will take place at the kick-off party as well as on board the Monsters Of Rock Cruise on March 16-20, 2013 sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida bound for CoCoCay and Freeport, Bahamas. JSRG is not to be confused with the current version of VIXEN, which consists of founding member Jan Kuehnemund (guitar) alongside Jenna Sanz-Agero (vocals), Lynn Louise Lowrey (bass), and Kat Kraft (drums).
*DORO will release "Under My Skin - A Fine Selection Of Doro Classics" in North America on August 14 via AFM Records. The set was compiled in close collaboration between AFM and Pesch, who also contributed handwritten liner notes to all songs. The two-CD package includes Doro classics as well as rare single B-sides and album bonus tracks. "Under My Skin - A Fine Selection Of Doro Classics" is available as a regular digipack version and a strictly limited wooden fanbox edition (1,000 copies only) which includes the digipak 2-CD, a textile posterflag, a Doro logo patch, a Doro bracelet, a postcard and a certificate of authenticity.
*ASHENVEIL, the new 'ambitious' female-fronted metal band out of New Jersey featuring OPERATIKA drummer Yuri Liakhovitch and SYMPHONY X bassist Mike LePond, will release an EP, "Black Of Light", in August. The CD was mixed by Jeremy Krull (DARK EMPIRE) and was mastered at Finnvox studios (NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM) in Helsinki, Finland. The cover artwork was created by Albino-Z and Robert Ladd.
*Decibel magazine's inaugural 'Women In Metal' issue featuring Laura Pleasants (KYLESA), Mlny Parsonz (ROYAL THUNDER) and Marisa Martinez (CRETIN) is on newsstands now. The August issue features a photo session with the three innovative female musicians as well as interviews with JUCIFER, Doro Pesch, LANDMINE MARATHON and an assortment of women in the music industry.
*LEAVES' EYES and ATROCITY's 2012 South American tour, which was scheduled to take place in early July, has been canceled. According to a statement from the Darkdimensions agency, the trek had to be called off because one of the promoters "couldn't fulfill the needed requirements, which sadly made it not possible for the tour to happen this time as the shows were connected to each other. We are working for the tour to be rescheduled in 2013."
*Symphonic/power metal band HELIOSAGA has announced the addition of vocalist Chelsea Knaack to the group's ranks. Knaack is known for her lead vocals in DESDEMON and brought her impressive talent to their 2011 release on Radtone Music in Japan. Damien Villarreal formed HELIOSAGA in 2010 with a dynamic selection of musicians around San Antonio, Texas. HELIOSAGA's powerful moving melodies, enhanced by Knaack's passionate soprano voice, will make the band a force among the ranks of the female-fronted genre. HELIOSAGA is writing new material and will begin pre-production for label representation following Chelsea's relocation to Texas this summer.
*SIX MAGICS will release their new album "Falling Angels" on July 2 via Coroner Records. According to a press release, "the female-fronted quintet presents a new long and intense chapter of classic heavy metal mixed with epic, symphonic, power and progressive influences, for an over 60 minutes trip into SIX MAGICS' world." The cover artwork for the CD was created by Machine Room Design (MY DYING BRIDE, DAWN OF ASHES, DOPE STARS INC.).
*"Unbreakable" will be the new video by THE MURDER OF MY SWEET. The track comes off the group's second album, "Bye Bye Lullaby", which was released on May 25 via AFM Records. The follow-up to 2010's "Divanity" includes 13 brand new tracks. The album's first edition is available as a digipack.
*"Deconsecrated" is the new video by MY RUIN, featuring the husband-and-wife rock duo of vocalist Tairrie B. Murphy and multi-instrumentalist Mick Murphy. The clip was filmed and edited by MY RUIN's longtime friend Tor Burrows of Notorious Design and features additional footage shot by U.K. photographers Andy Watson, Doug Rimington and Matt Alston of the British metal band SANCTORUM. "Deconsecrated" comes off MY RUIN's seventh studio album, "A Southern Revelation", which was produced by Mick Murphy and Joel Stooksbury and can be downloaded for free atwww.myruin.bandcamp.com.
*"Witch's Mark" will be the new video from the Polish heavy metal act CRYSTAL VIPER. The song comes off CRYSTAL VIPER's new album, "Crimen Excepta", which was released in Europe on April 27 and in the U.S. on April 24 via AFM Records. The concept effort about holy inquisition, black magic and witches, where fiction is mixed with historical facts, was produced by Bart Gabriel (SACRED STEEL, JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR) and recorded with sound engineer Mariusz Pietka (MORTICIAN, LONEWOLF). "Crimen Excepta" features two special guests: David Bower, vocalist of HELL appears in the title track, while VADER mainman Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek can be heard in the cover version of the classic VADER song "Tyrani Piekiel", which is available as the bonus track on the first, limited edition of the album.
*YOTANGOR, the French symphonic metal band featuring female singer Yngrid Allières, has released its sophomore album, "We Speak", via Brennus Music. The CD was recorded at frontman Jean-Guy Pichoustre's Laboratory Metal studio in Toulouse.
*VXN, the newly formed band featuring three former members of the platinum-selling all-female '80s band VIXEN — singer Janet Gardner, drummer Roxy Petrucci and bassist Share Ross, along with guitarist Gina Stile, who was the guitarist on VIXEN's "Tangerine" album — has changed its name to JANETSHAREROXYGINA (a.k.a. JSRG) to avoid any confusion between them and the band known as VIXEN. The VIXEN trademark belongs to guitarist Jan Kuehnemund and the members of JANETSHAREROXYGINA want to make it clear that they are a completely different band.
*HOLY MOSES released the "30th Anniversary - In The Power Of Now" double album on April 30 in Germany, April 23 in the rest of Europe and early May in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD contains re-recorded versions of 20 of the most important songs in HOLY MOSES' 30-year catalog along with two brand new tracks.
*Canadian band KOBRA AND THE LOTUS will release its new self-titled album in the U.K. on August 6. The CD's first single, "Forever One" will precede the full-length effort on May 28. A video for the song will make its online debut on Monday, May 21. Last year, the band inked a deal with KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons' revived Simmons Records label via a partnership with Universal Music Canada. Simmons confirmed the signing on his Twitter profile, calling KOBRA AND THE LOTUS 'real metal'. Their debut album "Out Of The Pit" was produced by Kevin Shirley and launched in March 2010.
*"Spell Eater", the debut album from Los Angeles-based metallers HUNTRESS, sold around 700 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 56 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
*In absence for more than two decades, we embrace new material from Leather Leone (CHASTAIN, RUDE GIRL, MALIBU BARBI) and drummer Sandy Sledge (RUDE GIRL, MALIBU BARBI, WARBRIDE, WEAPONSVAN) in their new project SLEDGE LEATHER. The SLEDGE LEATHER debut album "Imagine Me Alive" was inspired in 2010, when Leather Leone called Sandy Sledge to collaborate on the Ronnie James DIO track "Egypt" for a demo tribute recording. Due to the overwhelming response for more material, SLEDGE LEATHER was born and were confirmed for Germany's Keep It True festival in April 2011.
*DORO will release a new EP "Raise Your Fist In The Air" on August 3 via Nuclear Blast Records. The effort will be made available on CD, vinyl and as a digital download.
*Knoxville, Tennessee-based metal/hardcore act STRAIGHT LINE STITCH will embark on a U.S. tour on Tuesday, April 24 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The band will be joined on the road by former STRAIGHT LINE STITCH and DARKEST HOUR guitarist Kris Norris, back with the group for two months of shredding alongside Kris Hawkins. Up until the tour begins, STRAIGHT LINE STITCH will continue writing material for its third album, which they hope to be in the studio for by the end of the year.
*"Summers End" is the new video from the Croatian doom-gothic metal band ASHES YOU LEAVE. The track comes off group's forthcoming sixth album "The Cure For Happiness" due later in the year via an as-yet-undetermined record label. "The Cure For Happiness" marks ASHES YOU LEAVE's first recording with singer Giada "Jade" Etro, who hails from Italy.
*Swedish melodic metal band END OF SEPTEMBER has just released a digital single. "Isolated" is the opening song from the group's self-titled debut album, which will be released on May 11 in Europe and on May 22 in North America via Ulterium Records.
*VIXEN have canceled their Kickstarter campaign, which they launched in order to raise capital for the recording of a new album on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the release of their first LP. Late February, the band set out to collect $35,000 towards recording a brand new CD, but ended up receiving less than 5% of their goal ($1,370).
*THE AGONIST have completed work on their long-awaited third studio album "Prisoners" due on June 5 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. Produced by Christian Donaldson (CRYPTOPSY) and mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, DARK TRANQUILLITY, SUICIDE SILENCE), the CD "picks right up where 2009's 'Lullabies For The Dormant Mind' left off, with soaring melodies over complex metal passages that fans of thinking-man's metal can appreciate," according to a press release.
*Dutch progressive metallers ALERION have announced the addition of singer Laura ten Hoedt to the group's ranks. Commented the band: "Laura joined the band in December and has since worked with us on our existing songs, as well as on some new material. "Laura is probably best known as singer-songwriter LADYLAU. Although less in the public view, she has also been active in several projects in progressive rock and metal. These include the German projects VOXAGER and ESCAPEDIA as well as live performances with DIAL and in AYREON tribute projects.
*"Masked Betrayer" will be the first video from the São Paulo, Brazil-based all-female thrash metal trio NERVOSA. According to a press release, NERVOSA's music "has strong influences from classic old-school thrash metal bands, such as SLAYER, SEPULTURA and EXODUS, perfectly mixed with original and characteristic features inserted in the songs by each of the bandmembers." NERVOSA is currently working on material for its debut album, the details of which will be announced in the coming months.
*EDGE OF SERENITY (NL) will release a new single this spring. The effort will mark the recording debut of the group's new vocalist Nanette V. and will include a guest appearance by Swedish drummer Adrian Erlandsson (PARADISE LOST, AT THE GATES, NEMHAIN, VALLENFYRE, ex-CRADLE OF FILTH).
*Drummer Roland Navratil has left LEAVES' EYES for 'private reasons' and has been replaced by Felix Born.
*UK female fronted progressive rock/metal band TOUCHSTONE are announcing the release of their catalogue by SPV/Steamhammer with bonus material and spring UK tour dates. The reissues, which include the enhanced edition of the band's first EP "Mad Hatters" (2006), as well as debut full-length album "Discordant Dreams" (2007) and "Wintercoast" (2009) will contain rare and previously unreleased live bonus tracks recorded at 2010's High Voltage Festival in London's Victoria Park, as well as additional never-seen-before artwork by guitarist Adam Hodgson. The "Wintercoast" album release will contain fully mixed and mastered live renditions of "Shadow" and "Joker In The Pack", whilst "Discordant Dreams" will feature the epic "Wintercoast" and energetic crowd favourite "Strange Days".
*CRYSTAL VIPER will release its new album "Crimen Excepa" in Europe on April 27 and in the U.S. on April 24 via AFM Records. The concept effort about holy inquisition, black magic and witches, where fiction is mixed with historical facts, was produced by Bart Gabriel (SACRED STEEL, JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR) and recorded with sound engineer Mariusz Pietka (MORTICIAN, LONEWOLF). "Crimen Excepta" will feature two special guests: David Bower, vocalist of HELL will appear in the title track, while VADER mainman Piotr 'Peter' Wiwczarek will be heard in the cover version of the classic VADER song "Tyrani Piekiel", which will be available as the bonus track on the first, limited edition of the album.
*All-female metal band HYSTERICA will release its sophomore album "The Art Of Metal" on March 9 via Black Lodge. The CD was produced by Pontus Norgren (HAMMERFALL) and Marcus Jidell (EVERGREY).
*France-based female-fronted metalcore band ETHS has finished filming a video for the track "Adonai". The clip was shot in the Frioul Islands and the band's hometown with director Louis Vignat of Scandale Productions. "Adonai" comes off ETHS' third album, "III", which will be released on April 6 via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Fredrik Nordström, who has previously worked with AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK and BRING ME THE HORIZON, among others.
*EXILIA will release its fifth studio album, "Decode", on March 30 via ZYX Music.
*DIABULUS IN MUSICA will release their sophomore album "The Wanderer" in Europe on March 5 via Napalm Records.
*Former MEGADETH guitarist Jeff Young has joined forces with acclaimed 26-year-old female extreme metal drummer Lux Drummerette (SACRED STORM, NEKROMANTIX) in an as-yet-unnamed new project.
*VISIONS OF ATLANTIS has entered Artesonika Studios in Pordenoe, Italy to record their fifth album "Ethera". Fabio D’Amore (SERENITY) and Ivan Moni Bidin, who is also a master at the mixing desk, will be producing this latest work.
*TO-MERA, fronted by former WITHOUT FACE vocalist Julie Kiss, has entered Hardbeat Studios (HAKEN, LINEAR SPHERE) in Wembley with producer John Papas to begin laying down the drums for the group's upcoming third album. The majority of the new CD recording sessions will take place at guitarist Tom MacLean's recently built home studio.
*DELAIN will release their third album "We Are The Others" later in the year via Roadrunner Records. Described as "the band's most powerful, most atmospheric and intoxicating album to date," the CD was helmed by producer Jacob Hellner — renowned for his work with RAMMSTEIN, CLAWFINGER and APOCALYPTICA — while the vocals were tracked with the Epicentre team of Fredrik Thomander and Anders Wikström (SCORPIONS, BACKYARD BABIES). This record features none less than FEAR FACTORY shouter Burton C. Bell as a guest singer, and visual artist Glenn Arthur provided the cover artwork.
*THE GATHERING are continuing work on their new album for a September release. A single will precede the full-length CD in May. THE GATHERING's latest video, "Heroes For Ghosts", was shot in Norway by the band's "dear friend" Marcus Moonen. "Heroes For Ghosts", which is available for free download at the group's Bandcamp page, will appear on THE GATHERING's new studio album, the title of which has yet to be announced.
*HUNTRESS debut CD "Spell Eater" will be released on 27 April, 2012. The band revolving around frontlady Jill Janus is currently providing the finishing touches for the new songs. Fans of traditional heavy metal may look forward to a riff-filled epic and bear witness to the birth of a new legend! The video to "Eight of Swords" is available on You Tube. The clip was directed by Simon Chan of Artificial Army and was produced/engineered by Chris Rakestraw of Sunset Lodge Recording.
*HEMORAGY from France is preparing their 4th album. More news will follow soon.
*"Take Me Home", the new Rob Hodselmans-directed video from Anneke van Giersbergen (AGUA DE ANNIQUE, ex-THE GATHERING), can be viewed on You Tube. The song comes off Anneke's new solo album "Everything Is Changing" which is being released on January 20 via PIAS Holland. The CD was recorded at Ultrasound Studios in Braga, Portugal with producer Daniel Cardoso.
*LULLACRY will release its long-awaited fifth album "Where Angels Fear" on March 7 in Finland through the band's own label, OUTO Recordings. The CD, which marks the first LULLACRY release since 2005's "Vol. 4", was produced by Mikko Herranen (ex-vocalist for MISERY, INC.), who also sings a duet with LULLACRY vocalist Tanja Lainio in the track "Feel My Revenge". The album was mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers in Helsinki. The first single "Bad Blood" will be released digitally on February 6. The track is available for streaming.
*On January 17, 2012, Therese Hanserot, the original lead singer for long-running Swedish metallers DESTINY, passed away at the age of 48. Hanserot joined DESTINY in the fall of 1982, when she was just 18 years old, and she left the band in the summer of 1983. During this time she recorded six songs for the first-ever DESTINY demo and performed with the band at their debut gig (at the rock club RPM). After leaving DESTINY, she sang in a couple of cover bands before quitting singing for good.
*Guitarist Seth Thacker has officially stepped down from STRAIGHT LINE STITCH. Earlier, the band has parted ways with drummer Kanky Lora.
*WYKKED WYTCH are back with their fifth full-length album, called "The Ultimate Deception", which will be released on February 14 via Goomba Music. The follow-up to 2008's "Memories Of A Dying Whore" "continues where its predecessor left off and pushes the boundaries of extreme music as well as the legacy of WYKKED WYTCH," according to a press release. "The Ultimate Deception" includes ten tracks with a running time of 47 minutes and was recorded in April/May 2011 at Lambesis Studios in San Diego, California with producer Daniel Castleman (AS I LAY DYING, WINDS OF PLAGUE). The CD was mastered by Alan Douches (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER) at West West Side Music in New Windsor, New York. The cover artwork was created by Marcelo Vasco (DIMMU BORGIR, THE FACELESS).
*Female-fronted metal band MORTAD's forthcoming full-length debut album "The Myth Of Purity" was recorded last October with producer Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR, EVILE) and is scheduled for an early 2012 release.
*SISTER SIN will enter Standstraight Studios in Stockholm in late February with producer Chris Snyder to begin recording their third album for a May 22 release via Victory Records.
*"Cirque Des Damnés Featuring We Are The Fallen", the new concert film from WE ARE THE FALLEN — the group formed by EVANESCENCE co-founder Ben Moody (guitar) and other former members (LeCompt and Gray) along with "American Idol" powerhouse vocalist Carly Smithson and bassist Marty O'Brien (DISTURBED, KELLY CLARKSON, STATIC-X, METHODS OF MAYHEM,TOMMY LEE) — is available for purchase as a video digital download from the band's official web site, http://www.wearethefallen.com/. Filmed at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood, California on January 22, 2011, the "Cirque Des Damnés" (English translation: "Circus Of The Damned") concert combines the live show of WE ARE THE FALLEN with aerialists, stage performers, and a carnival-style freak show. Running time for the concert is 1 hour and 5 minutes. You will receive one laminate-style backstage pass that also doubles as a digital download card. Simply use the information on the back of the card to log in and download this concert event.
*After a four-year break since her last album, LANA LANE is back with her most powerful release to date "El Dorado Hotel". The veteran symphonic rock diva delivers a 10-song tour-de-force of finely crafted original tracks in an audiophile production by husband/keyboardist, Erik Norlander. "El Dorado Hotel" hosts Lane's usual broad spectrum of musical styles and genres with a cohesiveness that fans of the artist will recognize instantly. The opener, "A Dream Full Of Fire", is a new Lana Lane classic that blurs the line between prog metal and jazz stylings in a mélange that only she can deliver. "Maybe We'll Meet Again" is a European-styled melodic AOR radio anthem blending classic rock with modern sensibilities. The song "El Dorado" is a Lana Lane epic with a soaring chorus reminiscent of her classic "Queen Of Ocean". The robust "Darkness Falls" introduces an Irish folk style combined with a gothic metal element with its haunting choral vocals and arena-crafted chorus. Then "Hotels" is an acoustic track that evokes jazz standards like "Autumn Leaves". The tracks "Believe", "Life Of The Party", "Gone Are The Days" and "Moon God" add further threads to the "El Dorado Hotel" tapestry. The album closes with the 11-1/2 minute opus "In Exile", that producer Erik Norlander describes as a 'vintage progressive rock epic'. "El Dorado Hotel" will be released on January 25 via Think Tank Media (Avalon in Japan).
*IN THIS MOMENT has entered The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada with longtime producer Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH) to begin recording its new album for a summer release via Century Media Records.
*LITA FORD has signed a worldwide deal with SPV/Steamhammer. Her new album, "Living Like A Runaway", is tentatively due in May. "Living Like A Runaway" was co-written and produced by rock guitarist Gary Hoey and represents a return to form for Lita, who drew inspiration from her ugly divorce'' from NITRO singer Jim Gillette.
*The European release date of "III", the third album from France-based metalcore band ETHS, has been pushed back to April 6 from the previously announced March 2 (via Season Of Mist). The new North American release date has not yet been announced. "III" was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Fredrik Nordström, who has previously worked with AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK and BRING ME THE HORIZON, among others.
*BATTLE BEAST recently inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band's debut album "Steel", which was originally released in Finland earlier this year via Hype Records, will be made available internationally on January 27.
*PORTAL, the early 1990s project featuring CYNIC masterminds Paul Masvidal and Sean Reinert alongside guitarist Jason Gobel, bassist Chris Kringel and female vocalist Aruna Abrams, will have its demo recordings officially released as "The Portal Tapes" on March 27 in North America (four days earlier in Europe) in strictly limited editions of 5,000 digipak CDs and 1,000 vinyl LPs via Season Of Mist.
*Singer Sarah Jezebel Deva, who has toured and/or recorded with CRADLE OF FILTH, THERION, MORTIIS and ANGTORIA, has finished laying down vocals on CRADLE OF FILTH's new orchestral album, "Midnight In The Labyrinth".
*HYDROGYN have set "Private Sessions" as the title of their fourth album, tentatively due this spring. Thirteen songs were recorded for the CD at guitarist Jeff Westlake's Ridgeline Studio in Ashland, Kentucky and Patrick Liotard's Peek Studio in Boisseron, France. For "Private Sessions", things changed up a bit as far as production. For the past two albums, Jeff Westlake handled the production, engineering, mixing, etc., to go along with the writing and song prep. Jeff said he wanted a chance to just worry about the songs on this release with limited production going on from his end. Enter the team of Anthony Dura and Patrick Liotard (who co-wrote the song "Alone" on HYDROGYN's last album, "Judgement"). Anthony and Patrick stepped in and teamed up with Julie and Jeff for this project, not only from a production standpoint but also in the creation of the project itself. A HYDROGYN live CD and a digital-only best-of release called "Phase 1" are also in the works.
*LUNAR PATH will release its debut album, "Memento Mori", on February 1 via Inverse Records. "Memento Mori" features guest appearances by such acclaimed musicians and vocalists such as Attila Csihar (MAYHEM, ABORYM), Tuomas Saukkonen (BEFORE THE DAWN, BLACK SUN AEON), Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto (CHARON, NORTHERN KINGS, HARMAJA) and Antti Leskinen (FATAL SOUND PROJECT, CHAINED, MURENA). LUNAR PATH lead vocalist Janica Lönn has been working with BLACK SUN AEON lately, most notably singing on their newly released and highly acclaimed "Blacklight Deliverance" album. She will also perform live with BLACK SUN AEON at this year's Summer Breeze open-air festival in Germany and other European festivals.
*With a heavy heart, we regrettably announce the passing of the former VISIONS OF ATLANTIS vocalist, Nicole Bogner, on 5 January 2012 at the age of 27. Our thoughts are with her family and especially her young daughter. VoA has released the following statement: "In deep mourning and with the utmost respect, we must notify all VISIONS OF ATLANTIS fans that our former vocalist Nicole Bogner has passed away at the age of 27 after battling disease over a long period of time. The band is shocked at the loss of an old VoA family member, but also wants to express sincere gratitude to Nicole for not only five years of sharing a musical vision, but also for more than a decade of friendship inside and outside of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS. Without Nicole Visions of Atlantis would have never been born and her unique voice and personality were a big part of VoA. With Nicole a great part of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS died, as well. We will always treasure your warm-hearted soul. You will never be forgotten Nici... All fans and followers are invited to join the In Memoriam Nicole Bogner-Page on Facebook to express their grief and respect to this great artist and person! Rest in Peace, Nicole and thank you! The VoA-family"
We invite you to post condolences on the "In Memoriam Nicole Bogner" Page at
http://www.facebook.com/inmemoriamnicolebogner
*EPICA will perform material from their upcoming fifth full-length album "Requiem For The Indifferent" for the first time on March 10 at Escape in Veenedaal, Netherlands. The band's European headlining tour in support of the CD will kick off on March 15 at Zeche in Bochum, Germany. "Requiem For The Indifferent" will be released on March 9 in Europe and four days later in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany under the watchful eye of Sascha Paeth.
*FRANTIC AMBER has recruited a new drummer — and its first male member — Erik Röjås. Erik has been performing with the band since last year's Sweden Rock Festival and accompanied the group on its second tour of Russia in September. FRANTIC AMBER is currently recording its second EP with producer Ralph Santolla (guitarist for such acts as DEATH, DEICIDE, OBITUARY, ICED EARTH) for a spring release.
*INNER FEAR, the Czech dark metal band featuring CRADLE OF FILTH drummer Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka, has made its new album, "First Born Fear", available for free download at http://www.innerfear.org. Formed in 1997, INNER FEAR disbanded in 2003 and after a long hiatus reunited with a new lineup. INNER FEAR is planning to release EP in late spring and will hit the studio again at the end of this year for the new full-length album.
*AMBERIAN DAWN will release their fourth studio album "Circus Black" in Finland on February 29 via Spinefarm Records. The band's mainman, keyboardist and guitarist Tuomas Seppälä composed all ten songs for the CD and vocalist Heidi Parviainen penned the lyrics. "Circus Black" features guest appearances by Tuomas Nieminen (ex-DAMANTRA, THRONE OF CHAOS), Nils Nordling (ex-DREAMTALE, ANIMAL HOUSE), Timo Kotipelto (STRATOVARIUS) and Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS, DIO, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE). Nieminen and Nordling share vocal parts in the song "I Share With You This Dream", Kotipelto sings lead on "Cold Kiss" and Johansson plays a keyboard solo on "Crimson Flower".
*Former DIO guitarist Tracy "G" Grijalva has joined forces with current HYDROGYN vocalist Julie Westlake to record a collection of songs Tracy had written with Ronnie James Dio for the DIO releases "Strange Highways" and "Angry Machines" along with some of the guitarist's post-DIO material. The recordings are taking place at Tracy's G Factory studios and will include musicians that played on Grijalva's 2011 album, "Controlled Chaos" — Johnny B on drums and vocals and Eddie Frisco on bass. There is also talk of live shows taking place in the Los Angeles area this spring or summer.
*LACUNA COIL's new album, "Dark Adrenaline", is scheduled for release in North America on January 24, 2012 via Century Media Records. The CD was helmed by acclaimed producer Don Gilmore (LINKIN PARK, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE) and promises to deliver the melodic, sensual, metallic rush for which the band has come to be known, according to a press release.Fans both old and new will have a variety of options to choose from, as "Dark Adrenaline" will be released in numerous formats, including standard-edition CD and vinyl, deluxe edition digipak with a bonus DVD, sticker, poster and guitar pick and as an iTunes LP with expanded packaging, five bonus audio tracks and video. The Metal Club edition will feature exclusive artwork designed by the band and will be limited to 3,000 units. The Hastings edition will feature a bonus 10-track LACUNA COIL sampler, and the Amazon digital edition comes with a free five-track sampler. Finally, for true fans of the band, is the "Darkest Adrenaline" box set, which includes both the digipak and vinyl versions of the album along with a hardcover photo book, a LACUNA COIL custom syringe pen and ink, a lyric pad, signed lithographs created by the band and more, all housed in a LACUNA COIL medical box. This box set is limited to 500 pieces and is available exclusively through CM Distro.