Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH are in "the deepest countryside of Finland" working on material for their new studio album, which they will begin to record on October 15 for a late 2011 release.

Commented keyboardist/mainman Tuomas Holopainen: "The first week is almost through and we're off to a fantastic start. Jukka [Nevalainen, drums], Emppu [Vuorine, guitar] and me have five songs rehearsed so far. Marco [Hietala, bass/vocals] joined the camp last night after a couple of festival shows he did with TAROT.

"We'll start putting the low ends into those songs later today and maybe try out tune #6.

"The first song put together ended up having on ...

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"Live Death Doom", the new DVD and CD from the reformed Dutch death metal outfit ASPHYX, will be released through Century Media Records on the following dates:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Friday, August 27
Spain, Italy : Tuesday, August 31
Sweden, Finland, Hungary: Wednesday, September 1
Rest Of Europe: Monday, August 30

"Live Death Doom" will contain ASPHYX's two-hour-plus July 4, 2009 performance in Essen, Germany as well as a documentary about the history of ASPHYX and "a lot of bonus material."

A trailer for the DVD can be viewed below.

On July 9, ASPHYX released the "Abomination Echoes" deluxe seven-inch box set exclusively ...

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Italian folk/power metallers ELVENKING have set "Red Silent Tides" as the title of their new album, which is tentatively due this fall via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Piranha studios in Karsdolf, Germany with producer Dennis Ward (ANGRA, PINK CREAM 69, PRIMAL FEAR). The album's cover artwork, which can be viewed below, was created by Samuel Araya, who has previously worked on CRADLE OF FILTH's "Thornography" CD.

"Red Silent Tides" track listing:

01. Dawnmelting
02. The Last Hour
03. Silence De Mort
04. The Cabal
05. Runereader
06. Possession
07. Your Heroes Are Dead
08. Those Days
09. This Nightmare Will Never End
10. ...

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Please join the MetalReviews team in welcoming Erik, Jaime, Crash, Tyler, Vrechek and Steven to the writing staff! We hope they're happy in their new positions, and look forward to many excellent reviews.

In Metal We Trust!
The MetalReviews.com Team

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The application window for our recent recruitment drive is now closed, and no further entries will be accepted. We've been overwhelmed by the massive response, which has been of high quality as well of quantity! An announcement will follow soon as to new reviewers.

- The MetalReviews Team

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On Tuesday, June 22nd, “The Big Four” - METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX - are bringing their historic European tour to the global stage with a concert shown via satellite in High-Definition (HD) in Cineplex Entertainment theatres across the country. Despite huge demand, these musical giants have never shared the same stage until now. The legendary concert from the tour’s stop at the Sonisphere Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria will air at more than 65 Cineplex theatres across Canada. Watch the trailer here

Advance tickets are available beginning Friday, May 28th online here as well as at participating theatre box offices. General admission is $18.00.

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Anthem/Atlantic recording group RUSH has announced the upcoming release of their eagerly anticipated new single. "Caravan" — which will be featured on the legendary band's forthcoming album, "Clockwork Angels" — will be available at all DSPs on June 1 and serviced to radio simultaneously.

"Caravan" will be bundled with an additional new album track, entitled "BU2B". Both tracks were recorded earlier this year in Nashville with Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz, who previously collaborated with RUSH on 2007's critically acclaimed "Snakes & Arrows". RUSH will return to the studio to resume recording after the completion of the upcoming "Time Machine Tour", with pla ...

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According to the Des Moines Register, Urbandale, Iowa police are investigating the death of SLIPKNOT's bass guitarist at a local hotel.

Paul Dedrick Gray, 38, of Johnston was found dead at approximately 10:50 a.m. today by an employee at TownePlace Suites 8800 Northpark Drive, police said.

There was no evidence of foul play, police said, but the investigation is ongoing.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. Toxicology tests will be done.

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MetalReviews.com is currently in search of motivated metalheads who would like to write for this site!

What we are looking for:

- Reviewers who can write 2 reviews per week.

- Reviewers who are dedicated, and will not disappear for weeks or months at a time once the "novelty" of being a reviewer wears off.

- People who can work as part of a team and are able to abide by group decisions.

- Reviewers who are willing to review unknown bands (indie, unsigned, small labels, etc...) and not just your favourite "name" bands.

Please keep in mind that writing reviews on a consistent basis is a substantial commitment. It tak ...

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Wendy Dio, wife/manager of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. [on Sunday] 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes before he peacefully passed away.

"Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all.

"We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us.

"Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss.

"Please know he loved you all and his music will liv ...

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