Finnish metallers THUNDERSTONE have posted a version of the song "Holdin' On To My Pain" featuring new singer Rick Altzi from Sweden. Check it out on the band's MySpace page. Rick has contributed his wonderful voice to many metal albums, most recently with German group AT VANCE (a band which he is still a member of).

Last August saw THUNDERSTONE part ways with vocalist Pasi Rantanen and keyboard player Kari Tornack, leaving fans wondering about the future of the band. The group, however, did not rest on its heels and did a full European tour in October-Decembe ...

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Swedish thrashers CARNAL FORGE have confirmed that they have parted ways with Jari Kuusisto (rhythm guitar) and Jens C. Mortensen (vocals). "We are sorry not to have the guys on board anymore, and we wish them all the best for the future," the group writes in a statement. "We want to thank them for all their work and efforts in the band and all the crazy times we've shared through the years... Cheers!!!"

The band continues: "The good news is that we have found two new members to replace Jari and Jens: Dino Medanhodzic (SOULBREACH) on lead guitar and Peter Tuthill (ex-CONSTRUCDEAD, and also in GODSIC) on vocals.

Swedish death metal supergroup BLOODBATH has issued the following update:

"So the time has come for BLOODBATH to once again poison the scene with a contagious doze of über brutal death metal. An old acquaintance in this zombified bloodline has once again re-visited his old home. We can now announce that the vocalist on the new mini-CD is none other than Mikael Åkerfeldt courtesy of OPETH.

"Second deathster to join the elite is Mr. Per 'Sodomizer' Eriksson (ex-21 LUCIFERS, ex-GENOCRUSH FEROX). Sodomizer's brutal death metal songwriting approach as well as guitar shredding is a highly welcomed element in the legacy of ...

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Evidently Jani Lane has returned to the WARRANT fold, given that his photo is now included with the rest of the band members' pictures, at guitarist Erik Turner's MySpace page. Meanwhile, rumors have been circulating that a Jani Lane fronted Warrant will perform at the second annual Rocklahoma festival, to be held in Pryor, Oklahoma July 11th -13th. Stay tuned for updates on this as details surface.

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A new CHILDREN OF BODOM song, entitled "Banned From heaven", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the Finnish metal group's forthcoming album, "Blooddrunk", duein North America on April 15 via Spinefarm/Fontana International. The CD is due in Europe on April 7 via Spinefarm Records (two days later in Finland). Check out the album artwork here.

CHILDREN OF BODOM fan site Scythes ...

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Guitarist Bill Hudson has quit the Nebraska-based extreme power metal babd CELLADOR. His statement on the matter reads as follows:

"After thinking about it for a long time and after a very relaxing holiday season, which included appearances at the NAMM show in Anaheim, I have decided that it's best for me if I part ways with CELLADOR.

"I'll be flying back to Omaha tomorrow, but the band is already aware of my decision. I'm really only going back to take care of the last details, before I move to L.A. permanently.

"CELLADOR and I did great things together, and a good fan-base was built. I played some of the most insane shows of my lif ...

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West Virginia's forward-thinking thrashers BYZANTINE have issued the following update:

"As of today, BYZANTINE is no longer a functioning band. Due to various circumstances the band will not be touring or performing together.

"We would like to first thank everyone that has supported this band throughout the years. You are the people that really made everything worthwhile and we are amazed at the wonderful response we have had from all of you. Because of you, we were part of something special and without you none of this would have been possible. Next, we would like to thank all the kick-ass bands that we have played shows with and hung out with. These were good ...

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AVIAN, the melodic metal band featuring singer Lance King and guitarist Yan Leviathan, has been confirmed for the Nightmare Metal Fest, a brand new festival set to take place March 21-22 at Bourbon Street in New Port Richey, Florida. Also scheduled to appear are WARMACHINE, CAGE, DISASTERPEACE (the new band featuring singer Wade Black [CRIMSON GLORY, SEVEN WITCHES, LEASH LAW, BLACK REIGN, LEATHERWOLF], former KING DIAMOND guitarist master Pete Blakk, renowned drummer Jesse Martillo [CRIMSON GLORY] and bassist Chris Baylor), X-THIRTIEN, ORDER OF NINE, ...

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The winners of the competition are Nick Ledesma, Mark Lawless and Anthony Carriuolo, congratulations to all of you, your prizes will be in the post soon!

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