UPCOMING RELEASE DATES
16.08.10 KING OF ASGARD-’Fi´mbulvintr’ (CD)
16.08.10 RETURN TO EARTH-’Automata’ (Digi CD)
30.08.10 NIGHTFALL-’Astron Black And The Thirty Tyrants’ (CD)
13.09.10 DAWN OF ASHES-’Genocide Chapters’ (CD)
13.09.10 SYSTEM DIVIDE-’The Conscious Sedation’ (CD)
13.09.10 THE ABSENCE-’Enemy Unbound’ (CD)
27.09.10 CATARACT-’Killing The Eternal’
27.09.10 OSI-’Office Of Strategic Influence’ (Re-issue)
11.10.10 HAIL OF BULLETS-’On Divine Winds’ (ltd. CD+DVD-Digibook)
11.10.10 NEGLIGENCE-’Coordinates Of Confusion’ (CD)

Metal Blade Records teams up with Alan Averill ‘Nemtheanga’ of Primordial for distribution of his label POISON TONGUE RECORDS
Alan Averill ‘Nemtheanga’ works with Metal Blade Records’ A&R department; first bands signed are Sweden’s PORTRAIT and Ireland’s DARKEST ERA!

Metal Blade Records is pleased to announce it has inked an imprint deal with Alan Averill ‘Nemtheanga’ of Primordial to handle distribution of his label POISON TONGUE RECORDS. Alan’s POISON TONGUE RECORDS has already begun to gain notice as a promising label in the underground scene in Europe and now with distribution being handled by Metal Blade Records in North America, the label will be able to further expand its reach into States.

Alan Averill ‘Nemtheanga’ elaborates; “so after twenty years experience in the music industry I am starting my own imprint label called Poison Tongue Records through Metal Blade Records, working in conjunction with Darragh at Invictus Productions and Cyclone Empire. The reasons are many fold and despite the confused state the industry itself is in I felt it was time to step up and make a few things happen. Poison Tongue will be underground, make no bones about it and will concentrate on a couple of releases a year together with Invictus dealing with the underground traders, Cyclone hitting the middle ground and Metal Blade taking care of the shops, main mail-orders and bigger advertisements. Attack on all fronts!

The first release is the BLOOD REVOLT Indoctrine album. Poison Tongue is responsible for the limited digi version available right now through Metal Blade (listen to the track ‘Year Zero’ on the website) in conjunction with Profound Lore in the States and Invictus here in Europe taking care of the jewel edition.

Next up is a joint collaboration on a new DESTRÖYER 666 7″ together with Invictus Productions. Something I’m very proud to be connected with having long connections with the DESTRÖYER 666 boys, this should be out to coincide with their tour with Watain in the fall. Then we are going to begin working with fellow Aussies, and one-time DESTRÖYER 666 members, Berserker and ASSAULTER on their new album, having recruited new members this is going to crush, plain and simple. A demo track is now up on the Poison Tongue site so be sure to check it out. More news will follow about releases to follow.”

In other news; Alan Averill ‘Nemtheanga’ works with Metal Blade Records’ A&R department and has already picked up two new bands. The first is PORTRAIT from Sweden and the second is DARKEST ERA hailing from Ireland. Metal Blade Records chairmen and CEO, Brian Slagel, comments on teaming up with Alan to assist the label in finding new metal acts: “We are very excited to work with Alan on this project. He has great ears and is really embedded in the underground.”

Alan adds; “I’ll be working A&R for Metal Blade, bringing some new angles and ideas. The first of which is Swedish old school contenders PORTRAIT. When this NWOBHM 80’s magma finally spews to the surface these guys are going to be there. The second is young Irish band DARKEST ERA who will release their debut later in the year. A heady and vibrant mix of sweeping Irish melancholy imbued with Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, Omen and Slough Feg. Earth pagan power? Sound about right?

There will be more to follow believe me! If you are interested in getting in touch because your band might be what I’m looking for, email: alan.averill@gmail.com.”

“We take pride in signing to a label with a legacy like that of Metal Blade,” comments PORTRAIT guitarist Richard Lagergren. “And in a way I’d like to say this will be our first ‘real’ album… You ain’t seen nothing yet! Hell awaits!”

Ade Mulgrew, guitarist of DARKEST ERA, comments; “this is a big step for us and gives us a great opportunity to get our music out to a lot more people. We’ve got a new album written that we are really excited about and can’t wait to get it recorded. Metal Blade has put out some of our favorite records over the years and we’re looking forward to working with them as we embark on this journey of conquest!”

Check them both at www.myspace.com/darkestera and www.myspace.com/portraitmetal

ARMORED SAINT video for ‘Left Hook From Right Field’ off “La Raza” now live!
Legendary LA based metal band ARMORED SAINT recently shot a video in their hometown on July 1st for the track Left Hook From Right Field off their current release La Raza with director Jeremy Schott of Mental Suplex.

Vocalist John Bush gives us his description of the video for ‘Left Hook From Right Field’: “BAD ASS!!! That’s how I would describe this video. The photography is absolutely beautiful. Rene, the boxer, did a nobleman’s job and is convincing as hell. Jeremy’s team was awesome to work with and super efficient. Armored Saint was captured raw and with full power. Sometimes making a video, actually the majority of the time, making a video blows. Not this time!” Bassist Joey Vera adds; “the video came out great and does justice to the song. We were going for a ‘Raging Bull’ look and I think we captured the vibe for sure.Most videos are pretty boring to make but this one was actually fun. We spent some time shooting scenes ‘on the fly’ and tried things out that were not in the story line, meaning we had a chance to improvise. The story line is a pretty good representation on the allegories that the lyrics paint. Good fun once again.”

La Raza debuted at #49 on the Hard Music Albums Chart, #18 on the Heatseekers chart, #52 on the Top Independent Albums chart, and #2 on the Hard Music Core Stores chart. ARMORED SAINT’s La Raza also entered the official German album Charts coming in at #96.

http://www.myspace.com/armoredsaint1
http://www.armoredsaint.com/

BISON B.C. announce Euro dates with Coliseum and Kvelertak!
Canadian Sludge Rockers BISON B.C. have announced mainland European dates in support of their magnificent third album (second for Metal Blade) Dark Ages!

BISON B.C. will be playing a full Euro tour together with COLISEUM and KVELERTAK.

Coliseum
+ BISON B.C.
+ Kvelertak
07/11/10 – CZ – Prague – 007
08/11/10 – DE – München – Feierwerk
09/11/10 – DE – Berlin – Cassiopeia
10/11/10 – DK – Copenhagen – Beta
12/11/10 – NO – Oslo – Garage
13/11/10 – SE – Stockholm – Cafe 44
14/11/10 – DE – Hamburg – Hafenklang
15/11/10 – DE – Giessen – MuK
16/11/10 – NL – Venlo – Perron 55
17/11/10 – UK – London – Underworld
18/11/10 – UK - Stoke on Trent – Sugarmill
19/11/10 – UK – Glasgow – Ivory Black
20/11/10 – UK – Leeds – The Well
21/11/10 – UK – Norwich – The Marquee
22/11/10 – NL – Tilburg – 013
23/11/10 – BE – Antwerp – Trix
25/11/10 – DE – Karlsruhe – Jubez w/Shrinebuilder
26/11/10 – FR – Paris – tba
27/11/10 – CH – Martigny – tba
28/11/10 – DE – Saarbrücken – Garage
29/11/10 – CH – Zürich – Dynamo
30/11/10 – IT – Milano – Magnolia
01/12/10 – IT – Bologna – Locomotiv
02/12/10 – AT – Vienna – Shelter
03/12/10 – DE – Rosswein – Juha
04/12/10 – DE – Essen – Julius-Leber-Haus

http://www.myspace.com/bisoneastvan

HAIL OF BULLETS reveal album art, track listing and concept behind new album ‘On Divine Winds’! Limited Digibook to include bonustrack and bonus-DVD!

Dutch Death Metal Masters HAIL OF BULLETS have announced ‘On Divine Winds’ as the title of their upcoming new album to be released October, 8/11 via Metal Blade Records in Europe and on October, 12 in North America!

HAIL OF BULLETS’ debut album ‘…Of Frost And War’ was a concept album about the Eastern front war of Germany. ‘On Divine Winds’ is another concept album, this time covering the Pacific battles between Japan and the USA.

Comments singer Martin van Drunen: “This time Hail of Bullets takes on the Pacific War. The expansion of the Empire of Japan throughout Asia, introducing a full scale war using all forces combined. The massive strike back of the Americans, whose marines bravely fought many tough and bloody battles on now forgotten insulate islands spread throughout the whole Pacific. This led to desperate Japanese defense tactics such as Kamikaze, human bullets and suicidal Banzai charges. Until finally, incendiary bombings brought the empire to its knees.”

The album title ‘On Divine Winds’ refers to the translation for the Japanese word Kamikaze, as kami stands for “God” and kaze means “wind”.

‘On Divine Winds’ features 12 tracks on the limited first Digibook edtion and 11 tracks on the regular jewelcase version.

‘On Divine Winds’ was produced by Ed Warby and like before the monstrous mix was in the capable hands of Mr Dan Swanö.

Comments drummer Ed Warby: “I don’t think I’ve ever worked this hard on anything in my entire life, but it sure has paid off! Although …Of Frost And War is a tough act to follow, my ringing ears tell me we’ve succeeded in besting it on every level: songs, playing, production… at the moment Dan Swanö is putting the final touches on a mix that could squash a tank, and then it’s off to the pressing plant! All the main ingredients of our blood ‘n’ guts style death metal have remained intact and I honestly can’t imagine anyone that liked our previous work is going to be the least bit disappointed… on the contrary!”

The limited edition of ‘On Divine Winds’ will be released as a Digibook including a bonus-dvd. More details on the bonus-DVD and its content will be announced shortly!

‘On Divine Winds’ will be released October 8/11 via Metal Blade Records in Europe!

http://www.hailofbullets.com
http://www.myspace.com/hailoffuckenbullets

LAZARUS A.D. wants YOU to make their next music video! “Blow Up Our Video” contest has been launched in association with ESP guitars and Metal Blade Records
LAZARUS A.D. is currently in the studio and Belle City Sound in Racine, WI recording their follow up to The Onslaught. While recording their newest material, the band and Metal Blade Records have launched a contest where fans can create the music video for one of the band’s oldest songs, Last Breath. This song was featured on the band’s original 3 song demo and was written when all of the guys were still in high school.

Bassist/vocalist Jeff Paulick comments: “We are so stoked for this contest. “Last Breath” has been a fan favorite since the get go back in ‘05, and we never got a chance to make the video! We can’t wait to see what fans submit, no matter how awesome or ridiculous it may be! We hooked up with ESP for an awesome grand prize, and I think it’s a killer concept for the fans. Good luck to all who enter.”

There will be three winners: First place receives an ESP LTD MH-103QM STB guitar signed by the band, as well as a t-shirt and a copy of the upcoming new album. Second place receives a custom designed Lazarus A.D. drumhead, a t-shirt and a copy of the upcoming new album. Third place receives a t-shirt and a copy of the upcoming new album. To view all of the contest details, terms and to enter, head to: http://www.metalblade.com/lazarusad.

Prospective video directors can download Last Breath HERE.

http://www.lazarusad.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lrazarus1

NEAERA post first webisode for new album ‘Forging The Eclipse’ online and announce tour with All That Remains, Caliban and Soilwork!
German extreme metal Champs NEAERA have posted the first webisode for their upcoming new album ‘Forging The Eclipse’.

NEAERA have also confirmed a European tour in support of their upcoming fifth album. Starting November, 28th the boys will embark on a full Euro tour with their friends in ALL THAT REMAINS, CALIBAN, SOILWORK and BLEED FROM WITHIN.

ALL THAT REMAINS
+ CALIBAN
+ SOILWORK
+ NEAERA
+ BLEED FROM WITHIN
28/11/10 – UK – Glasgow – Garage
29/11/10 – UK – Manchester – Academy 2
30/11/10 – UK – London – Electric Ballroom
01/12/10 – UK – Sheffield – Corporation
02/12/10 – NL – Eindhoven – Effenaar
03/12/10 – DE – Hamburg – Markthalle
04/12/10 – SE – Gothenburg – Brewhouse
05/12/10 – SE – Stockholm – Klubben
07/12/10 – FI – Helsinki – Tavasta
09/12/10 – SE – Malmö – KB
10/12/10 – DE – Berlin – SO 36
11/12/10 – DE – Leipzig – Conne Island
12/12/10 – AT – Vienna – Arena
14/12/10 – IT – Milan – Magazzini Generali
15/12/10 – CH – Zürich – Dynamo
16/12/10 – DE – München – Backstage Werk
17/12/10 – DE – Karlsruhe – Substage
18/12/10 – DE – Münster – Skaters Palace
19/12/10 – BE – Hasselt – Muziek-O-Drom
20/12/10 – DE – Köln – Essigfabrik
21/12/10 – NL – Eindhoven – Effenaar
22/12/10 – BE – Hasselt – Muziek-O-Drom

http://www.neaera.com
http://www.myspace.com/Neaera