only band

The beginnings of Grave Digger date back to 1980. After various appearances at small festivals, the band, comprising Chris Boltendahl, Peter Masson, Willi Lackmann and Albert Eckardt, recorded a song for the compilation album “Rock from Hell” in 1983. A year later, Grave Digger released their debut album “Heavy Metal Breakdown”.

They released their second album “Witch Hunter” in 1985. After this album was completed, Eckardt left the band; he was replaced by C.F. Brank. Further festival appearances, a tour as the supporting act for Helloween, and a triple headlining tour with Celtic Frost and Helloween, followed before the release of the third album “War Games” in January 1986. Thereafter, Peter Masson gave way to Uwe Lulis; in 1987 the band's name was changed to Digger, the name under which they released the album “Stronger than Ever”.

This album hardly had anything in common with the earlier music of Grave Digger. It was more an attempt to reach the masses with mainstream rock like that of Bon Jovi or Van Halen. The album flopped, as it was not readily accepted by neither fans nor the masses. As a result, Chris Boltendahl declared the break up of the band at the end of 1987.

However, the band partially reformed in 1991. Chris Boltendahl and Uwe Lulis, along with two newcomers, Tomi Göttlich and Jörg Michael, who had been the drummers for Rage and Running Wild, released a comeback record, “The Reaper”. The title song returned to the true roots of Grave Digger. In the same year, the album “Best of the Eighties” was released and comprised a quasi Best-of-Album of their earlier songs.

The album “Symphony of Death” followed in 1994. In the meantime, Grave Digger, now with a new drummer, Frank Ullrich, toured Germany, playing as the supporting act for Manowar. In 1995, the album “Heart of Darkness” was released—a very dark album influenced by the early works of Annihilator.

In 1996, Stefan Arnold became the band's new drummer. This year also marked the release of the concept album “Tunes of War”, which dealt with the early history of Scotland. The album was part one of the Middle Ages Trilogy. The second album, “Knights of the Cross”, with Jens Becker on bass, was completed in 1997 and was about the rise and fall of the Knights Templar. The third and final part of the trilogy, “Excalibur”, completed in 1999, explored the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Shortly after the release of “Excalibur”, the band embarked on a world tour and was joined by keyboardist Hans-Peter Katzenburg, who later became a permanent bandmember.

In 2000, Grave Digger celebrated their 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, they performed a sold-out concert at the Zeche in Bochum. This concert marked a defining chapter in the band's history, as Uwe Lulis left the band shortly before the show due to both personal and business-related differences.

A replacement was found in ex-Rage guitarist Manni Schmidt, who first appears on the 2001 Nuclear Blast release “The Grave Digger”. The works of Edgar Allan Poe served as an inspiration for the lyrics of the album. Their first live album, “Tunes of Wacken”, was released in 2002. It was coupled with the release of their first DVD, “Wacken Open Air”. About a year later, the next concept album followed. “Rheingold” centered around the opera “Der Ring der Nibelungen” by Richard Wagner.

After the successful Rheingold-Tour with Symphorce and Wizard as supporting acts, the band recorded a new album, “The Last Supper”. Several journalists hailed it as the best since “Tunes of War” or “Heavy Metal Breakdown”. For the cover artwork, the band turned to artist Gyula Havanscak. The album was released in January 2005. Less than a month later, the band embarked on a tour with Stormhammer and Astral Doors.

October 2005 saw the release of a live DVD recording of the Last Supper Tour and the Sao Paulo concert. The title, “25 to Live”, commemorates the band's 25th anniversary.
In early 2006, Grave Digger signed a deal with the Spanish label Locomotive Records. The single “Yesterday” was released on 29 September including a re-recorded version of the title track. As a special bonus, a live DVD was also included.

January 12, 2007 saw the release of “Liberty or Death” and later that year, Grave Digger performed at the legendary Wacken Open Air. In October, a new member joined the Grave Digger family. Thilo Hermann (ex-Running Wild) became the second guitarist.

After finishing the songwriting process for the band's latest album, Grave Digger entered Principal Studio in Munster to record the new songs under the guidance of the Resetti brothers, who have provided them with a sound so forceful and fresh like never before. Furthermore, Grave Digger split with Locomotive making way for a worldwide record deal with Napalm Records.

With the release of the MCD “Pray”, the legendary power metal institution delivers a taste of what is to come on their forthcoming album "Ballads of a Hangman" to be released on 09 Jan 2009. To make the wait bearable, the men around screamer Chris Boltendahl have assembled a genuine metallic package. Hellbent metalheads will be pleased to not only find three non-album tracks, but also the title track "Pray" as an exclusive extended version of the original to be featured on the upcoming longplayer. The direction the band takes is clear: Back to the roots including a killer version of Motörhead's all time classic "Overkill".

DIR EN GREY has conquered the Japanese rock scene with lyrics that convey sorrow, darkness and anger in modern society. The band has received international critical acclaim for their masterful translation of the lyrics to their dramatic and at times shocking stage show, which includes self-mutilation with bloodshed.

DIR EN GREY - vocalist KYO, guitarists KAORU and DIE, bassist TOSHIYA and drummer SHINYA - became extremely popular almost immediately upon forming ten years ago, when they caught the attention of the CEO of East West Japan. Their debut was marked by the simultaneous release of three singles, all of which reached the Top Ten. Five albums later, DIR EN GREY added to their international success by solidifying their presence in the U.S. with the 2007 release of THE MARROW OF A BONE.

THE MARROW OF A BONE continued to build on the sentiments that had become the band’s trademark over the past ten years and exemplified the band’s technical precision. The CD includes 13 aggressive tracks, where “the production is as crisp as new currency, and the thrash power-riffing throbs like a carotid artery awaiting puncture” (Detroit Metro Times, 2/7/07). Tracks included “Agitated Screams of Maggots,” the title track of the band’s EP which was released earlier this year as well as “CONCEIVED SORROW,” “THE FATAL BELIEVER,” “RYOUJOKU NO AME,” “DISABLED COMPLEXES,” “THE DEEPER VILENESS” and “CLEVER SLEAZOID.”
While singing mostly in Japanese, KYO, via his expressive voice, is able to transition effortlessly from a deep growl to theatrical vocals that transcend language barriers. The Los Angeles Times wrote that “Kyo is a staggering vocalist” and “has stockpiled an extreme range of vocal inflections, from a guttural mutter to a tonsil-ripping scream—no electronic effects needed”.

In January 2010, the band wrapped up two years of touring in support of 2008's UROBOROS by playing two sold out shows at Tokyo's legendary Nippon Budokan arena. Currently the band are preparing to release a CD & DVD set from these shows, titled UROBOROS -with the proof in the name of living...- AT NIPPON BUDOKAN. It will be released worldwide in late May of 2010 -- be sure to RSVP HERE and follow the official Twitter to get additional information (including cover art, tracklists, audio and video samples, pre-order links, and more) as we release it!
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Read more: http://www.myspace.com/direngrey#ixzz0thqNw1AB

Blooded Suicide was formed since the middle of September 2006. Blooded Suicide is started from Ian, Ibank, and Dado projects to make a decision to create a band. Blooded Suicide’s looking for a drummer and our friends offering Eddy as our drummer. Eddy has a band (Noise Addict) then Blooded Suicide is starting with covering songs from music as we know. Time is running up and it makes we should have a vocalist. By the time, Ian is offering Trist as a vocalist. Trist has been sign in Blooded Suicide since the last of November. With a new formation, we are starting to create a concept to make sure what kind of Blooded Suicide music in the future. Before Trist joined with us, we have 2 songs. Which are Destroy The War and Under The Grave I Stand. After Trist joined with us a new concept has make a color in Blooded Suicide. Blooded Suicide’s offering melodic death metal concept. With the new concept Blooded Suicide is creating new songs. At list, with melodious tone of the guitar, and little crunchy sound at the bass guitar Blooded Suicide’s starting to create new atmosphere in music scene. Hard beat and fast beat makes drum feel so fast but calm. To perfecting the music of Blooded Suicide, high and middle scream with deep growl make Blooded Suicide sounds feel so dark. Influenced by another melodic death metal band in the other country, Blooded Suicide had an idea to mix a modern melodic death metal sound with so much more bass and middle tone in guitar. That’s all mean Blooded Suicide was trying to give a concept in development of music scene.


Blooded Suicide was release their sample songs which are :
Brain Apocalypse
Unblessed Burial

Blooded Suicide setup 5 songs in our EP Album, which are :

Mati
Whore's Massacre
Breakdown
Semua Mati
Fragrant Doesn’t Kill A Carcass

Shaman was formed in 2000, when Ricardo Confessori left Angra to form a new band.


Shaman means "the one who sees in the dark", and it is generally represented by priests that can heal using elements of nature.


With a mix of heavy metal, classical and world music, in the beginning of 2002, the band begun recording their first album called "Ritual."


The album was recorded in Germany, except for some parts that were recorded in Brazil and the United States, with the renowned production of Mr. Sascha Paeth.


"Ritual" was very well received in Brazil and all around the globe, being released in more than 15 countries. The World Ritual Tour lasted a year and a half, passing through Brazil and several other countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia. There were about 150 shows, an excellent mark of dates for a debut album tour.


In 2003, Shaman was ranked on various 'first places' on the specialized media polls, and the big surprise was having "Ritual" winning as the best music album (and not only on the heavy metal style) of 2002, being chosen by readers of Folha de Sao Paulo. An accomplishment that happened again in 2004. Later that year, the band opened the Iron Maiden concert at Pacaembu Stadium in Sao Paulo, for approximately 45,000 people.


As a result of such huge success, the band recorded a live show at Credicard Hall in São Paulo with several special guests like Tobias Sammet, Sascha Paeth, Marcus Viana and George Mouzayek, Andi Deris and Michael Weikath. The release of a CD and DVD of "RituAlive" was received with great reviews and sales. According to Universal Music Brazil, "RituAlive" is the best DVD of the genre because of the quality and of the content.


In 2005, when the second album was almost finished and ready to be released, the band announced a change in the name, with the addition of a letter A, and now being called Shaaman.


During the following months, the second studio album called "Reason" hits the stores, bringing a much more 'direct' and 'in your face' sound. The album was recorded in Brazil with the same producer of the first album, Sascha Paeth, who said that "Reason is the redemption of all the feeling and spirit of the 80's heavy metal", and that "while Ritual favored the undeniable virtuoso musicians, Reason opened up space for their hearts and souls". Songs on the "Reason" album were much more organic, which helped to highlight the contrast between heavy guitars, classic keyboards and world music elements.


After the Reason Tour, that lasted over a year, some misunderstandings led to the departure of three former bandmembers, openning up space for Thiago Bianchi, Léo Mancini and Fernando Quesada to join the band. With the new line-up, the band entered the studio and, in September of 2007, released Shaman's third studio album called "Immortal". With the new Immortal Tour, Shaman played all over Brazil and in many countries of the Latin America.

In 2008, the band recorded a live DVD, called "AnimeAlive", on a show with an audience of nearly 20 thousand people. It was released in 2009, celebrating the successful tour of the "Immortal" album and the new phase of the band.

Also in 2009, Shaman was the headliner band on the Czech Republic's Masters of Rock Festival, and played with GOCMAN Orchestra. This amazing moment and show set a milestone in the history of Brazilian Heavy Metal: Shaman was the first band to perform and record a live DVD with an orchestra.

For 2010, Shaman is preparing many surprises: a new CD in progress, new shows being scheduled, and much more...
SHAMAN (formerly SHAAMAN) — the Brazilian melodic metal band featuring drummer Ricardo Confessori alongside guitarist Léo Mancini, vocalist Thiago Bianchi and bassist Fernando Quesada — released a new studio album, "Origins", in June via AFM Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Origins (The Day I Died)
02. Lethal Awakening
03. Inferno Veil
04. Ego Pt. 1
05. Ego Pt. 2
06. Finally Home
07. Rising Up To Life
08. No Mind
09. Blind Messiah
10. S.S.D. (Signed, Sealed & Delivered)

The song "Ego" is now available for streaming on the SHAMAN MySpace page.

Regarding the "Origins" lyrical concept, the band said in a press release, "This is the story of a little boy called Amagat, from a tribe in the far land of Siberia, home of the first Shamans that history ever heard of. His story begins at the moment he reaches the 'age of the warrior' — the age that his tribe believes to be the 'age of transition' from a child to an adult, a warrior. Amagat then runs away believing he's not part of all that. And during his journey into the unknown, he passes through ten stages that will lead him to enlightenment, and finally will bring him back to his tribe, where he will be received as a 'spiritual leader.'"

SHAMAN's previous album, "Immortal", was released in 2007 via Italy's Scarlet Records.

Former SHAAMAN frontman André Matos (also ex-ANGRA) released his debut solo album in August 2007.

, "LorVeteran German thrashers SODOM will release their long-awaited new DVDds Of Depravity - Part II", via SPV/Steamhammer on the following dates:

Germany: June 25
Rest of Europe: July 12
USA: July 13

The double digipak DVD with o-card will contain the following:

* DVD 1: the complete history 1995-2009 (approximately 200 minutes)
* DVD 2: Live features, video clips, deleted scenes (approximately 160 minutes)
Track listing / content:

DVD1

The complete history 1995-2009

* Intro
* Onkel Tom
* Tom Is Looking For New Members
* Reunion Sodom
* Til Death Us Unite (Recordings)
* Endzeit Festival
* Til Death Us Unite (Promo And Release)
* Summer Metal Meeting
* Lauchhammer
* With Full Force 97
* Wacken 97
* Lieder Wie Orkane
* Südamerika 97
* USA 97
* Ein Tröpchen Voller Glück
* Code Red
* Ein Strauss Bunter Melodien
* Desperados (How This Developed)
* Dynamo 99
* With Full Force 99
* Fuck The Millennium Tour
* Desperados (Release)
* With Full Force 2000
* M16 (Recordings)
* Bangkok 2001
* Wacken 2001
* M16 (Release)
* Hell Comes To Your Town Tour
* Japan
* One Night In In Bangkok
* Summer Open Airs 2002
* Moskau 2003
* One Night In Bangkok (Release)
* With Full Force 2003
* Bang Your Head 2003
* Summer Open Airs 2002
* Sofia
* Greece
* Summer Breeze 2004
* Lords Of Depravity/Sodom Rehearsals
* Ankara
* South America 2005
* Metalcruise
* USA 2006
* Sodom (Recordings / Release)
* Rock Hard 2006
* Japan 2006
* European Tour with FINNTROLL and LEGION OF THE DAMNED
* Eastern European Tour
* Final Sign Of Evil
* Klassentreffen (All Ex-Members Under One Roof)
* Death Of Chris Witchhunter
* Australia, Indonesia, Thailand
* Wacken 2007
* Outro

Duration: more than 200 min
Format: 16:9 (NTSC)
Subtitles English/German
Audio: 2.0/5.1

DVD2

Complete 25th-Anniversary Concert at Wacken Open Air 2007 (featuring guest appearances by former bandmembers Grave Violator, Frank Blackfire, Michael Hoffmann, Andy Brings and Atomic Steif)

* Intro
* Blood On Your Lips
* Wanted Dead
* City Of God
* Axis Of Evil
* Blasphemer
* Proselytism Real
* Christ Passion
* Magic Dragon
* Tarred And Feathered
* One Step Over The Line
* Get What You Deserve
* Abuse
* Frozen Screams
* The Vice Of Killing
* Napalm In The Morning
* Sodomy And Lust
* Ausgebombt
* The Saw Is The Law
* Outbreak Of Evil
* Bombenhagel
* Outro

Video Clips:

* Fuck The Police
* City Of God

+ Deleted Scenes

Duration: more than 160 min
Format: 16:9 (NTSC)
Subtitles English/German
Audio: 2.0/5.1

Metal Injection has posted performance footage of the song "Outbreak Of Evil" from the "Lords Of Depravity - Part II" DVD. Watch it below.

Commented bassist/vocalist Thomas "Angelripper" Such: "Five years after releasing our first SODOM DVD, you're now holding the second part in your hands...

"To begin with, I want to thank you for your patience.

"In the meantime it happened a lot, which we want to give you an account of with this film.

"The story of 'Lords Of Depravity - Part I' ended in the year 1995, which included many ups and downs for me. It was a year I had to make a lot of decisions in, which were of essential importance for my career and further musical future.

"The last contractual album with SPV, 'Masquerade In Blood', blazed the trail for rebound.

"When drummer Atomic Steif and guitarist Strahli left the band after the accomplishment of this album, I thought about forming a completely new band or turn[ing] my back on the music business forever. I lacked the willingness to discuss each of my decisions with the band members. I had to look ahead. The numerous replacements of band members in the past unnerved me and tested my mettle.

"The idea to start a solo project emerged through many intense conversations with friends and my musical surroundings. Producer Ulli Pösselt also encouraged me to this enterprise. A record label, which evinced the willingness in supporting the project, was found straight. The Tom Angelripper — future ONKEL TOM — project came into being and released four albums through the label GUN Records.

"I realized quickly, that living without SODOM was inacceptable for me. The record label wasn't enthusiastic about perpetuating SODOM, the more so as the albums of the solo project worked out well in view of the circumstances at that time, even within the non-metal scene. I was advised to put SODOM on hold or to draw the curtain for good.

"To achieve a common purpose I convinced the head of the record label to recall SODOM to life with a completely new lineup. I became acquainted with drummer Bobby by fluke, later with guitarist Bernemann, who both roistered together in the bands CROWS and RANDALICA. The phase of us getting to know each other certainly is described at length in this film.

"After a couple of rehearsals we decided to go on together and record a new album. This seemed like a new birth to me, and we got down to work, 'cause finally there were a lot of live shows to be played again.

"Initially, all this was virgin soil to Bobby and Bernemann. Our first tour, which we were doing together with many top-class bands turned out to be a long-desired dream coming true for both of them.

"I finally made the attempt to establish a permanent lineup, which succeeded despite the hard time.

"The second half of the '90s has really been tough and confusing to the whole metal scene and music business. I don't want to speculate about the reasons here, but it was a time, when many bands resigned and split up. Many of them had to realign musically, which was a complete flop in many of these cases. The extant fans didn't want any change and turned away.

"To me it was a certain decision to go on like before and keep the comparatively steady fan community. It was worth it, since we outlived the lean period together with the help from our fans.

"We've always been a band, who crosses the scene with blinders. We never cared about what others were doing and we never let the record labels force us to change something to sell more records or become more commercial. Thrash metal was our way of doing something we were keen on and expressing openly what came into our heads without mincing our words. This is one thing which never changed to this day.

"A band has to be authentic and should not sell itself.

"In the following years, we travelled all around the world and soon there was hardly any country whose beer specialities we didn't give a try.

"I love thinking back of all these concerts... Whether it be in South America, Asia, Australia or Europe — everywhere we've been well received and celebrated properly.

"This film is going to let you look behind the scenes. At many shows a cameraman was [following] us, who tried to also catch the atmosphere backstage and during the tour.

"It's almost unbelievable how much material has been filmed, assembled and probably for the first time been released in this manner.

"I'm very glad that SODOM is still getting booked for being the cult band as such and is still regarded as the band most friendly towards their fans. Nowadays this doesn't seem to be understood by many others.

"Working on satisfying the fans is as much important as the music itself.

"We've always tried to get in contact with our fans after the show, signing autographs, having a beer together while chatting. We've never been that kind of 'rock stars' who leave their fans instantly after the show when being reputed to have done their work.

"My co-musicians always bolstered me and quickly understood what SODOM is all about. It's not about us — the focus is always on the fans. If they're happy, we're happy, too.

"Then, the early SODOM history caught up with us again. The record label wanted to re-release the debut 'In The Sign Of Evil' and asked me if there were any unreleased songs. At the third of our class reunions, I sat together with Chris Witchhunter and Grave Violator to talk about this. Grave Violator could remember that we've had material for one full-fledged album, but the record label wanted to produce a five-track EP only. This has been quite usual in the '80s. He still owned a recording of seven songs, which had been done in our old rehearsal room and which we had totally forgotten about. According to this, these songs had to be practiced anew in our old lineup. These partly very tragic years up to the release of 'Final Sign Of Evil' are reprocessed in this film by many interviews.

"Back then neither of us suspected Chris' disease to be progressed so far to be a lethal threat to him.

"Being on tour in South America with SODOM in 2009 I got a phone call which exceeded our worst apprehensions. This is a topic dealt with marginally in this film, because we closed it with our 25th anniversary.

"Now have fun watching 'Lords Of Depravity - Part II'!

"I hope you will encourage me in my idea of doing a third part.

"I thank you for your allegiant support, which hopefully will conduct us to our 30th anniversary."

SODOM will enter the studio this summer to begin recording its new album for a late 2010 release. Angelripper recently stated about the group's new material, "There has never been a SODOM album which is so wide-ranged, as powerful and as typically SODOM as this one.

SODOM issued the "Lords of Depravity - Part I" DVD in the U.S. on February 21, 2006 via SPV. The first of two double-DVD sets contained the SODOM history from 1982 to 1995 plus live footage from concerts in Sofia and at the With Full Force, Wacken Open Air and Rock Hard festivals.

"Agent Orange", the classic 1989 album from SODOM, was re-released on February 1 (Germany: January 29) via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD comes in a high-class digipack and will include a bonus disc. The extensive booklet contains rare photos and liner notes by bassist/vocalist Thomas "Angelripper" Such. The LP comes as a double gatefold album with printed inner sleeves and three bonus live tracks.

The band's latest album, "The Final Sign of Evil", was released as a double vinyl package on February 1, 2008 via SPV Records. The LP features re-recordings of the material from the German thrashers' classic first EP, "In the Sign of Evil", plus no less than seven bonus tracks, all of which were originally written during the "In the Sign of Evil" era or earlier but were never officially released. As a special bonus, the album featured return appearances by drummer Chris Dudek (a.k.a. Witchhunter) and guitarist Josef "Peppi" Dominic (a.k.a. Grave Violator), both of whom were featured on the original 1984 EP.

Leaves' Eyes, the name in itself has quite a musical ring to it. And it comes as no surprise that the world's most international band attracts all the attention in 2009. With their latest album “Njord”, the sextet revolving around Liv Kristine defends its position as the number one presence within the symphonic Gothic Rock/Metal genre.

On “Njord”, Leaves' Eyes finally opens a new chapter in Nordic mythology. With this new masterpiece, they are able to prove to what extent they have found their own style and developed it to perfection. In 2009, Leaves' Eyes present themselves rocking, up-to-date, sweeping, and free of all genre conventions.

As made evident by the debut album “Lovelorn” (2004), Leaves' Eyes came into being during a walk in the woods. The musicians are able to convert nature's impressions into music in an incomparable way. Thorsten Bauer and Mathias Röderer established an exceptional guitar sound with the first album that has been a band trademark ever since. However, it is Liv Kristine's unique voice that serves as the linchpin in Leaves' Eyes. On “Lovelorn”, Liv sings about a magical world filled with mermaids, love and tragedy. With this concept album, the band not only enthralls the ears, but in particular the imagination of the listener. The members of Leaves' Eyes do not merely write songs, their music tells of sagas and legends. Like no other newcomer band, Leaves' Eyes received exceptional feedback and coverage from the press (including interviews and cover stories). The fanbase continued to grow within a matter of weeks until the numbers filled the hall of the Wave Gotik Treffen 2004, celebrating the band's stage premier.

The spectacular and rapid success of Leaves' Eyes does not happen without a reason. Every band member had already been gathering professional experience in other musical endeavors for years before joining Leaves' Eyes. In the mid 90s Liv Kristine's voice was like a beacon in the gothic scene, while singing for Theatre of Tragedy. The Norwegian band established the marriage of Metal with the female voice, and their club hit “Tanz der Schatten” became synonymous with the direction and expression of a whole musical genre. In addition, Liv Kristine conquered the pop scene and sang the songs to TV hits like “Tatort” and “Schimanski”.

In Leaves' Eyes, Liv is supported by the band members of Atrocity. The metal heavyweights recently earned top honors for being the “most diverse Metal band”. With each and every album, Atrocity sets landmarks. This can be Death Metal (“Todessehnsucht”), “Electro (“Die Liebe”) or epic music “Calling the Rain”). Their series of “Werk 80” albums is a legend of its own and skyrocketed the band into higher chart positions (e.g. position 19 for “Werk 80 II”). Liv calls the members of Atrocity “the best musicians and friends in the world”, having the perfect partners at her side.

One year after “Lovelorn”, Leaves' Eyes made waves with the follow up “Vinland Saga” (2005). The single “Elegy” stays four weeks in the German charts. The elaborate animated video clip was broadcasted by TV stations all over the world and is the adaptation of the album's concept, which deals with the Viking Leif Eriksson. PRO7 used “Elegy” as the official song for the series “NUMB3RS”. Like the classic composers, Leaves' Eyes turn legends and tales into songs. The music on “Vinland Saga” invokes the mighty forces of nature and the fighting Vikings in the mind of the listener. Once again, Liv Kristine's love for heir native Norway shines throughout the compositions and it is clear that her band cohorts also long for the magic this country has to offer.

Leaves' Eyes is not just a studio band, despite numerous chart entries. They play live shows on a regular basis and traveled all over the world to bring their music to their dedicated fans. Since “Lovelorn”, it seems like the band has been on tour forever. In only four years, the band traveled through four continents, 34 countries and played 222 concerts. Fans from South America, North America, Australia, and Europe prove that a love for music transcends all borders. This comes as no surprise, as the band comprises members from Germany, Norway, and North America. The Live DVD “We cam with the Northern Winds/En Saga I Beglia” (2009) entered the German DVD charts at number 11. This exclusive package documented the exceptional history of the band. In addition, the DVD features the legendary concert at the Metal Female Voices Festival 2007. This headline show presented the fans with an impressive Viking ship on stage.

“Njord“continues the triumphs of the band, which long ago became one of the most successful Gothic Metal formations in the world. Already their first single “My Destiny” comes rushing out from the speakers and is so catchy, that it is almost dangerous! This song is the legitimate successor to the band anthem “Elegy”. Liv sings “I'm falling into the deep”, but aims for the stars at the same time. “Njord” could be the next big step for Leaves' Eyes. Once more the musicians go beyond every convention and reinvent themselves. The new album is more complex yet accessible, modern and unpredictable, and is able to surprise the listener every time.

Just as diverse and breath-taking as Mother Nature, “Njord” presents itself to the reader. The album is a loose concept about Nordic history and myths. The hymn “Through our Veins” alternates delicately between sonorous and more subtle tunes. The kettledrums and string sections give the title track an almost bleak and menacing feel, whereas the acoustic parts of “Irish Rain” give the song a fragile note. Catchy melodies like in “Take the devil in me” stay in sharp contrast to the magnificent opus “Frøya's Theme”, which is by far the most complex Leaves' Eyes song ever written. One of the emotional highlights on the album is the interpretation of the English traditional “Scarborough Fair” in which uilleann pipes and whistles create a magical atmosphere. Vocalist Alexander Krull is also the producer and make sure that the bombastic guitars leave enough room for the other instruments and numerous nuances. The music of “Njord” is enriched by the power of a choir and the virtuosity of the Lingua Mortis Orchestra directed by Victor Smolski (Rage). The classical elements emphasize the music's grandeur, while the artists elevate each and every song to an art form of its own.

However, it is Liv Kristine's vocals that transform the songs into masterpieces. On this album, Liv sings in no less than eight languages about Nordic deities, Vikings and history. In addition, the Grammy-nominated vocalist (for “Nymphetamine” with Cradle of Filth) sounds free and more confident than ever before. The fans will hear how much fun Liv had while recording her vocal lines and that the spectrum of her voice has gained more shades. Live Kristine's vocals are so emotional and tangible, that one inevitably becomes part of the sagas and legends of the North.

Leaves' Eyes is aware of the status they hold in the music scene. They are leaders and their dedicated supporters expect the highest quality. With their best and most mature album to date, Leaves' Eyes affirms the leading position and sets the highest standards for everything to follow. “Njord” will breeze through the summer days not unlike the North wind. And just like with Eriksson's discovery of America, nothing will remain the same.

Robert Suß

Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Christian metalcore quintet AUGUST BURNS RED filmed its June 4 concert at Warehouse 54 in Manheim, Pennsylvania for a forthcoming CD/DVD, "Home", to be released on September 28 through longtime label home Solid State Records. The DVD/CD shoot drew a sold-out crowd of 1,250 people who wanted to participate in the exciting performance, including some who traveled internationally, from as close as Montreal to as far as away as Amsterdam. Shot and edited by Space Monkey Studios, whose phenomenal work has been seen on releases by acts like COHEED AND CAMBRIA, LAMB OF GOD, EVERY TIME I DIE and more, the live show is accompanied by a documentary on the band detailing life on the road and at home and featuring many fans discussing the ways in which AUGUST BURNS RED have impacted their lives in a positive, meaningful way.

"We played our first ever show as a band in Manheim in April of 2003," explains guitarist JB Brubaker. "Between then and now, we've been fortunate enough to play all over the world. But when it came time for us to record our first live DVD/CD, it only made sense to do so back in Manheim where everything began. It was exciting for us to have people come from far and wide to the town where most of us grew up, and to be able to play such a special show in front of our families and close friends who have been supporting us since the beginning."

The powerful, pummeling performance featured many fan favorites from the band's three full-length albums — 2009's "Constellations", 2007's "Messengers" and 2005's "Thrillseeker" — which means that "Home" will appeal to both new and longtime AUGUST BURNS RED fans.

"Constellations", the third full-length album from AUGUST BURNS RED, debuted at an impressive No. 24 on The Billboard 200. Released on July 14, 2009, the LP also landed at No. 8 on Current Rock Albums, No. 2 on Top Hard Music Albums (less than 300 units behind NICKLEBACK!) and No. 2 on the Christian Market chart.

With sales of 20,000 copies in its first week, "Constellations" more than doubled the first-week numbers of its predecessor, 2007's "Messengers", which debuted in The Billboard 200 at No. 81 and went on to sell well over 80,000 copies. "Constellations" also hit the No. 1 New Music Release spot iTunes the day it was released, and entered the Top 100 at No. 6, nestled between a MICHAEL JACKSON best-of album and the movie soundtrack for a certain wizard named Harry.