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MASTERPLAN: ‘Novum Initium’ Teaser Video Available

Posted by aliblackdiamond on April 8, 2013
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Source: Blabbermouth.net

“Novum Initium”, the new album from multinational melodic metallers MASTERPLAN, will be released on May 17 via AFM Records.

The first trailer for the CD can be seen below.

“Novum Initium” track listing:

01. Per Aspera Ad Astra
02. The Game
03. Keep Your Dream Alive
04. Black Night Of Magic
05. Betrayal
06. No Escape
07. Pray On My Soul
08. Earth Is Going Down
09. Return From Avalon
10. Through Your Eyes
11. Novum Initium
12. 1492 (digipack bonus track)
13. Fear The Silence (digipack bonus track)

The “Novum Initium” digipack cover artwork can be seen below.

The band in February filmed a video for the song ” Keep Your Dream Alive” in the Luftverteidigungsbunker Erndtebrück, also called “Bunker Erich.”

A photo of MASTERPLAN‘s new lineup can be seen below. Joining drummer Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka (CRADLE OF FILTH) are vocalist Rick Altzi (AT VANCE, SANDALINAS, THUNDERSTONE), who replaces Jorn Lande, and bassist Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, SYMFONIA, DEVIL’S TRAIN).

In a recent interview with Metal Shock Finland, MASTERPLAN guitarist/leader Roland Grapow stated about the band’s new CD: “We are not leaving the MASTERPLAN path too much, but everything we have — the melodic part and a little bit progressive — I would say we’re a little bit more powerful and I’m also mixing the album this time. I want to get a little bit more modern, as the sound we have was created ten years ago. We’re still having the typical sound with melodies, but the drummer is amazing and plays a lot of crazy shit!”

MASTERPLAN‘s new lineup:

Rick Altzi – vocals
Roland Grapow – guitars
Axel Mackenrott – keyboards
Jari Kainulainen – bass
Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka – drums

In an August 2011 interview with the Czech web portal Kultura21.cz, Grapow stated about MASTERPLAN‘s numerous lineup changes: “I think it’s always difficult in this band, I guess. If you see, the first album just came out after a big turbulence — leaving HELLOWEEN, Uli [Kusch, drums] and me. I think this band always needs some very bad moments to some great songs. [laughs] And it looks like MASTERPLAN, basically, is my main band, and whoever will sing and whoever will play in the band, I’m happy with. But, basically, at the moment, I’m thinking the main songwriters are Axel now and me. So whatever happens, this band will continue. It’s very important for me to show that we still have the power and the ability to write beautiful melodies and some aggression and rock and metal songs. Whatever we do, we want just to make good-quality stuff.”

MASTERPLAN‘s last CD, “Time To Be King”, was released on May 21, 2010 through AFM Records. The CD’s first single, “Far From The End Of The World”, was issued on April 16, 2010.

 

U.D.O.: ‘Steelhammer’ Preview Available

Posted by aliblackdiamond on March 13, 2013
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , . Leave a Comment

Source: Blabbermouth.net

U.D.O. — the German metal band led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider — will release its new album, “Steelhammer”, on May 24 via AFM Records. The CD was produced by Dirkschneider and Fitty Wienhold.

A 30-second audio preview of “Steelhammer” is available in the YouTube clip below.

“Steelhammer” track listings:

Standard CD

01. Steelhammer
02. A Cry Of A Nation
03. Metal Machine
04. Basta Ya
05. Heavy Rain
06. Devil’s Bite
07. Death Ride
08. King Of Mean
09. Time Keeper
10. Never Cross My Way
11. Take My Medicine
12. Stay True
13. When Love Becomes A Lie
14. Book Of Faith

Digipack

01. Steelhammer
02. A Cry Of A Nation
03. Metal Machine
04. Basta Ya
05. Heavy Rain
06. Devil’s Bite
07. Death Ride
08. King Of Mean
09. Time Keeper
10. Never Cross My Way
11. Take My Medicine
12. Shadows Come Alive (bonus track)
13. Stay True Stay You
14. When Love Becomes A Lie
15. Book Of Faith

Japanese version

01. Steelhammer
02. A Cry Of A Nation
03. Metal Machine
04. Basta Ya
05. Heavy Rain
06. Devil’s Bite
07. Death Ride
08. King Of Mean
09. Time Keeper
10. Never Cross My Way
11. Take My Medicine
12. Stay True Stay You
13. When Love Becomes A Lie
14. Book Of Faith
15. Dust And Rust (bonus track)

Guitarist Igor Gianola recently left U.D.O. and was replaced by Finnish axeman Kasperi Heikkinen.

U.D.O. last year announced the addition of guitarist Andrey Smirnov to the group’s ranks. He replaced Stefan Kaufmann, who left the group for health reasons.

Stefan will continue to work with U.D.O. behind the scenes and produce other bands at his Roxx studio.

Kaufmann was the drummer for ACCEPT on nine albums but was forced to give up drumming towards the end of the band’s initial run due to health problems.

Stefan joined U.D.O. as a guitar player in 1996, following ACCEPT‘s second breakup, and has recorded nine albums with them.

“Live In Sofia”, the new DVD +CD and Blu-ray+CD from U.D.O., entered the Music DVD chart in Finland at position No. 1 and in Germany at No. 4.

“Live In Sofia” contains footage of U.D.O.‘s November 16, 2011 concert at Hristo Botev Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria.

U.D.O. ‘s latest album, “Rev-Raptor”, was released on May 20, 2011 via AFM Records.

 

JON OLIVA Completes Recording First-Ever Solo Album

Posted by aliblackdiamond on March 4, 2013
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Source: Blabbermouth.net

JON OLIVA’S PAIN and SAVATAGE mastermind Jon Oliva has completed recording his first-ever solo album, to be released later this year via AFM Records. The 11-song CD, which contains ideas collected over the course of the last four or five years, was tracked earlier this winter at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida with producer Tom Morris, with Jon handling laying down nearly all the instrument tracks and vocals himself as well as playing drums on three songs.

Commented JON OLIVA’S PAIN drummer/producer Christopher Kinder: “Oliva will be the first to admit that it took one hell of a challenge writing, performing 90% of all the tracks himself and vocals… he is exhausted, for sure.”

He added: “It’s a very interesting and powerful offering. Diverse, emotional, and varying styles of writing and music everywhere. A truly great accomplishment for the mountain king, indeed.”

Oliva previously stated about his decision to record a solo album: “I’ve got some weird ideas that I wanna try and I’ve got some time to do it. I don’t want do just ‘another’ JON OLIVA’S PAIN record. I’ve done four of those already. I wanna do something different. I have some material that I’ve wanted to put out for a while, that I’ll talk with the record company about, maybe putting something out quickly, like in the next four or five months, to give me more time to do this JON OLIVA’S PAIN record. I want the next JON OLIVA’S PAIN CD to be very special. I’ve got some great friends from other bands that are going to be a significant part of the next JON OLIVA’S PAIN release. We are going to do a killer JON OLIVA’S PAIN record and then an additional bonus CD with guest stars.. kind of like the AVANTASIA thing, but not in a story line. [EDGUY and AVANTASIA mastermind] Tobias Sammet does a magnificent job with it, but I don’t have that much time to write a whole story, so I’ll just have some powerhouse friends from various bands come in and take it over the top.”

Last summer, JON OLIVA’S PAIN toured Europe where it celebrated the 25th anniversary of one of heavy metal’s most iconic records, “Hall Of The Mountain King” by SAVATAGE. The band performed the entire album as a special one-time-only treat for the still massive amount of loyal fans, along with songs from the DOCTOR BUTCHER album (by Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery, released in 1995), SAVATAGE and JON OLIVA’S PAIN.

MASTERPLAN Reveal Novum Initium Album Artwork

Posted by aliblackdiamond on March 2, 2013
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Source: Bravewords.com

Melodic metallers MASTERPLAN have unveiled the artwork for their new album, Novum Initium, due for release on April 26th via AFM Records on CD, limited digipak and limited vinyl. Novum Initium is the band’s follow-up to their 2010 release, Time To Be King. The artwork can be seen below:

 

 

Joining mainstay guitarist Roland Grapow (ex-HELLOWEEN) in MASTERPLAN‘s lineup are vocalist Rick Altzi (AT VANCE, SANDALINAS, THUNDERSTONE), who replaces Jorn Lande, new drummer Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka (CRADLE OF FILTH), bassist Jari Kainulainen (ex-STRATOVARIUS, SYMPHONIA) and keybordist Axel Mackenrott.

About the new material, Grapow told Metalshockfinland.com recently: ““We are not leaving the Masterplan path too much, but everything we have – the melodic part and a little bit progressive, I would say we’re a little bit more powerful and I’m also mixing the album this time. I want to get a little bit more modern, as the sound we have was created ten years ago. I’m really looking forward to presenting a new band and a new start with Masterplan. We’re still having the typical sound with melodies, but the drummer is amazing and plays a lot of crazy shit! The music is first, then comes the creative stuff like artwork.“

Stay tuned for further updates from the band.

More on MASTERPLAN at this location.

 

LORDI: Behind-The-Scenes Footage From ‘The Riff’ Video Shoot

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 27, 2013
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a Comment

Source: Blabbermouth.net

Behind-the-scenes footage from the making of “The Riff”, the new video from Finnish heavy metal monsters LORDI, can be seen below. The song comes off the band’s new album, “To Beast Or Not To Beast”, which will be released on March 1 in Europe (excluding Finland) via AFM Records. The CD will be made available in North America on March 19 through The End Records.

“The Riff” was issued as as single on February 9. You can see the official lyric video for the song below.

“To Beast Or Not To Beast” was recorded last fall at WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH). The CD marks the recording debut of LORDI‘s new members, keyboardist Hella (replacing Awa) and drummer Mana (replacing Otus).

“The road to this album has truly been paved by hardships,” LORDI leader Mr. Lordi says. “However, the new lineup of the band has given us new and fresh touch and an energetic edge to the recording process, and to the album itself.”

He added: “The album cover painting is actually a part of a larger picture. The original artwork had this vintage-styled lady holding a horned skull, which, however, was not the main point of the art piece. There was something not quite right with the setting, so I made experiments with various versions and framings. Album title was ‘Upgradead’ at that point in time, and the painting was done with that title in mind. But now, with a changed concept of the artwork, the title did not seem to fit anymore. We did not consider it an A-class name either. Our guitarist Amen came up with the final title, which we felt suitable and perfect both for the cover artwork and the album.”

“To Beast Or Not To Beast” track listing:

01. We’re Not Bad For The Kids (We’re Worse)
02. I Luv Ugly
03. The Riff
04. Something Wicked This Way Comes
05. I’m The Best
06. Horrifiction
07. Happy New Fear
08. Schizo Doll
09. Candy For The Cannibal
10. Sincerely With Love
11. SCG6: Otus’ Butcher Clinic

LORDI previously worked with Wagener on 2010′s “Babez For Breakfast”, which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 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.

Making of “The Riff” video:


“The Riff” lyric video:


MASTERPLAN: New Album Title, Release Date Revealed

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 21, 2013
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Source: Blabbermouth.net

Multinational melodic metallers MASTERPLAN will release their new album, “Novum Initium”, on April 26 via AFM Records.

The band earlier in the month filmed a video for an as-yet-undiclosed new track in the Luftverteidigungsbunker Erndtebrück, also called “Bunker Erich.”

A photo of MASTERPLAN‘s new lineup can be seen below. Joining drummer Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka (CRADLE OF FILTH) are vocalist Rick Altzi (AT VANCE, SANDALINAS, THUNDERSTONE), who replaces Jorn Lande, and bassist Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, SYMFONIA, DEVIL’S TRAIN).

Commented MASTERPLAN guitarist/leader Roland Grapow: “The last years have not been easy for MASTERPLAN. Because of several factors, we have been unable to play festivals and tours — even though we had plenty of offers. But this will definitely change now.

“I’m very happy to welcome Rick and Jari on board now. Beside their undoubted musical qualities, they both fit perfectly into our team.

“We feel a huge motivation to get things going now.

“2013 will be see a new MASTERPLAN album, several festivals and a tour! It’s time to return with full force.”

MASTERPLAN‘s new lineup:

Rick Altzi – vocals
Roland Grapow – guitars
Axel Mackenrott – keyboards
Jari Kainulainen – bass
Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka – drums

Back in March 2012, Grapow revealed that he had 15 songs written for MASTERPLAN‘s next album. He added, “We are looking for a more powerful album this time… still with great melodies and feelings, but also with more orchestration and faster stuff again… just more metal.”

In an August 2011 interview with the Czech web portal Kultura21.cz, Grapow stated about the status of the songwriting sessions for the next MASTERPLAN album, “This time we tried not to make demo productions, which have a poor sound — so we wanted to make really nice pre-production [recordings] which sound very close to the album sound, which is very easy [to do] in my studio now. I think we have many, many new ideas which, I guess, are a little bit more modern and more aggressive as well. So we try not to follow any trends of MASTERPLAN — I’m not saying we’re reproducing the first album or the third one or the fifth one. I think we always have to try to make some surprises for the people. The ‘Time To Be King’ album is great, but this new album sounds a bit different again. I always want to do this, because I’m not that kind of guy who wants to make every year the same album.”

On the topic of MASTERPLAN‘s numerous lineup changes, Grapow said, “I think it’s always difficult in this band, I guess. If you see, the first album just came out after a big turbulence — leaving HELLOWEEN, Uli [Kusch, drums] and me. I think this band always needs some very bad moments to some great songs. [laughs] And it looks like MASTERPLAN, basically, is my main band, and whoever will sing and whoever will play in the band, I’m happy with. But, basically, at the moment, I’m thinking the main songwriters are Axel now and me. So whatever happens, this band will continue. It’s very important for me to show that we still have the power and the ability to write beautiful melodies and some aggression and rock and metal songs. Whatever we do, we want just to make good-quality stuff.”

MASTERPLAN‘s last CD, “Time To Be King”, was released on May 21, 2010 through AFM Records. The CD’s first single, “Far From The End Of The World”, was issued on April 16, 2010.

ONSLAUGHT To Release New Album In September

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 18, 2013
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Source: Blabbermouth.net

UK thrashers ONSLAUGHT have set Friday, September 13 as the worldwide release date for their sixth studio album via AFM Records. The follow-up to 2011′s “Sounds Of Violence” will once again be recorded, mixed and co-produced by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark, with work set to commence on May 18.

Commented ONSLAUGHT guitarist Nige Rockett: “It’s awesome to be making another album with Jacob Hansen. There was never gonna be anyone else considered, simply because of the way Jacob works on a personal level and the incredible dynamics of his final mixes. We just know it’s gonna be totally immense.

“The writing is 90% complete and it’s sounding very, very cool. I’m not gonna say it’s ‘louder, faster, heavier’ than anything we’ve ever done because that’s a little bit cliché these days. All I will say is that it’s very fresh, it’s old school and it’s ferocious. The rest we’ll leave up to you guys to decide.”

ONSLAUGHT will headline the first Slaughterfest across Europe in October, with German cult thrashers EXUMER, MPIRE OF EVIL and death metal legends MASTER completing the bill.

Fans will have the opportunity to take part in meet-and-greet events on selected dates.

ONSLAUGHT‘s last tour saw the band performing its 1986 album, “The Force”, in its entirety. The band also recorded a new version of its classic song “Metal Forces”, for inclusion as a bonus track on the re-release of the band’s 1986 album, “The Force”, available on AFM Records. The set contains revised artwork and some sleeve notes written by Rockett.

ONSLAUGHT is tentatively scheduled to enter the studio at the end of the year to record its new album for a spring release via AFM Records.

The band’s fifth album, “Sounds Of Violence”, was released in January 2011 via AFM Records.

ONSLAUGHT recruited Michael Hourihan (EXTREME NOISE TERROR, DESECRATION) to play the drums following the departure of Steve Grice in 2011.

LORDI: ‘The Riff’ Lyric Video Released

Posted by aliblackdiamond on February 8, 2013
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Source: Blabbermouth.net

Finnish heavy metal monsters LORDI will release their new album, “To Beast Or Not To Beast”, on March 1 in Europe (excluding Finland) via AFM Records. The CD will be made available in North America on March 19 through The End Records. The album’s first single, “The Riff”, will be issued on February 9. You can see the official lyric video for the song below.

“To Beast Or Not To Beast” was recorded last fall at WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH). The CD marks the recording debut of LORDI‘s new members, keyboardist Hella (replacing Awa) and drummer Mana (replacing Otus).

“The road to this album has truly been paved by hardships,” LORDI leader Mr. Lordi says. “However, the new lineup of the band has given us new and fresh touch and an energetic edge to the recording process, and to the album itself.”

He added: “The album cover painting is actually a part of a larger picture. The original artwork had this vintage-styled lady holding a horned skull, which, however, was not the main point of the art piece. There was something not quite right with the setting, so I made experiments with various versions and framings. Album title was ‘Upgradead’ at that point in time, and the painting was done with that title in mind. But now, with a changed concept of the artwork, the title did not seem to fit anymore. We did not consider it an A-class name either. Our guitarist Amen came up with the final title, which we felt suitable and perfect both for the cover artwork and the album.”

“To Beast Or Not To Beast” track listing:

01. We’re Not Bad For The Kids (We’re Worse)
02. I Luv Ugly
03. The Riff
04. Something Wicked This Way Comes
05. I’m The Best
06. Horrifiction
07. Happy New Fear
08. Schizo Doll
09. Candy For The Cannibal
10. Sincerely With Love
11. SCG6: Otus’ Butcher Clinic

LORDI previously worked with Wagener on 2010′s “Babez For Breakfast”, which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 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.

 

LORDI Ink Deal With AFM Records

Posted by aliblackdiamond on December 17, 2012
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Source: Bravewords.com
AFM Records proudly announces a true “monstrous” new signing: 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 worldwide (excluding Finland and USA).

According to a press release, “all fans can look forward to a masterpiece full of huge hard rock and 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.”
The first new LORDI tour dates have been confirmed already:

April
3 – Hamburg, Germany – Markthalle
4 – Geiselwind, Germany – Autohof Strohofer
5 – Memmingen, Germany – Kaminwerk
6 – Offenbach, Germany – Bieber TV Turnhalle
7 – Mannheim, Germany – Alte Seilerei
11 – Köln, Germany – Essigfabrik
12 – Burglengenfeld, Germany – VAZ
13 – Leipzig, Germany – Hellraiser
14 – Berlin, Germany – K 17
16 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
18 – Bologna, Italy – ZR Club
19 – Roma, Italy – Orion Club
20 – Treviso, Italy – New Age Club
21 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
25 – Madrid, Spain – Penelope
26 – Pamplona, Spain – Sala Tottem
27 – Barcelona, Spain – Sala Tottem

 

 

 

RHAPSODY OF FIRE Ink Deal With AFM Records

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 11, 2012
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , . Leave a Comment

Source: Bravewords.com

AFM Records has announced the signing of legendary Italian symphonic power metal band RHAPSODY OF FIRE to a worldwide deal.

The band’s signature sound, consisting of power metal, soundtrack-like elements and classical influences gave a new meaning to the word ‘epic’ since the release of Legendary Tales in 1997.

Commented the band: “After playing the From Chaos To Eternity World Tour 2012 all around Europe, Canada, North America and Latin America, we became even more excited and motivated to continue building our career and creating new exciting music. So now we are finally proud to announce that Rhapsody Of Fire signed with a great label such as AFM. That’s a new great epic start and we already started working on different projects. More news to follow.”

rhapsody_of_fire2011