Machine Men

Finnish melodic metallers MACHINE MEN have issued the following update:

“Things have been quiet for the past two years. During this time we have gone through many changes and we have been thinking about the future of the band. Unfortunately, we feel that the challenges as a band would be too hard to overcome. After long conversations we have decided that the story of MACHINE MEN ends here. It’s better to end what we started together without bitterness than to make a new album we couldn’t put our hearts and souls into. We wouldn’t be the five guys that stuck together no matter what. We would be something else, not MACHINE MEN.

“This band has been the centre of our lives for over a decade. During these years we have experienced great and unforgettable moments on the road (and off).

“The thanks goes to all the people who have supported us and have come to see our gigs. It hasn’t been an easy ride but yet we have taken all the shit with our heads held high. After all, we are from Suolahti, for fuck’s sake!

“Even though it’s sad, we end this with smiles on our faces and with loads of good memories to share over a pint.

“The story of the band ends here but we’ll continue to make music as individuals.

“We are grateful to so many people but most of all we would like to thank our fans – without you we would have been nothing!”

MACHINE MEN‘s latest album, “Circus Of Fools”, in 2007 entered the Finnish chart at position No. 8. The group’s “No Talk Without The Giant” single debuted on the Finnish chart at position No. 2.

Source: Blabbermouth.net – Photo: Tommi Anttonen

Raskas Joulu (Heavy Christmas) — a Finnish project which celebrates Christmas and its music tradition mixed with metal — will be touring again this year.

Taking part in this year’s event are the following musicians (Note: Not all musicians will participate in each concert):
Nightwish, Tarot, Teräsbetoni, Sonata Arctica, Northern Kings, Ari Koivunen, Sub-Urban Tribe, Charon, Machine Men, Stratovarius, Children Of Bodom, Sinergy, Kotipelto, Ensiferum, Kilpi, Leningrad Cowboys, Peer Gunt, Los Bastardos Finlandeses, Thunderstone, Urban Tale, Kiuas, Dyecrest, Ancara, Verenpisara, Mauron Maiden, Twilightning, Maija Vilkkumaa, Havana Black, Wigwam, Amoral, Soulcage…

Raskas Joulu has combined these elements for 6 years now and it looks like the end is not in sight.

Raskas Joulu Tourdates:

Nov. 20 – Imatran Kylpylä, Imatra – FIN
Nov. 26 – Pakkahuone, Tampere – FIN
Nov. 27 – Raahesali, Raahe – FIN
Dec. 03 – Rikala-Sali, Salo – FIN
Dec. 04 – Finlandia-Klubi, Lahti – FIN
Dec. 05 – 3 p.m. – Kerava-Sali, Kerava – FIN
Dec. 05 – 11 p.m. – Osmantupa, Eura – FIN
Dec. 10 – Himos-Areena, Jämsä – FIN
Dec. 11 – Klubi, Turku – FIN
Dec. 15 – Akustiikka, Ylivieska – FIN
Dec. 16 – Musiikkikeskus, Kuopio – FIN
Dec. 17 – Bar’n Night Vaakuna, Mikkeli – FIN
Dec. 18 (3 p.m. + 9 p.m.) – Tavastia, Helsinki – FIN

For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/raskasjoulu.

Ari Koivunen (vocals) – “Sylvian Joululaulu” (live at Nosturi in Helsinki on December 18, 2009):