The first release of 2010 on Avenue Of Allies "SORA - Desire And Truth" is ready to rock the world.

"Desire And Truth" is the follow-up to 2006's "Demented Honour", which received rave reviews globally and cemented Erol Sora's reputation now as a lead vocalist as well as guitarist and ended up in melodicrock.com's Top 10 New Artists of that year.
To match the success of his debut album, the ex-John Lawton Band guitarist took his time to work on the songs for his sophomore record. His goal was to recapture the spirit and sound of great British bands from the late 70s/early 80s such as MSG, Whitesnake, Rainbow, UFO and Gary Moore. "Desire And Truth" is heavier and more guitar oriented than the debut, yet still very melodic in terms of vocals and songwriting. The album includes some of Erol's finest work to date like the in-your-face opener "Taste of Rock & Roll", a heavy bluesy Whitesnake influenced song. The aptly titled "The Storm Has Just Begun" is equally rocking and features a stunning guitar solo. The Schenker influenced Melodic rocker "Diamonds In The Wind" and the tongue-in-cheek "Rock & Roll Dog" are more examples of Erol's diverse songwriting skills and influences. "When You're Gone" a heartfelt ballad, and the haunting "When You Gonna Love Me" deliver the quieter moments of this fascinating new album by a fabulous guitarist and vocalist.

"Desire And Truth", release date Feb 26th 2010, has already received some great feedback around the world, including an 86/100 rating in the Feb issue of the well respected Japanese Burrn! Magazine.

Tracklist:

01. Taste Of Rock & Roll
02. The Storm Has Just Begun
03. What's It Gotta Do With You And Me
04. Winter
05. When You're Gone
06. Diamonds In The Wind
07. Invitation
08. Stop Messin' Around
09. Rock & Roll Dog
10. When You Gonna Love Me

Avenue Of Allies Music : www.avenue-of-allies.com

www.erolsora.com / www.myspace.com/erolsora

A teaser for the upcoming debut album from Skull Daze can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh3uqCB1p1c/>
Entitled simply "Skull Daze", the CD will be released in spring via Street Symphonies Records.

"Skull Daze" track listing:

1. Intro
2. Back To Hell
3. Nothin'
4. Heartbreak City
5. Believe
6. Turn It Down
7. Beware
8. Heartless Love
9. Dirty Girl
10. Nowhere To Run
11. Sex Drugs And Rock n' Roll

You can listen to a preview of the whole "Skull Daze" album at Skull Daze's MySpace page right now here: www.myspace.com/skulldazeband.

Skull Daze are:

Johnny Rainbow, vocals
Acey Stralight, guitars
Danny Slade, guitars
Joey London, bass
The President, drums

www.streetsymphonies.com
www.myspace.com/streetsymphonies

"Since my last update, we have been back and forth to Houston three times for tests and chemo treatments, an emergency run to St. Joseph's for another blood clot, an ultrasound and another cat scan. We met with Dr. Ajani, Ronnie's oncologist, on Monday, and he was very pleased with the treatment so far. Some tumors have gone and some have shrunk. He says we have a long road to travel, but we are on the right path. Going back and forth to Houston is getting old, with all the cancelled and delayed flights and some of the rude Continental staff, the same boring food at the hotel (I think we have eaten everything on their horrible menu!), but when we get a good report from the doctor, it is all worth it. The only food Ronnie says he can taste is Indian curry; everything tastes like metal (HEAVY metal?) because of the chemo. We did, however, have a nice breakfast with Carmen and his mother on Friday. He is still waiting for his bone marrow transplant.

I am so sorry if I have upset any of our friends for not returning calls or emails, but please understand that it is so draining for me to go over and over to everyone about Ronnie's progress. This is why I thought that if I wrote an update once a month, everyone can know of Ronnie's progress at the same time. The Fan Club just delivered a huge sack of mail, and we have been reading all the wonderful cards and letters you have all sent. Thank you all so much - it keeps our spirits up knowing you all love Ronnie so much and wish him well. Ronnie and I have a great support system: Simon, who does so much; Geezer and Gloria (she has been my strength, everyday she listens to me, whether I am happy or not); Sheila and Jacqui, friends for 25 years who would go anywhere or do anything for Ronnie or I; Mike Carden, a cancer survivor who is always available to talk to; Rudy, Vinny, Doug, Scott, Big Scott, Lois and Wyn; my colleagues at work - Marchele, Lynne, Carmen, Anthony and Diana; Dr. Mena, Dr. Chu and our wonderful Dr. Kapoor, who is available 24/7 for us and spent his whole Sunday day off with us at the emergency room, and of course Dr. Ajani, who mixes his magic cocktail of chemo and gives us hope.

Ronnie takes a walk everyday in the park and keeps busy with his music and watching sports. He was really mad that he missed the Super Bowl because we had to fly back to Houston on that Sunday, as his chemo started at 8:00am on Monday. He is in real good spirits and will be going to the studio next week to listen to the mix of the Heaven and Hell DVD that will be released later this year. He is itching to get back on tour, and with the good reports and all of your prayers and good energy, I think he is going to make it. Bless you all.

Wendy"

Swedish hard rockers VIOLENT DIVINE will release their third album "Release The Hounds", on March 11 via Swedmetal Records. The label states, "This will be one of 2010 best albums in this genre. Fantastic raw hard-driving melodic rock 'n' roll — just the way it's meant to be!"

"Release The Hounds" track listing:

01. Nitro
02. Welcome To The Divine
03. Burn
04. Retribution
05. Sweet Blood
06. Until Death
07. For The First Time
08. Asleep
09. One By One
10. Eternity
11. Get It All Out
12. Bleed Like Me
13. Release The Hounds
14. This Heart Is About To Be Broken

Commented VIOLENT DIVINE's Gus Divine: "'Release The Hounds' is the perfect hybrid of the glam vibe from the debut album and the dark, gothic/metal vibe from the second album 'In Harm's Way'. 'Release The Hounds' is definitely the first choice to get the party started!"

Brazilian doom metal HellLight, which recently had its second album, entitled "Funeral Doom", released by Ancient Dreams Records, posted its first album ,"In Memory Of The Old Spirits", available for download. It was originally released in 2005 and has the following tracks

01. Life in Darkness
02. Afterlife
03. Fear no Evil
04. Alone
05. The Lord of Shadows
06. The Fall of the Morning Star
07. Winter's Theatre
08. In Memory of the Old Spirits

The album can be downloaded at www.helllight.com

Pitch Black Records has welcomed melodic metallers SILENT FALL from France with their debut album (“Otherwise”), 80's influenced youngsters LETHAL SAINT from Cyprus, also with their (self-titled) debut album, and legendary epic/power metallers ARRYAN PATH also from Cyprus who now return with their second masterpiece (“Terra Incognita”) after six years of being away!

More information on these bands, their sound and their upcoming releases can be found on the label's homepage and on their myspace of course.

SILENT FALL - http://www.myspace.com/silentfallmetal/>
LETHAL SAINT - http://www.myspace.com/lethalsaintmetal/>
ARRYAN PATH - http://www.myspace.com/arryanpath/>
The albums are all released 1 week apart starting with SILENT FALL on February 2nd, followed by LETHAL SAINT on February 9th and lastly ARRYAN PATH on February 16th.

All three albums will be available for purchase from PBR online store in early February. They will also be available as digital downloads from major mp3 stores with the CD versions of SILENT FALL’s and ARRYAN PATH’s albums containing exclusive bonus tracks.

Furthermore, ARRYAN PATH’s album will be released as a special limited collector’s edition of 50 numbered copies with the CD encased in a beautiful engraved wooden box along with a signed booklet, band stickers and an extra disc with exclusive audio and video content.

As for those of you attending the UP THE HAMMERS Festival in Athens, on March 5th you must know by now that you will also get to see the band performing live for the first time in Greece!

California Skull Crushers Attackhead, have signed with Twisted Hillbilly Records.

Attackhead is described as Skull crushing heavy metal with an old school Edge. The band was founded in late 2002 by lead guitarist and singer Mark Chapman. After numerous personnel changes the band was complete with George Portoulas on guitar, Steve Cordero on drums and Robert Johnsen on Bass. The band is located in the San Bernardino area of Southern California. USA

Attackhead self-released its full length debut CD titled “Voices in the dark” in early 2008. Attackhead’s musical influences are old school heavy metal such as Testament, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Megadeth and anthrax, to name a few. Attackhead strives to create an entertaining stage show along with a “just like the CD” musical performance. Attackhead generally performs 1 to 2 live performances per month, and is available for special events, interviews or whatever else you have in mind.

Attackhead is endorsed by Cocaine Energy Drink and Bad Bones Clothing. Attackhead supports the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, The Wounded Warrior Project and the melanoma research foundation.

www.attackhead.com
www.myspace.com/attackhead
www.twitter.com/attackhead
www.facebook.com/attackhead

Twisted Hillbilly Records
www.twistedhillbillyrecords.com

The Heaviest concert of the year is fact!! After 15 years of absence, Doom Metal legends reunited and they will begin their European Reunion tour, from our country. Saint Vitus will visit Greece for the first time and will "doom" us all on the 2th of February!

They are fairly considered to be the fathers of doom metal, having created monumental albums such as “Born Too Late”, “Mournful Cries”, “V”, “Saint Vitus”, they constitute the main influence for all later bands Cathedral, Electric Wizard, Reverend Bizarre amog them. In group's lineup will be Scot “Wino” Weinrich, who is, the living history of doom scene, having partcipated in bands like, The Obsessed, Spirit Caravan, The Hidden Hand, Shrinebuilder,

The opening act will be, Universe217, with their slow and experimental sounds. They will drift us in their own world.

Do not lose this opportunity in watching the mighty Saint Vitus , in a unique performance! The masters of heaviness, will offer us a special experience and they are going to prove for one more time that:
IF IT AIN'T HEAVY IT AIN'T SHIT

Tuesday 2 February, ΑN Club, Exarchia
Doors Open 20:00
Show 20:30

Ticket Price : 25 euro (presale/venue)
Presale spots: Rhythm Records : Emm.Mpenaki 74 , Exarchia
Μetal Era : Emm.Mpenaki 22 , Athens

SAINT VITUS LINEUP:
Dave Chandler : Guitars
Scot “Wino” Weinrich : Vocals
Mark Adams : Bass
Henry Vasquez : Drums

Links:
www.myspace.com/stvitus
www.myspace.com/universe217

With the proposal of playing doom metal and being influenced, directly or not, by acts like Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Bathory and Danzig, the brazilian band HellLight was formed. The group, formed by Fabio (vocals and guitars), Alexandre (baixo) and the guest musicians Silvano (keyboards) and Phill (drums), had its second album, entitled "Funeral Doom", released by the german label Ancient Dreams Records (www.ancientdreams.de).

"Funeral Doom" has the following tracks:

01. Deep Siderial Silence
02. Funeral Doom
03. Nexus Alma
04. The Diary (Instrumental)
05. Life in Darkness
06. Afterlife
07. In Memory of the Old Spirits

Samples of the album are available on the band's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/helllight

Nightmare Records inks deal with Tunisian progressive metal band MYRATH
for January 26th, 2010 release of the bands third album, titled "Desert Call" for the world except Europe, where it's being released on XIII Bis Records.

MYRATH (english meaning "LEGACY") is a Metal band from Tunisia, a small county well known for its resort areas on the Mediterranean coast but certainly not for its metal bands, yet in just few years what started out as a teenager cover band formed in early 2001 by guitarist and main song writer Malek Ben Arbia (who was just 13 years old at the time), Ben having later graduating from the prestigious French International guitar music academy "M.A.I.) became a well known and respected band by the international prog-power international community when they released their debut album "Hope’’
It all started In March 24th 2006 when the band opened for ROBERT PLANT and ADAGIO in Carthage Amphitheater (Tunisia) in front of nearly 7000 Rock/metal fans. Adagio keyboards player Kevin Codfert who watched Myrath performance And later listened to Myrath first self produced album ‘’double face ‘’ (released in March 2005 in Tunisia only) detected the great potential of the band as well as promising composing skills.

Myrath recorded in December 2006 their debut album “Hope” in a low cost studio in Tunis-Tunisia, with the valuable assistance and guidence of Kevin Codfert (Adagio) as engineer and producer. This album was a turning point in Myrath carrier as the band was signed by the French label Brennus -Music who released "Hope" worldwide in September 2007

"Hope" was a turning point for the band being signed and released on French label Brennus music who released it worldwide in September of 2007, it was praised by the media in numerous album reviews, by well known webzines and magazines (Such as Rock Hard) and was even voted third best album of the year by two major US webzines. As well as album of the week by several major metal radios such as THE MOOVE (France). " Hope" also paved the way for the band to be able to play on well known festivals METAL ROCK FESTIVAL (Norway) and PROGPOWER-EU (Netherlands).

Desert Call will be available via Nightmare Records website pre-orders will be taken and shipped the week before the street date.

For more information, samples and live video, http://www.myspace.com/myrathband/> to purchase online early online, go to www.NightmareRecords.com

"Desert Call" Tracklist
01. Forever And A Day
02. Tempests Of Sorrows
03. Desert Call
04. Madness
05. Silent Cries
06. Memories
07. Ironic Destiny
08. No Turning Back
09. Empty World
10. Shockwave
11. Hard Times (Exclusive Bonus Track)

Norwegian Avant-Garde Metallers VULTURE INDUSTRIES have entered the studio to begin recording the follow up to their 2007 debut full-length album “The Dystopia Journals”. The new album is expected to contain 7 tracks, and come in at somewhere between 40 and 45 minutes in length. As is usual with VULTURE INDUSTRIES, they will be using the Conclave and Earshot Studios, which is owned by the band’s front man Bjornar E. Nilsen, who, aside from his vocal duties with VI and BLACK HOLE GENERATOR, is also a producer.

Commenting on the new album Nilsen said: “It feels great to be working with the new material and the vibe in the studio has been really good so far. The songs are quite long this time, with the shortest one clocking in at 5 minutes. We’re really excited about the new material and feel that we have stumbled on a sound that is distinctly our own”.

VULTURE INDUSTRIES is based in Bergen and is part of the prolific local music scene. The band’s line up is a veritable “Who’s Who” of black and extreme metal musicians. Aside from Nilsen himself on vocals, synths and programming, band members include guitarists Øyvind Madsen (SULPHUR, ex-ENSLAVED, sessions guitars for DEATHCON) and Eivind Huse (SULPHUR, ex-SYRACH), Kyrre Teigen on bass and Tor Helge Gjengedal (MALICE IN WONDERLAND, ex-SULPHUR, ex-TAAKE) on drums. Assisting with the production are Herbrand Larsen (ENSLAVED) and Arve Isdal (ENSLAVED, AUDREY HORNE).

So far most of the drum tracks for the new album, which is scheduled for release on Dark Essence Records in April in Norway and May in Europe, have been recorded, and regular updates and photos from the studio sessions will be posted on the band’s MySpace page at www.myspace.com/vultureindustries

Greek progressive math-death metallers Tardive Dyskinesia completed to shoot their first video for the song "Triggering The Fear Reactor" included in their brand new album "The Sea of See Through Skins" released on October 12th via Coroner Records.

Aggressive, math, psychotic and obsessive are the keywords that identify this new work amazingly mixed and mastered by Jochem Jacob at Split Second Sound Studio in Holland (Textures, Inquest, Chiraw).

The video of "Triggering The Fear Reactor" can be seen at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJn6bzjEq84/>
Track list:

1. Triggering The Fear Reactor
2. Complicity
3. Downfall
4. Dog
5. The Sea Of See Through Skins
6. Brains Trust
7. Ask E Sea
9. Reverse Arms
9. Tinge Of Irony

Six months after being declared insolvent, SPV are back in business with a busy release schedule for 2010.

A new future for SPV, brokered by Insolvency Administrator Manuel Sack, has been carved out, following the signing of a partnership venture agreement with Sony Music Entertainment Germany .

Having retained key core staff members, a new management team has been appointed to exploit SPV’s huge catalogue of over 1,500 classic albums built up over the last 25 years. SPV Records will also be signing select new artists, with several album releases already in the pipeline for 2010.

The first release, is fittingly, a double 25th Anniversary Sampler CD titled ’25 & Alive’, celebrating the 25 tumultuous years since SPV began in 1984, which will be available on January 4th 2010 at a very nice price for over 100 minutes of music. Acts featured are Accept, Dio, Doro, Freedom Call, Gamma Ray, Glenn Hughes, Kreator, Magnum, Moonspell, MSG, Nashville Pussy, Rose Tattoo, Saxon, UFO and more, including an unreleased song from new signings Engrained.

On January 11th Italian Symphonic Hollywood Metal band RHAPSODY’s ‘Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret’ opus will be released as a double gatefold Vinyl album. The same day also sees the release of Southern Rockers Molly Hatchet’s ‘Silent Reign Of Heroes’ as a double gatefold vinyl album.

On January 18th SPV release legendary Canadian Thrash Metal band Annihilator’s brand new ‘Live At Masters Of Rock’ DVD/CD and CD.

January 25th sees the re-release of rock goddess Doro’s ‘Calling The Wild’ album, with unreleased bonus tracks included, plus the re-release of her ‘Fight’ album, (also with unreleased bonus tracks included), AND as a double vinyl gatefold.

On February 1st German power metal band Freedom Call’s brand new studio album, ‘Legend Of The Shadow King’ will be unleashed, as will versatile Brazilian vocalist Andre Matos brand new ‘Mentalize’ studio album. Seminal German Black Metal / Thrash trio Sodom ’s classic ‘Agent Orange’ album is set for re-release on February 1st, celebrating 20 years since its inception.

On 15th February SPV release US melodic metal masters Iced Earth’s ‘Something Wicked Boxset’, containing 2 CDs, 2 EP’s and a bonus CD, contained in a newly designed box set.

On February 22nd, Virtuoso guitarist Axel Rudi Pell’s brand new ‘One Night Live’ DVD, Thrash Metal legends Kreator’s ‘Hordes Of Chaos’ box set, Sodom’s ‘Lords Of Depravity Pt. II’ new History / Live DVD and Molly Hatchet’s ‘Warriors Of The Rainbow Bridge’ double gatefold vinyl album will all be released.

Greek modern melodeath metallers The Fallen Within completed to shoot their first video for the song "Sound Of Destruction" included in their brand new album "Intoxicated" out on December 14th via Coroner Records.

The album, presented as an avant garde melodic death work with many dark atmospheres, was recorded and produced by Bob Katsionis from FIREWIND, mixed and mastered by Ahti Kortelainen at Tico Tico Studio in Finland.

Track List
1. My Vanity
2. Sound of Destruction
3. Pain Right Under
4. I Am Hate
5. Extinction
6. Endless Reality
7. Intoxicated
8. Last Breath
9. The Great Fall
10. Timeworn

A video trailer of the forthcoming album "Intoxicated" can be seen at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik3InuE4KtU

Following their very succesfull release "Until We Are Dead", the Swedish Hardrock/Metal band OUTSHINE is now releasing a brand new video for their second single "Love For The Music", which is featured on "Until We Are Dead". Filmed in Gothenburg, Sweden by 11Frames.

After 4 appreciated US Tours and the last one in May/June 2009, with +100 gigs in Scandinavia and the US, airtime in Swedish Radio and various
endorsements deals OUTSHINE (SWE) released recently their long awaited new album "Until We Are Dead".

OUTSHINE, with a melancholy and dark approach to their music, is heading in a darker and heavier direction, with bulldozer-heavy sound and
influences from the darkest metal to the best melodic rock. Vocals compared with icons as Billy Idol and Vince Neil makes OUTSHINE´s sound
unique and fresh. Beautiful and honest, dark and evil, tough and hard...OUTSHINE "Until We Are Dead".

Watch the new video at:
http://www.youtube.com/theoutshineor http://www.myspace.com/theoutshine/>
Or at the direct URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRmHkODRaLc

There are very few bands in today’s metal world that can combine the raw power of PANTERA, the intelligent anger of NEVERMORE, the sophisticated progressive approach of TOOL and the emotional depth of FATES WARNING and SAVATAGE. In their new album, “Siamese God”, Greek heavy/progsters NEED take pride in being one of them. “Siamese God” was recorded and mixed at Soundflakes Studios in Athens, Greece and was mastered at West West Side Music Studios in New York, U.S.A. by Alan Douches. The album will be released on December 15th 2009 in collaboration with Rock Hard magazine and Venerate Industries.

“Siamese God” is now available for streaming in its entirety at http://www.myspace.com/siamesegod

The album will be available in a deluxe digipack format including a 48 x 24 cm poster. Information about the album’s digital release will follow soon. Special price pre-orders are now available at the band’s official myspace site at http://www.myspace.com/needband

The tracklisting of the album is :
1. Rainy Pieces Of Hell
2. Soon
3. Lie Before You Sleep
4. Flesh Machines
5. Siamese God
6. Inbetween
7. War/ning
8. C.M.R.
9. The Lesson

Band biography
NEED's journey in the metal world started in 2004 when the first line-up of the band around guitarist Ravaya recorded their first promo cd entitled "avoidinme". After several band member changes, the line-up took its current form in the beginning of 2006.
Soon after NEED recorded their first full length album entitled "The Wisdom Machine" and inked a deal with Burning Star Records. The album was released worldwide in November 2006 and got enthusiastic reviews from magazines and websites all around the world. Songs from the album were included in several compilation cd's from magazines and festivals. Following the release of their debut album, NEED played numerous gigs all around Greece and also did a small European tour with their labelmates ZENITH(Denmark). They also shared the stage for some gigs with CANDLEMASS, JON OLIVA'S PAIN,THRESHOLD and DEADSOUL TRIBE among others. In the summer of 2007 NEED started their collaboration with the German management and booking company Redlion Music.

Greek atmospheric metal band SCAR OF THE SUN will be the opening act at PAIN OF SALVATION’s two newly announced shows in Greece, January 23-24, in Athens (Gagarin 205 Club) and Thessaloniki (Principal Club Theater) respectively. On both shows SOTS’ live performance will be followed by that of DISILLUSION (Germany), AGUA DE ANNIQUE (The Netherlands), LAKE OF TEARS (Sweden) and headliners PAIN OF SALVATION (Sweden).

Both shows are due to start at 6 pm. The ticket price for each show is 38 Euros. Tickets can be purchased in Athens at Ticket House, Ticket Pro and Rock City – in Thessaloniki at Metropolis and Musicland.

SCAR OF THE SUN’s debut studio album, “A Series of Unfortunate Concurrencies”, was mixed and mastered by acclaimed sound engineers Rhys Fulber (FEAR FACTORY, PARADISE LOST, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY etc) and Greg Reely (PARADISE LOST, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, SKINNY PUPPY etc) and features special guests such as Mikael Stanne (DARK TRANQUILLITY), Bob Katsionis (FIREWIND, OUTLOUD), Marios Iliopoulos (NIGHTRAGE), Chris Antoniou (SEPTIC FLESH) and Leah Randi (CONJURE ONE). The album has yet to be released as the band is currently shopping for a record deal. Tracks from the album can be heard on the band’s profile on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/scarofthesunand on the band’s official website http://www.scarofthesun.com

SOUL DOCTOR will support former KISS axeman ACE FREHLEY on four of his European dates next month:

08.12.2009 D-Hamburg, Grosse Freiheit
11.12.2009 D-Berlin, Huxley’s Neue Welt
12.12.2009 D-Frankfurt, Batschkapp
13.12.2009 D-Munich, Tonhalle

More tour dates are in the planning for March/ April 2010 and will be announced shortly.

Freelance writer and music critic David Gasten is pleased to announce the launching of BETSYBITCH.COM (http://www.betsybitch.com), an information website about the pioneering female-fronted metal band Bitch and their frontwoman Betsy Bitch. The site has already made headlines with the syndicated radio show Dee Snider’s House Of Hair, Revolver Magazine online, Sleazeroxx.com, and the UK metal magazine Brave Words Bloody Knuckles to name a few.

Betsybitch.com is an unofficial information site that was built with the full cooperation of Betsy Bitch and the band, and is absolutely packed with information, much of which has been unavailable or difficult to find until now. Some of the site’s features include:

Updates and background on Bitch’s upcoming album and new All-Star lineup,
A detailed, three-page Bitch discography, featuring release information on Bitch albums, compilations, and band member appearances on other albums,
A bio that covers the band's early years and influences,
A two-page photo gallery of Betsy and the band featuring some otherwise unpublished photos,
Links to other Bitch appearances and metal resources on the Web.

Bitch were and are staples in the famous Hollywood metal scene that began in the 1980’s and is seeing a renaissance as we speak. Bitch are actually “early birds” to the scene thanks to their interest in groups like Saxon, Angel Witch, Riot, and Warning when albums by these performers were very obscure and hard to find. Bitch have the distinction of being the first woman-fronted American heavy metal band ever to be signed to a record label, as well as the first band ever to release an album with the legendary Metal Blade Records. They also happen to be on the landmark heavy metal compilation Metal Massacre (1982), which is the album that introduced the world to Metallica.

We encourage you to bookmark Betsybitch.com to keep abreast of new developments from the band. The Bitch is Back again—and better than ever!

Toronto based progressive metal band CONFLICTED announce release of 4 new songs. CONFLICTED are moving ahead quickly. Not only has the band recently unveiled a new stage show and held a showcase at the Bovine Sex Club (Toronto) on November 19th, they opened for Italy's Lacuna Coil on a surprise announced show on November 20 in Toronto. Also in the last two weeks, CONFLICTED has been featured on Imagefm, Toronto Rock Radio Show on K94rock.com, Hard Beyond Driven and Michael Burns Show on Indielove.ca - twice!

The band brings to the table 4 new songs:

"Never Be Tamed" - a powerful statement made through lyrics, music and performance. Some features in this song include the incredible 4-octave range of front man and lead vocalist Jason Orton, and the guitar excellence of Mark Owen.

"Victor(ia)" - a definite crowd favourite that you will be humming along with and remembering for quite some time. With great lyrics sung by Jason Orton and featuring not only the incredible guitar work of Mark Owen, but also the amazing keyboard soloing of Jason Long. Other memorables include the kick ass rhythmic pulse created Corey Stoll's drums and James Long on bass guitar.

"Alive" - the newest song of the bunch that is quickly becoming a fan favourite. "Alive" sets itself apart from the other songs with its sweet and sour vocal approach sung by front man Jason Orton. It too features not only guitar solo work by Mark Owen but also Jason Long's well-crafted keyboard input.

"Torment" - Arguably CONFLICTED's showcase song! Jason Orton displays his 4-octave range with masterful execution and Jason Long on keyboards and Mark Owen on guitar display their virtuosic talents. Both melodically and harmonically luring the listener into a world of arpeggios and tonal bliss. Also noting the incredibly staccato rhythmic locking of both James Long's bass and Corey Stoll's drumming and double bass footwork.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday November 26, 2009
CONFLICTED with Pyramid Theorem & Something Less Offensive
Where: Rock & Roll Heaven, 1660 OConnor Road, Toronto (at Victoria Park/Eglinton)
Time: 9pm doors
Cost: $5.00 at the door
19+
CONFLICTED is on at 10:30 p.m.

Friday December 4, 2009
CONFLICTED in Barrie!
Where: Foxx Lounge, 46 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON
Time: 9pm doors
Cost: $5.00 at the door
19+

CONFLICTED (official website) - http://www.conflicted.ca/>
CONFLICTED on Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/conflictedcanada

MoonMadness is honoured to support the rock legend Deep Purple in Oulu, Finland at Club Teatria on 25th November 2009.

MoonMadness bassist Juha Leppäharju comments on this special occasion:
”Back in the school days my cousin put the "Made In Japan" live album by Deep Purple on the turntable and there hasn’t been turning back since... of course also various other musical influences have come along later on, but somehow the Purple thing keeps always coming through. Having seen several shows of the band, the live situation really reveals how much both talent and determined work is combined in Purple, and as trying to follow these kind of footsteps it’s been great to see how the MoonMadness debut album “All In Between” started to get great response from the audience who as well might be regular Purple show goers, the friends of high quality, classic rock."

Mix of rock tradition and contemporary sound, "All In Between" is currently released in Finland and Japan. On live front, MoonMadness has supported bands as Bon Jovi, Yngwie Malmsteen and Sonata Arctica.

MoonMadness:
Heidi Bergbacka - vocals
Otto Hallamaa - guitar
Tomi Krutsin - drums
Juha Leppäharju - bass (on the pic)
Turkka Vuorinen - keyboards

www.moonmadness.fi
www.myspace.com/moonmadnessband

As unabashed fans of the Stockholm-based Swedish death metal sound, Ventura, CA’s was originally known as Stockholm Syndrome, a band playing covers of the Swede-Death classics. After problems were encountered with some members’ unwillingness to commit to the project, the band was put on hold for a while.
In the spring of 2006, Wes Caley (ex-Uphill Battle, ex-Exhumed) decided that he would like to form a version of the band that did original songs instead of cover songs, but in the same style as Entombed (pretty obvious when you look at the pic), Nihilist, Grave, Dismember, and Unleashed. He contacted Neil Burkdoll (Dirty Dead, Stump) after realizing that Neil’s Poor project was similar to what Wes had in mind for his Swedish style band. Just as Wes made contact with Neil, he found out that Neil was actually moving out to California in the near future. They decided it was time to get together create FATALIST. Eventually FATALIST enlisted Tyler Castro and Art Hayes to complete the line-up on drums and bass.

In late summer of 2007, the band recorded a 7-song demo called Loss and started looking for shows to play in California. The following February (2008) Fatalist signed to Ibex Moon Records. In the winter/spring of 2009, they entered the studio to record four more songs to add to the seven songs that were already recorded for the Loss demo. These 11 songs were compiled to make the full length album The Depths of Inhumanity.

FATALIST has played shows with Gravehill, Exmortus, Impaled, Inherit Disease, Flesh Consumed, Destroyed in Seconds, Abysmal Dawn, and many more.

Renowned as one of prog’s leading solo artists, Neal Morse is better known for his epic studio releases than for lengthy tours. His acclaimed solo live DVDs (Testimony Live, Sola Scripture & More) and CD set (Question Live) have captured amazing performances from his live North American and Eurpean bands, and performers from bands ranging from Dream Theater to Christina Aguilera. Never before, though, has there been a definitive live Neal Morse experience. Over almost 20 years, Neal has recorded 22 studio albums with Spock’s Beard, Transatlantic, and on his own. His career has followed an unconventional path, leading him to reject 10 years chasing a dream, and at another time, leave music altogether. His experiences and perspective have lead to some of progressive rock’s most memorable music.

The challenge of bringing these songs to life requires some of prog’s best musicians—a lot of them. In Europe, Neal came to know his band by chance email from an unknown Dutch drummer: Collin Leijenaar. Collin was trying to persuade Neal that his group of friends—all tremendous Morse fans—could not only play Neal’s material, but own it. Three and half hours worth. With one week’s rehearsal.

Morse was…skeptical, to say the least. The unknown performers were up against Mike Portnoy, Kerry Livgren, Roine Stolt, Steve Hacket, Jordan Rudess, Phil Keaggy, Randy George, Pete Trewavas, Kevin Gilbert, and the cast of Spock’s Beard. Neal had been down many roads he never expected, though, and something told him to take this one. The entire tour was booked before Neal even met his band.

The rest is history, of course, perhaps best illustrated by Neal’s comment on the Sola Scriptura &More Live DVD; before the band launched into a complete performance of the Sola Scriptura album, Neal says, “I hope you guys like this—it’s the second time we’ve performed it together.” And indeed, Collin and company owned every minute of it.

That was 2007. By the end of 2008, the now-seasoned band could tear through Morse’s material with confidence and creative improvisation. With changing material on different nights, the cumulative set is 3.5 hours long, encompassing Neal’s best songs and compositions from his 20 year career. This theme extends the recording engineering, mixing and production—resulting in studio-grade sound that whispers and thunders off the discs. At the center is Neal Morse, one of Classic Rock Magazine’s “100 Greatest Frontmen of Rock”.

With soaring vocals, virtuoso instrumentals, and a unique…sense of humor, Morse demonstrates why after 20 years, he remains one of prog’s brightest stars. Experience the definitive Neal Morse concert event—29 tracks released from the studio’s confines and into the living world of live performance. Discover new songs and rediscover familiar ones, evolved and arranged in unpredictable ways. From The Light to Lifeline, experience the extraordinary music at the end of a road less travelled.

SO MANY ROADS

CD #1 ~ 63:37 total
1. At the End of the Day............................. 16:49
2. Leviathan....................................................6:45
3. The Way Home..........................................5:05
4. Author of Confusion/I’m the Guy.......13:59
5. That Crutch................................................ 3:59
6. We All Need Some Light..........................4:24
7. Lifeline..................................................... 12:33

CD #2 ~ 79:24 total
1. Question Mark Medley.......................... 31:25
2. Help Me....................................................12:13
3. Testimedley..............................................35:46

CD #3 ~ 71:34 total
1. Walking On The Wind............................09:33
2. So Many Roads........................................30:17
3. Stranger/Bridge Across Forever...........31:44

Recorded from October 23-30, 2008 at: De Boerderij, Zoetermeer (NL); De Reehorst, Ede (NL); Zeche, Bochum (DE); Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg (DE), Spirit of 66, Verviers (BE)

Throughout his 25-year career, Jon Bon Jovi has sold over 120 million albums, packed concert arenas in over 50 countries, participated in countless charity projects, and touched the lives of millions-including John Mahoney, founder and CEO of Hollywood, CA-based music promotion company Artistpr.com. In fact, John Mahoney was first inspired to get into the music business when he saw Jon Bon Jovi in concert back in 1988 at the age of 15. Now, Mahoney is urging Artistpr.com members to follow his lead and donate to Bon Jovi's groundbreaking charitable foundation, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. In addition, with the release of Bon Jovi's new documentary When We Were Beautiful as well as the much-anticipated release of Bon Jovi's new album The Circle, Mahoney is taking the opportunity to share his great enthusiasm and respect for this musician with the thousands of musical artists who use Artistpr.com's promotional services.

Artistpr.com provides both up-and-coming and established artists in all musical genres with promotional services including media exposure in print, online and via radio, access to record labels, A&R reps and other industry contacts, TV and film licensing opportunities, and invaluable guidance in navigating the cutthroat music business. Founder John Mahoney, who's worked at major labels Columbia, Epic and Arista and as part owner of 4:20 Records, is encouraging all his clients to view When We Were Beautiful and learn from Bon Jovi's success as a musician and a businessman. As Mahoney says, "Bon Jovi's incredible drive, work ethic and ability to market himself is a business model everyone can learn from, whether they're in the music business or any business."

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness and helping every human "Soul" realize his or her potential, grew out of the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football League launched in 2004 by co-owners Jon Bon Jovi and Craig A. Spencer. From the beginning, Bon Jovi and Spencer were determined to create a new kind of sports franchise, one that would work for positive change throughout the greater Philadelphia community.. To that end, Soul representatives volunteered at Philadelphia-area non-profit organizations, community gatherings, schools and hospitals, and the team raised more than $200,000 to help local charities and non-profits. In 2006, the Soul team expanded their efforts by creating the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, which allowed them to work on a national and international level while remaining committed to changing lives "One Soul at a Time." In 2009, the organization underwent a name change and became the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, while continuing to focus on helping individuals in economic crisis through social services, job training, housing and community enrichment programs. The foundation has worked to construct affordable housing in locations ranging from Brooklyn, Colorado, Detroit and Louisiana all the way to South Africa.. Recently, the Soul Foundation has undertaken several projects in Jon Bon Jovi's home state of New Jersey, building a new playground and funding a vacant lot stabilization program in Camden, NJ. In addition, Bon Jovi was a keynote speaker at the United Nations' World Habitat Day on October 5, 2009, where he spoke about the importance of affordable housing and improving urban planning.

As Bon Jovi's extensive charity work indicates, when this musician sets his mind to something, he goes all the way. Of course, to his many fans, that's old news: Bon Jovi achieved the incredible success he has today by continually releasing quality albums and touring relentlessly over more than two decades. Over his 25-year career, Bon Jovi's albums and singles have consistently ranked high on the Billboard charts, many reaching number one. Bon Jovi and his band have also managed to perform over 3000 concerts for over 32 million fans worldwide. And Bon Jovi's 2007 release, Lost Highway, proved the band remains as popular as ever: both the album and the accompanying U.S. tour hit number one in Billboard magazine. Showtime's new documentary, When We Were Beautiful, chronicles the Lost Highway tour while searching out the secrets behind Bon Jovi's incredibly long-running success. Director Phil Griffin intersperses intimate band member interviews with scenes of the band on tour, revealing how the band's made it through difficult times with the help of Bon Jovi's strong yet compassionate leadership. The documentary doesn't sugarcoat the reality of life on tour, making it clear touring's not a vacation, it's hard work-work that Bon Jovi and his band continue to perform for the sake of their millions of fans.

When We Were Beautiful premiered at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival in April and was broadcast on Showtime TV on October 24th, 2009. You can watch excerpts from the documentary and see a schedule of future broadcasts at www.sho.com/site/bonjovi/. And don't forget to check out the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation at www.jonbonjovisoulfoundation.org, where you can learn more about this incredible organization and donate online. As Jon Bon Jovi himself says, "you can't always just take, you gotta give." That's a message John Mahoney hopes to share with the many young artists he works with at Artistpr..com. "Bon Jovi showed me what it takes to succeed in this business," Mahoney says, "and I know he can inspire a whole new generation of artists."

Daniel Vrangsinn, bass player with Norwegian Black Metal legends Carpathian Forest, producer, and founder of the Misantrof AntiLabel, will debut his new album “Phobia” at the "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Key To The World", art exhibition that will open at the Kurant Art Gallery, in Tromsø, Norway, on Friday 13 November. The exhibition features eight national and international artists from satanic/occult/black metal backgrounds, whose art deals with the darker aspects of life, and who are consequently often perceived as “extreme”. The exhibition will comprise traditional mediums such as paintings and sculptures, alongside pieces of video art, into which category Vrangsinn’s “Phobia” fits, as each song on the album can either be listened to as a straightforward music track, or watched as a video.
This will be the first time “Phobia” is shown in its entirety, and it is planned to project the video onto a wall outside the gallery, or even a snow bank, conditions permitting. As its name suggests, the album is an exploration of phobias through the use of video, music, lyrics, art, and photography, and includes collaborations with artists from various disciplines. Commenting on this departure from the realms of music, Vrangsinn said, “I have always seen art as having no boundaries, and with “Phobia” I was trying to do something that although it has music as its core, it also encompasses other mediums. I was surprised when I was asked if I was interested in having some of my work featured in this exhibition, because I hadn’t at that point really considered anything similar, but it absolutely fits into my idea of making art limitless, so I jumped at the chance. I doubt if many albums have been previewed as an actual exhibit and it seemed like the ideal situation in which to debut “Phobia”, as it is so much more than a straightforward musical project. “Phobia” is also a tribute to the late Eirik Skrangle, an extraordinarily original musician and human being, with whom I have worked closely over the years on many projects, including “Phobia” and who would have relished the idea of seeing his work shown in this way”.
“Phobia” is due to be released on the Misantrof AntiLabel later this year, and will be available for free download in keeping with Misantrof’s policies. The "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Key To The World" exhibition, can be seen at the Kurant Art Gallery, Søndre Tollbodgate 17, 9008 Tromsø, Norway, from Friday 13 November, and will run for 2 weeks. Negotiations are currently under way to take the exhibition to other galleries throughout Europe. Artists taking part as follows:

Sandro Gronchi (Italy)
Pietro Riparbelli (Italy)
Milovan Novakovic (Montenegro)
Karen Nikgol (Norway/Iran)
Daniel Vrangsinn (Norway)
Espen Lomsdalen (Norway)
Karl Edvin Endresen (Norway)
Sindre Foss Skancke (Norway)

More information about Vrangsinn can be found on his MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/officialvrangsinn