Local supports for the upcoming Australian tour by Swedish melodic metallers Soilwork have now been announced: Embodiment 12:14 and I Killed the Prom Queen will support Soilwork for their Adelaide UniBar show on Sun 14 Sept. Tickets are on sale through Venuetix and CIB Ticketing and are selling fast.
The Australian Melodic Metal Community is a brand new website dedicated to helping promote melodic metal so it can grow and develop here in Australia. As well as catering for long-term fans of the genre, the site is also a source of information for newcomers with links to the websites of some of the most influential international bands as well the the best Australian artists. Check it out at www.australianmetal.snap.to
Devolved have almost completed pre-production for the follow-up to 2001's 'Technologies'. 12 songs are set for inclusion on the as-yet-untitled album, two of which will be limited-edition bonus tracks. Likely to appear on the album are re-recorded versions of the three tracks from the 'Automation 001' EP and a cover version of Metallica's Battery. The album is tentatively scheduled for a late 2003 release. Meanwhile, the 'Automation 002' and '003' EPs have been delayed to focus on the album, which is a little behind schedule following guitarist Brett Noordin's car accident in which he badly injured his arm and drummer John Sankey's temporary relocation to the United States (where he joined the new band formed by ex-Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares and ex-Liquid Gang singer Jose Maldonado).
In other Devolved news, the band are still seeking a full-time vocalist. Those genuinely interested in auditioning should contact devmanagement@hotmail.com and leave relevant information such as age, location, experience, etc. All mail will be answered with further details, but it is essential that applicants be familiar with Devolved's material.
After much rumour and speculation, it has now been officially announced that Australia's premier metal festival, Metal for the Brain, will take place this year. Despite being cancelled last year due to liability insurance issues, the event will go ahead on Sat 20 Dec at Canberra University.
Pantera are set to release a 'Best Of' CD entitled 'The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!' The 16-song CD will be packaged with a bonus DVD featuring 12 videos, including two live performances. The bulk of the material will come from the band's six major-label releases, but there are also some non-albums cuts including a cover of Ted Nugent's Cat Scratch Fever and Black Sabbath's Hole in the Sky.
A brand new Morbid Angel track called Enshrined by Grace has been posted online at www.earacherecords.org. The track comes off the band's upcoming album 'Heretic' due for release in Sept this year through Earache Records. It is understood that the band will embark on an extensive world tour in early 2004 to promote the release.
There are also rumours that British grindcore legends Napalm Death will tour Australia early next year in support of their forthcoming full length, due by the end of the year.
Sweden's Therion are currently at work recording their new album set for a late 2003 release. Mainman Christofer Johnsson promised that there will be many surprises with the new release. "Recording is going very well," he said. "It is indeed the most ambitious thing we've ever tried to do."
