SWALLOW THE SUN: UNLEASH "THE EMERALD FOREST AND THE BLACKBIRD" TRAILER

Finnish death/doom warriors SWALLOW THE SUN have unleashed the tracklisting and a trailer for the bands anticipated new release entitled "The Emerald Forest and The BlackBird" due to be unleashed 2/1/2012 on SPINEFARM RECORDS.
FROM JARI MAENPAA (WINTERSUN): WINTERSUN main man Jari Mäenpää about the new StS album and he stated: "Big,Crushing and Heartbreaking songs! Some moments makes you drop a tear or two. Propably the best Swallow the Sun album ever!!
FROM SWALLOW THE SUN:
We are proud to announce details of our fifth full length album, titled EMERALD FOREST AND THE BLACKBIRD. It will feature 10 tracks of the trademark Swallow the Sun sound of gloom, beauty and despair, and the track list is as follows:

1. EMERALD FOREST AND THE BLACKBIRD
2. THIS CUT IS THE DEEPEST
3. HATE, LEAD THE WAY
4. CATHEDRAL WALLS (feat. Anette Olzon)
5. HEARTS WIDE SHUT
6. SILENT TOWERS
7. LABYRINTH OF LONDON (HORROR PT. IV)
8. OF DEATH AND CORRUPTION
9. APRIL 14th
10. NIGHT WILL FORGIVE US

"I found myself listening to an old Finnish lullaby called 'Sininen Uni' over and over again, and suddenly images started pouring into my mind of a dad reading a tale to his dying child, trying to explain where the child is going that night, the tale of Emerald Forest and the Blackbird," says Juha Raivio, the main songwriter.

"Finally this image lead me into a long journey through this night and got me trapped in the limbo between the dusk and the dawn. The place where you face your demons and angels, meet the souls of the ones you loved and lost. Will we walk the night forever, or let the night forgive us and let us say a last goodbye? These are songs from the limbo, notes of sorrow, hate, love, darkness and light. The tale of Emerald Forest and the Blackbird."

We are extremely honoured to have Anette Olzon of NIGHTWISH featuring on vocals on CATHEDRAL WALLS. Her recognizable voice gives the song the depth and the angelic character it demands.

"When I got to listen to the rough demo of 'Cathedral Walls' I fell in love with the song immediately and I was so honoured to be asked to sing on this song. The melody and lyrics are truly beautiful.", comments Olzon.

In addition, Aleah Stanbridge of TREES OF ETERNITY - whose ethereal voice is familiar from our previous works - is also featured on two tracks.

The album was recorded during September and October 2011 by the legendary Mikko Karmila (Nightwish, Amorphis and Children of Bodom, to name a few) at Drumforest Studios in Viitasaari and Sonic Pump 2 in Helsinki, and by Hannu Honkonen at Noisework Studios in Helsinki.

For when it comes to mixing, we are more than excited to work with another legend in the Finnish metal scene, Hiili Hiilesmaa. Hiili is known for his work with HIM, Apocalyptica, Amorphis and Moonspell, etc. We are convinced that his vision, insight and experience will bring our sound to a new level.

The album will be mastered by Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Amorphis, Sentenced, etc.) at Finnvox Studios. The artwork is once again made by Rami Mursula, whose imagery sets the perfect mood for the album.

EMERALD FOREST AND THE BLACKBIRD will be released February 1, 2012 by Spinefarm Records. Follow us on Facebook and our web page for pre-ordering information.

www.facebook.com/swallowthesun
twitter.com/swallowthesunfi
www.myspace.com/swallowthesundoom
www.swallowthesun.net
www.swallowthesunfans.com
www.spinefarm.fi
VIDEO BELOW: SWALLOW THE SUN: TRAILER FOR THE "EMERALD FOREST AND THE BLACKBIRD":

ITP V.012 UNCOVERED: PART 1: CARCASS: "CORPORAL JIGSAW QUANDARY" and "EMBODIMENT"

We're BACK, with the 2012 EDITION of ITP V.012 UNCOVERED featuring piano and rhythm guitar covers of British gore/grind/death metal warriors CARCASS classics "CORPORAL JIGSAW QUANDARY" and "EMBODIMENT" (from the CARCASS releases "NECROTICISM: DESCANTING THE INSALUBRIOUS" and "HEARTWORK"). CARCASS covers performed courtesy of YOU TUBE USERS VKGOESWILD (her THIRD feature on ITP UNCOVERED) and INTENSITYSTORM.

VIDEO BELOW: PIANO COVER OF CARCASS: "CORPORAL JIGSAW QAUNDARY" FROM YOU TUBE USER VKGOESWILD:

VIDEO BELOW: RHYTHM GUITAR COVER OF CARCASS: "EMBODIMENT" FROM YOU TUBE USER INTENSITYSTORM:

______________________________________________________________________-

CARCASS HEARTWORK RELEASE INFO:

CARCASS HEARTWORK: RELEASE DATE AND TRACKLISTING: 10/18/1993: EARACHE

RECORDS

Tracklisting:

1. Buried Dreams
2. Carnal Forge
3. No Love Lost
4. Heartwork
5. Embodiment
6. This Mortal Coil
7. Arbeit macht Fleisch
8. Blind Bleeding The Blind
9. Doctrinal Expletives
10. Death Certificate

CARCASS NECROTICISM: "DESCANTING THE INSALUBRIOUS": RELEASE INFO:

RELEASE DATE: 10/30/1991 EARACHE/RELATIVITY RECORDS

TRACKLISTING:

1.Inpropagation 2.Corporal Jigsore Quandary 3.Symposium of Sickness 4.Pedigree Butchery 5.Incarnated Solvent Abuse 6.Carneous Cacoffiny 7.Lavaging Expectorate of Lysergide Composition 8.Forensic Clinicism/The Sanguine Article

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

VAN HALEN: ANNOUNCE 2012 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

California, USA hard rock legends VAN HALEN have announced a full North American tour with support from KOOL AND THE GANG (?). VAN HALEN shall unleash the bands new offering "A Different Kind Of Truth" 2/7/2012 on INTERSCOPE RECORDS as the the first single "Tattoo" will be unleashed 1/10/2012.

FROM VAN HALEN (THANKS TO BLABBERMOUTH.NET):

VAN HALEN tour dates:

Feb. 18 - Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
Feb. 20 - Auburn Hills, MI - The Palace Of Auburn Hills
Feb. 22 - Indianapolis, IN - Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Feb. 24 - Chicago, IL - United Center
Feb. 28 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
Mar. 01 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
Mar. 03 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Arena
Mar. 05 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center
Mar. 09 - Buffalo, NY - First Niagara Center
Mar. 11 - Boston, MA - TD Garden
Mar. 15 - Montreal, QCBell Centre
Mar. 17 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
Mar. 21 - Ottawa, ON - Scotiabank Place
Mar. 24 - Atlantic City, NJ - Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
Mar. 28 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
Mar. 30 - Pittsburgh, PA - Consol Energy Center
Apr. 01 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
Apr. 10 - Sunrise, FL - BankAtlantic Center
Apr. 12 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay Times Forum
Apr. 14 - Orlando, FL - Amway Center
Apr. 16 - Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville Veterans Mem. Arena
Apr. 19 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
Apr. 21 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Apr. 25 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Arena
Apr. 27 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
May 01 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center
May 05 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome
May 07 - Vancouver, BC - Rogers Arena
May 09 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome
May 11 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place
May 17 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
May 19 - Saint Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center
May 22 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
May 24 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center
May 27 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
Jun. 01 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
Jun. 03 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena
Jun. 05 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion At San Jose
Jun. 12 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center
Jun. 14 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena
Jun. 16 - Phoenix, AZ - US Airways Center
Jun. 20 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
Jun. 22 - San Antonio, TX - AT&T Center
Jun. 24 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
Jun. 26 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena

Support on select dates will come from KOOL & THE GANG.

TRACKLISTING FOR VAN HALEN "A Different Kind Of Truth" :

01. Tattoo
02. She's The Woman
03. You and Your Blues
04. China Town
05. Blood and Fire
06. Bullethead
07. As Is
08. Honeybabysweetiedoll
09. The Trouble With Never
10. Outta Space
11. Stay Frosty
12. Big River
13. Beats Workin'

VIDEOS BELOW: VAN HALEN 2012 TRAILER:
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

ITP V.012 UPDATE: V.012 REVIEWS/METAL FEATURES WILL BE POSTED NEXT WEEK/ THIS WEEKEND

ITP V.012 UPDATE: ITP V.012 UPDATE: HAPPY NEW YEAR.Sorry about the delay, V.012 author has of personal stuff to do this past month and on going so the metal features and rest of V.011 reviews were delayed. Keep in mind that V.011 changed title from V.011 to V.012 (to signify the new year) 1/1/2012 including syndicates, same metal blog, please don't get confused.

BTW, FYI, THE SOPA VOTE in the U.S SENATE will be 1/24/2012, so call and meet with your senators and BLOCK this VOTE for a free and open internet. (CHECK ITP V.012 SELF IMPOSED ANTI SOPA BLOCK).

I've been sick with a cold, so I've been pissed and less productive, and rightouslessly angry.

ITP V.012 REVISED SCHEDULE:
TONIGHT: 1/5/2012: ITP V.012 UNCOVERED
FRIDAY: 01/06/2012: ITP V.012 REVIEW: HATE ETERNAL: PHOENIX AMONGST THE ASHES
SATURDAY: 01/07/2011: ITP V.012 REVIEW: LOSS: DESPOND
MONDAY: 1/9/2012: ITP V.012 NOTES FROM THE EXTREME METAL UNDERGROUND (2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)
TUESDAY: 1/10/2012: ITP V.012 DAMNED IN BLACK (BLACK METAL NEWS-(2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)
WENDSDAY: 1/11/2012: ITP V.012 HUMANITY IS DOOMED (DOOM METAL NEWS,(2012 INTERNATIONAL TOUR DATES)
THURSDAY: 1/12/2012: ITP V.011 RE RATE BLASTBACK (RE RATE OF OVER OR UNDER RATED RELEASES 2009,2010, 2011)
THURSDAY: 1/12/2012: ITP V.012 THE ART OF DANCE
ITP V.011 BEST OV 2011: MID 2012 (JANUARY)

I was wondering if writing the metal news features monthly NFTEMU, DAMNED IN BLACK and HUMANITY IS DOOMED) would be a little redundant, (I used to post ITP METAL NEWS FEATURES MONTHLY).. I'm thinking about perhaps posting the metal news features bi monthly or quarterly, per quarter touring cycle. There fore, more potential time for


It's time to get to WORK on ITP V.012, long hours as it will be. Yes, I said I would do this late last year, and it is officially DONE. ITP's author JUST started an account for this blog on TWITTER. Again, I just started the ITP V.011 TWITTER account in JUNE, so it will take me a while to build a following and to follow others. Keep in mind I'm a NUBIE to TWITTER as I will have an secondary private TWITTER account for myself. I'm digging TWITTER already.Do NOT add ITP V.012 if you're a phisher or SPAM BOT, because we hate that crap.
Look to the RIGHT of this journal (DISCLAIMER) for ITP V.012 anticipated weekly review schedule..Please TWEET me your band news and tour dates @ITPV011, send me a bulletin or message to SWORDSANDGRAVES@MYSPACE or add me on MYSPACE, TWITTER or Individual Thought Patterns V.012 on FACEBOOK.:Looks to the RIGHT of ITP V.012: I've also added ITP V.012 on a NETWORK of Extreme Metal blogs VIA FACEBOOK and BLOGSPOT entitled NETWORKED BLOGS hit me up for an add as I don't want to lose touch with my metal compadres and I want to meet new metal heads as I really do enjoy the extreme metal bloggers on BLOGSPOT and elsewhere on the net. All bands on MYSPACE add me on FACEBOOK and I might even start a secondary FACEBOOOK account. So please, all friends on MYSPACE for SWORDSANDGRAVES, ITP V.012 on FACEBOOK, BLOGGED, BLOGCATALOG and technorati.com follow ITP V.012 on TWITTER.

FOLLOW ITP V.012 ON TWITTER: @ITPV011


“The potential for abuse of power through digital networks – upon which we as citizens now depend for nearly everything, including our politics – is one of the most insidious threats to democracy in the Internet age&ellipsis; This is no time for politicians and industry lobbyists in Washington to be devising new Internet censorship mechanisms, adding new opportunities for abuse of corporate and government power over online speech.”
- Rebecca MacKinnon (New York Times)


Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-HAPPY NEW YEAR, PLEASE SIGN THE ANTI SOPA PETITION,TALK TO YOUR SENATOR -\m/ -l-

NEW ENGLAND METAL AND HARDCORE FESTIVAL 2012: 2012 LINEUP CONFIRMED: ALL THAT REMAINS CONFIRMED

Promoters for the 2012 annual NEW ENGLAND METAL AND HARDCORE FESTIVAL set to take place 4/20, 21st and 22nd 2012 WORCESTER, Massachusetts @ The Palladium have announced the festivals lineup as home state metal core heroes ALL THAT REMAINS have been confirmed as headliners Saturday evening, April 21.

FROM NEW ENGLAND METAL AND HARDCORE FESTIVAL 2012 PROMOTERS:
WORCESTER, Mass. - Massachusetts' own All That Remains has been announced as a very special guest headliner on Saturday evening, April 21, at the 14th Annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival.

As one of metal's preeminent breakthrough success stories of recent years, All That Remains is one of many acts to get its start at the festival. From cracking the Billboard Top 10, to joining the elite active rock radio fraternity, to being one of just a handful of acts to take part in the Rockstar Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest and Vans Warped Tour trifecta, the group has shattered previously held expectations about just how far a band with roots in independent heavy metal can go. The quintet also returned to the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival's stage for a headlining slot in 2009.

The band just wrapped their final tour this past December in support of their latest studio release, 2010's "For We Are Many" (Razor & Tie). All That Remains have sold over 900,000 albums and 1,100,000 tracks to date. The band has had four consecutive hit singles at Active Rock radio with three in the top 10 andtheir latest single "The Waiting One" continues to do well at Active Rock Radio. All That Remains are currently writing material for their sixth album and this will be one of ATR's first performances of 2012.

The 14th Annual New England Metal and Hardcore Festival is a three-day affair, beginning Friday, April 20. The Black Dahlia Murder will headline Friday night, with All That Remains on Saturday and Killswitch Engage will close out the weekend on Sunday night.

The complete lineup for Friday includes The Black Dahlia Murder, The Acacia Strain, Oceano, All Shall Perish, Nile, Skeletonwitch, Lionheart, Fleshgod Apocalypse, First Blood, Molotov Solution, The Contortionist, Reign Supreme, Conducting From The Grave, Fit For An Autopsy, Incendiary, Palehorse, Hour Of Penance, Legion, and Relentless.

In addition to All That Remains, Saturday's bands include Overkill, iwrestledabearonce, Protest the Hero, Periphery, Bane, Shipwreck, Cruel Hand, Aborted, The Mongoloids, Belphegor, System Divide, Naysayer, The Greenery, Diamond Plate, Rotting Out, Expire, Elitist, Trump The Harlot, Manners, and Malefice.

Sunday's lineup is Killswitch Engage, Every Time I Die, Vanna, For Today, Chelsea Grin, Sleeping Giant, Stick To Your Guns, Attila, On Broken Wings, Mychildren Mybride, For The Fallen Dreams, Texas In July, Upon A Burning Body, Volumes, Like Moths To Flames, Hundredth, No Bragging Rights, Counterparts, and Gideon.

Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are: $40 (Friday), $45 (Saturday), and $40 (Sunday) or $115 (three-day pass).

Sponsors this year include All In Merch, Monster, Tama, Ibanez, Zildjian, Metal Blade Records, Break Thru Music, Shook Clothing, Planet Wave, d'addario, Pro Mark, and Evans.

*Performers are subject to change.

www.allthatremainsonline.com
www.thepalladium.net
www.metalandhardcorefestival.com

NEW ENGLAND METAL AND HARDCORE FESTIVAL 2012 LINEUP:
Friday April 20th
The Black Dahlia Murder,
The Acacia Strain,
Oceano,
All Shall Perish,
Nile,
Skeletonwitch,
Lionheart,
Fleshgod Apocalypse,
First Blood,
Molotov Solution,
The Contortionist,
Reign Supreme,
Conducting From The Grave,
Fit For An Autopsy,
Incendiary,
Palehorse,
Hour Of Penance,
Legion,
Relentless

Saturday, April 21st
All That Remains
Overkill,
iwrestledabearonce,
Protest the Hero,
Periphery,
Bane,
Shipwreck,
Cruel Hand,
Aborted,
Blackguard,
The Mongoloids,
Belgardor,
System Divide,
Naysayer,
The Greenery,
Diamond Plate,
Rotting Out,
Expire,
Elitist,
Trumpet The Harlot,
Manners,
Malefice

Sunday, April 22nd
Killswitch Engage,
Every Time I Die,
Vanna,
For Today,
Chelsea Grin,
Sleeping Giant,
Stick To Your Guns,
Attila,
On Broken Wings,
Mychildren Mybride,
For The Fallen Dreams,
Texas In July,
Upon A Burning Body,
Volumes,
Like Moths To Flames,
Hundredth,
No Bragging Rights,
Counterparts,
Gideon

Tickets for the festival will go on sale Friday, December 16 at 10 a.m. Ticket prices are: $40 (Friday), $45 (Saturday), and $40 (Sunday) or $115 (three-day pass). More info can be found at MetalAndHardcoreFestival.com.

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

LAS VEGAS METAL FEST 2012: PROMOTERS CONTEMPLATING THIRD DATE

Promoters for the 2012 Las Vegas Death Fest set to take place 6/15 and 16th 2012 @ tHE CHEYENNE SALOON, Las Vegas Nevada are contemplating a THIRD DATE for the festival by demand only.

FROM LAS VEGAS DEATH FEST 2012 PROMOTERS (FILTHY PROMOTIONS):
We have had such a OVERWHELMING request by TOP NOTCH bands to play LVDF!! So we are thinking of adding a 3rd day,THIS ALL DEPENDS ON YOU THE FANS if you are willing to come for a 3rd DAY,then we can prob do it,WE NEED AT LEAST 100 ppl to reply by the end of the month in order to make this happen!!! THANKS & PLEASE REPOST THIS!!! LVDF

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE: PART WAYS WITH VOCALIST HOWARD JONES

Massachusetts based metal core warriors KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have announced the band have parted ways with vocalist HOWARD JONES. HOWARD JONES sat out KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's winter 2010 North American tour for undisclosed and vague reasons as the band sent a press release in 2010: "It became overwhelmingly obvious to all of us around Howard that he is in no condition to be on tour right now and that he needed to get off the road and get himself better. It's a personal matter and while we understand everyone's curiosity and concern for Howard and the band, we appreciate everyone respecting Howard's privacy at this time."

AT ITP V.012 press time, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE have NOT announced a replacement for Howard Jones. ALL THAT REMAINS vocalist Phil Labonte has stated he wil NOT replace Jones in KILLSWITCH ENGAGE as he filled in for Jones on the bands (KSE) 2010 North American tour.

FROM KILLSWITCH ENGAGE:
To our family, friends and fans: We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage. We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we've had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well. He has left big shoes to fill, so we certainly have our work cut out for us to find the next singer of Killswitch, something we plan on making priority #1 going forward. Most importantly, thanks to all of you for all the support throughout the years and for sticking by us for all this time. We really do appreciate it and we very much look forward to having a new record for all of you in the not too distant future that we can all be proud of. Sincerely, Adam, Joel, Mike & Justin.



Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-